We had 2 sunny days (not in a row, however) this past long weekend, so I made sure to get some riding in. I dragged my hubby out to the barn on Monday morning. I ride alone about 80% of the time, so it was nice to have someone else around. I rode in the ring to warm up for about 30 minutes and then we ventured out on the road. My hubby walked and I rode. Not a bad deal!
Rusty is a very broke horse, so he was fine on the road. We were passed by 10 cars (yes, I counted!) and 9/10 get a gold star. They slowed down and pulled over to the other lane to give us lots of room. One truck and trailer didn't really slow down, but Rusty was fine with it. We were also passed by several cyclists and all Rusty did was flick his ear back when he heard them approach. I am happy to know that Rusty is so reliable out on the road. I was pretty sure he would be good, but you just never know. We didn't meet any animals besides horses and one yappy dog, so I don't know how he would be with sheep or llamas or something. I'm guessing he will be fine, since he is pretty lazy!
I had two problems on that ride - I brought my camera to take some pictures of my adventure for you guys - but the batteries were dead! Bad blogger!!! The second is that Rusty's feet are pretty tender on gravel. That is a bummer. We walked on the edge of the pavement 95% of the way and he was fine. I'm not sure what is going on there - I'll have to ask my farrier at my next appointment in a week or so.
Do you guys have any insight on that? Will a horse's feet toughen up a bit if you carefully get them used to gravel? Can some horses just not handle it? I would like to ride out on the roads a bit more, but I really don't want to have to put shoes on... Something to ponder anyway. Nothing is ever very simple with horses, it seems.
Good news - my new western saddle is in! It arrived in the shop last Friday. The owner is getting it ready and oiling it for me. I'm going out of town tomorrow for a few days so I won't be able to pick it up until next week! I'm really hoping that it fits. The store owner is a saddle maker/fitter and he came out and sized Rusty up. So, that gives me some confidence. I have been taking it easy riding-wise with Rusty until we get the saddle fit issues sorted out. After his little vacation this weekend, he'd better be ready to get back to work!
Well, that is it for me for a few days - probably won't be online much. It is my Mom's 60th birthday this weekend, so we are heading down south for a visit. I'm planning on taking a bit of time to dig through my Mom's boxes of memorabilia from when I was young. My Dad kept a notebook on my horses to keep track of hay and things that we bought for them. I've been feeling nostalgic for my childhood lately (I'm blaming that on my birthday coming up next month!) so it will be fun to see if I can find some of those old files.
Happy trails!
Name That....
2 days ago
9 comments:
Rusty sounds like a real trouper - you're lucky to have him!
Hard to say about the sore feet - certainly ask your farrier - that's a good place to start. If it's come on suddenly, and he's older, it could be a metabolic thing. Is it more fronts, backs or both? Is it worse after a trim or the same all the time? Really hard to know. Does he have digital pulses?
Ah HA! Now you are singing my song Laura! ;) Yes, done carefully, horses hooves can, will, and do toughen and acclimate to rougher terrain. Careful conditioning over a rougher surface in measured doses will do the trick.
Keep in mind- if you ride on the road, and you feel the need to shoe, you are going to INCREASE the chance of injury to yourself and or Rusty. Shoes do not provide the traction that a bare hoof does, and they tend to make horses move differently, with an increased chance of them slipping. Many people will use Borium, but be aware- using an anti-slip mechanism on the bottom of the shoe also tends to increase the chance that your horse will develop a permanent injury from his body NOT being able to move as intended.
As always, feel free to email if you have any questions! ;) And slip that sweet Appy man of yours an extra mint from me please!!
I too am a big fan of going for a stroll on horseback with someone else walking on foot. Not only does it add safety, but it is a great way to train a horse. I am so glad that Rusty is just what you needed right now.
hey lady l! no matter what kinda conditioning we did .. i can keep my TB mare barefoot in winter, tho NOT in summer.... tho thoroughbreds are known for their thin soles.
my other guys all have shoes
happy trails
gp
Something to consider instead of shoes - easyboots or some other type of boot.
Have a great time at your parents, can't wait to see what neat stuff you dig up!
I hate it when people don't slow down on the road! We ride through my neighborhood a lot and so many people just zoom on by! They are always in a hurry! Thank goodness our horses are fine with traffic.
I used to have to have my other half walk down the road with me and Brandy, she wouldn't go down the road because all the mailbox and boulder monsters were going to get her. I don't have that problem as bad as before!
And as Mrs. Mom says, yes horses hooves will toughen up! But not all will. I tried keeping my Paint barefoot for quite a while, and it just didn't happen for her. She has to have shoes. She has very thin, weak soles, and flat feet.
Have a good trip, and Happy Birthday!!
The farrier came yesterday and told me what size EZ Boots to get: 2 for Poco and 0 for Jaz.
Rusty rocks! Baby Doll is not as comfy riding next to cars. She gets so nervous...and then I get nervous. Not good.
My mare does well on gravel, though she prefers to walk along the side in the grass. I've noticed her being tender, though. She's got pretty tough barefoot hooves.
But I did discover a very cool website about metal-less shoes that Competetive trail riders use. They are actually glue ons. And the base stays glued on for a few weeks or more and the rubber shoe screws onto the base whenever you're going to ride. I think it sounds so cool!
Check it out:
http://easycareinc.typepad.com/from_the_horses_mouth/
~Lisa
ooops. I've NOT noticed her being tendered. I type too fast. lol!
~Lisa
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