Cold day at the Stable

Saturday's training was cancelled and rescheduled due to the cold. It was -20, with windchill -27, but it felt more like -30 and is expected to stay cold all week. 

We brought Eli in and Jesse spent some time playing with him in the arena so I was able to catch some of it on video. Eli was quite spunky today and wanted to roll around in the dirt. I am glad to see he's very active and playful. He demonstrating his ability to move around freely, his joints not being too stiff or cracking (way better now than before - especially when it's this cold). 

I was worried for a moment when he rolled in the dirt, the first time, that he would flip over and wedge himself against the wall and get stuck. This is when his high wither (dorsal fin) comes in handy as it usually prevents him from being able to do that. He did buck a bit when he was playing, video below, but I wouldn't take it as misbehaving as he isn't on a lead - but we do have to be cautious. When I was in the barn cleaning and Jesse was leaning against the door, Eli bucked and fully extended his hind legs out while doing a lap around the Arena. I'm sure he would do this out in the field at pasture and if he doesn't do it once in a while indoors then when is he able to. Jesse had a lot of fun and got some exercise as well. 

We went out and brought Ella in, let her stretch out and warm up a bit. We put both a fleece sheet and their winter jackets on (layering) before turning them out into their paddocks again. They stay out all night so the layers and their shelter will help keep them comfy. Ella was so quiet and such a sweet heart again, seems she is getting more comfortable with us and her surroundings. 

Back outside we filled up their slow feeders. Next visit will be Christmas day with my parents. I am excited for them to meet Ella. Will bring out mash for them as a treat.

Wednesday's Stable Visit: December 19, 2012

We headed out to the Stable last night, heard the temperature was dropping and wanted to work with the Ponies. When we got out there we took Ella inside the barn and removed her sheet, groomed her and checked her hooves.

I snapped on the western reins to her halter. Jesse surprised asked, "what are you doing" - so I told him that I intended to go for a ride on her bareback in the indoor arena.

With his help (holding the lead to her halter) I put the reins over her head. While she stood still and I stood on a stool I hung or draped myself over her back and loin. After doing this a couple of times (and having Jesse say "well are you going to get on or what, bewildered) I proceeded to swing my leg over her hind quarters stopping my foot or lightly bumping the heel of my foot on her croup or dock (near her tail). She did great, she didn't move away, she didn't stir, her ear was flicking back and fourth to indicate she was paying attention (and probably thinking the same thing as Jesse)

When I was comfortable I jumped so my stomach lay across her back and at the same time as pushing myself up with my arms I swung my leg over. There, done, on! She remained still. Once on Jesse proceeded to walk her around the arena with me on her back, bare, no tack.






I took a few things into consideration, one of them being that she had no tack or padding on, she wasn't as familiar with Jesse holder her lead and lastly, not having a saddle on meant I didn't have a stir-up to step into and saddle to hold when hoisting myself up and she's a TALL horse. I still had to hop and bump to get on her from the stepping stool.I suppose I should look into a proper stepping stool as well for these tall, high backed horses

After I was led around the Arena a few times on Ella I hopped off and asked Jesse (with the knowledge that he has just seen me do it) if he wanted to give it a go. So he did, he took his time and hoisted himself up. Once up and on he was amazed at how comfortable Ella is, even said he prefers riding without a saddle. I took her around the arena a few times (quite a few more times around then even I had gone) and Jesse noticed your balance is really important, that if he sat in the right spot and positioned his legs correctly (what we think is correctly, will have to check on that) she seemed to be all that more comfortable and relaxed. She was a lot more comfortable having me on the ground leading her around and that helped Jesse relax therefore be a bit more comfortable.

So this is what we did, walked around in the indoor arena spending time working on trust while being safe respecting her and ourselves. I knew she would be fine, but to be honest she was a lot quieter than even I expected. She was extremely quiet when in the barn leading up to the Arena as well. I have no doubt that a lot of Jesse's doubts or fear dissipated and he developed that much more trust in her just from that short relatively relaxed interaction.

After working with Ella we put her blankets back on (was still extremely quiet) and took her back out to her paddock and have her some feed. Then we brought Eli in. He was pretty worked up with his head bobbing again, neighing his face off and desperately needed to burn off some steam. So we turned him out in the indoor arena and that he did. Wish I had my phone with me then to record (always when you don't have it Dole's Law) he was running, jumping, bucking (no rearing) tossing his head around. He ran and then sniffed the ground and sure enough you could see his front knees bending then rolled and rolled in the dirt all the while snorting like a moose - it's really quite the spectacle. Nice to see him all lively and playful. After he played and burned off steam for a while we groomed him and and worked with him in the barn.

Before we left we filled up their slow feeder hay nets and made sure they had dry blankets on. Will be heading out again soon. Can't wait, slow but steady progress.  I will look into bare back saddle pads and the benefits of them as well as the pros and cons of the different styles available.

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Stacy Westfall on the Ellen Degeneres Show 3/14/08 part 2/2

Stacy Westfall on the Ellen Degeneres Show 3/14/08 part 1/2

Stacy Westfall 2006

Saturday's Training - Ella

So far we've completed 6 -  2 hour lesson's (12 hours total). These have been split between Ella and Eli but the last two, two hour, Training Sessions have been specifically geared towards working exclusively with Ella. We will continue to go this route for the time being with the intention of bringing Ella up to speed so that Jesse and I, or our Trainer Robyn and myself can combine lessons/training to include Eli.

Ella is doing really well under saddle, she's really getting a handle on backing-up, stopping, leg yields. She's doing well with standing and moving her head in to knee/stir-up without turning her entire body. 

Saturday's main focus was to strengthen  these areas: stop, leg yield, back up, stand as well as to establish balance in her trot. We decided as she has two gaits in the trot, walking run and the standard trot, (sorry, I am not entirely familiar with the terminology) it best to pick and focus on one. I am thinking the running walk will be easier for her (come more naturally) and as I am such a green rider that perhaps later down the road, if I am better able and interested in the trot at that point, we can revisit.



I will have to look into whether this will cause more work and confusion and if maybe it would be better to just focus on the trot now as I have a feeling it may be difficult to work around running walk after having established it with her. Either way, not a big deal - pleasure riding should be pretty laid back and straight forward.

Following Ella's training I brought Eli in for some lunging and horsing around, he had fun. I have to say that I have noticed already a change in his joints, they haven't been making that loud cracking noise as they were in the past and if they do it's not nearly as often, or as loud - the Glucosamine must be working and I am glad as he doesn't seem nearly as stiff. 

Something else I have discovered researching the breed is that they were (supposedly) disciplined if they transitioned into a  canter or lope. It doesn't seem as though Ella is against it, so maybe it's not a major issue - but I did learn that the more you free lunge the better they become in terms of transitioning and balance and this helps reinforce that you want a canter/lope if asked.

I have included a video of the training as well as a video from a previous week (that was missed by mistake - lounging with tack on, canter/lope) and a link showing the running walk of a Standardbred Mare 

I also have to say that the drive out to the stable Saturday morning was breath taking - everything was covered in frost. I haven't quite seen anything like it - the frost particles were so large that they cast the sun off trees and fields as though everything were covered in diamonds. First picture at the top of the bull rush stems reminded me of those sugar sticks you can buy for coffee. I wasn't able to capture the sparkling effect, or the fog that was present and low to the road (odd) - but I did get some nice shots with the sun present. 

SATURDAY'S TRAINING

LUNGING AT A CANTER/LOPE

STANDARDBRED ~ RUNNING WALK 

ELI, HORSING AROUND

Standardbred Canada Video Feature - Fifty Shades Of Grey

Sunday's Lesson

Yesterday was a great lesson, they have all been good but in particular this one as it was Ella's first riding lessons. She is showing how great of a Mare she is to restart as she is so smart and willing.

The lesson started off when I met Robyn at the stable and she took Ella into the barn, tacked her up, lunged her and proceeded to mount her for her riding lesson.

Once up and on Ella she did a walk in circle's, both directions and later transitioned into a trot. She worked on backing-up and and leg aides (yields) which Ella was responsive to. 

I am so pleased, she really does try and is eager to learn. I noticed that she retains a lot from the previous training as well and maybe that's typical of horses - but none the less I am proud. 

She just needs a bit of work on her balance and she tends to be a bit bouncy and out of rhythm at times. I'm not sure if when she's trotting she is mixing it up with canter/lope or is fighting the urge to go into a pace or running walk (whichever it is she did racing) but Robyn will work all of that out with her and clearly communicate with her the responses needed or expected for certain leg, seat or body positions. 

Either way, she has the important things down, accept the rider, go, stop, turning AND backing-up. 

On top of the great lesson yesterday, Ella was moved next to Eli so they are now paddock neighbors. I spent some time following the lesson outside with the two of them and they seem happy. Eli and Ella both ate their feed, they both drank from the water'er while I was there and proceeded to eat hay out of the hay tires. 

I stuffed and hung the slow feeders in each of their shelters. Before refilling them, I will note that Eli's was still half full from filling it Friday - so it is definitely a slower feeder that's for sure. I'm not sure if Ella uses hers. 

Here are some video's of Ella's Training - First day being ridden. Will be interesting to look back and see her progress as she builds confidence. My favorite is the last video (part 4) - this being accomplished on the first ride. 

Update: Boredom and head bobbing

I drove out to the stable after work yesterday. Threw the winter blankets on as rumor had it the temperature was dropping down to -17 and would feel like -25 with the windchill.

I'm glad I did because on the drive home every vehicle that passed me was covered in frost. Yes, vehicles passed me as I was doing between 110-120 km's an hour (Dad). I do love and prefer the SUV over the Kia for reasons such as all wheel drive, heavier, higher ground clearance and better visibility. Still great on gas being on the smaller side.

On my way out I stopped at Greenhawk and picked up two hay feeders, one for Ella and one for Eli, for $8 each.

This should work better than the hay feeder I was using having smaller holes, the one I have been using is meant for inside a trailer during transport. So this should occupy them for longer and slow down their eating.

Slowly progressing to an EcoNet. Will pick one up fir square bales from Equi-Mart soon. Jesse and Josiah are going to build an RFF, restricted free feeder, that can be accessed on both sides or hung from a paddock railing.

Our training lesson today was rescheduled to tomorrow due to the cold. After the lesson Ella's being moved to the paddock next to Eli so they can be 'neigh'bors and get to know each other a bit before becoming room mates.

I'm excited about tomorrows lesson.

Thursday's Stable Visit

Yesterday's visit was fun. When we arrived it was pretty dark, so we didn't waste any time getting Eli and Ella into the barn. Jesse brought Eli in, removed his turn-out sheet and then went into the Arena. I joined them for some fun, once Jesse started lunging and working with Eli I went out and got Ella.



When I brought Ella in I tied her and removed her two layers, fleece and rain sheet, brushed her down and while Jesse and Eli were working in the Arena Ella and I worked on putting on her bridle with the bit. I don't think I like the nylon bridle I have. I bought it thinking it would be easy and convenient to use over top a halter as it has less straps (no nose band) and just the throat latch to do up, BUT I find that the brow band slides down the cheek pieces - I guess because nylons slippery. It's so low at some points you would think it was the nose band.



In any case she did well. So we practiced lowering her head and putting on/taking off the bridle three times - each time she became a little more accepting and patient for me. Then we headed into the Arena to do some lunging and ground work.


During the ground work, respecting each others bubbles, there was a lot of chewing - which is a really good sign and while we walked around the Arena both their heads were low - so they seemed pretty relaxed. Afterwards we went back into the barn and proceeded to groom, hoof pick etc.

Yesterday was the first time Jesse worked solely with Eli, I was there if he had questions or to help point out minor things if needed. It was also the first time we had Eli and Ella in the Arena together, not loose, but on their leads. I will hold off turning them loose in the Arena until Ella is a little more confident and comfortable, I have no doubt they would behave I just know that Eli is comfortable being in the Arena loose but afraid of Ella whereas Ella isn't afraid of Eli but isn't comfortable to be loose in the Arena just yet as she gets quite nervous and doesn't know what to do - that will come with time. Once she trusts us more and is fine on her own then we'll turn them out in the Arena together to stretch out.

In the barn while tied Ella was so quiet, she's already come so far with relaxing indoors. I am amazed at how fast she progresses, such a smart girl. I think having Eli around helps calm her as she realizes she's fine as he is such a big baby and he's OK.

Calm and quiet 

The hay net was once again empty so I filled it back up, will definitely pick up an EcoNet for both of them. It was nice to be in the Arena today with Jesse and both of us having our own mounts. I can't wait until summer when we can hop on outdoors and go for a trail ride. I'm sure Eli will appreciate the Equine company during lessons and riding as well.

I have to admit I am really happy and impressed with how well Jesse's doing with Eli and how much calmer and more trusting Jesse has become thanks to Eli's sweet disposition. They really are buddies.

Funny picture below, just like the picture of Eli and Jesse peering through the Arena door into the barn at Ella and her new hot pink rain sheet, there they are again in the distant background.

Here are Some Video Clips of Yesterdays visit. They will be posted to the Video's page as well. 

Ella being calm and relaxed

Eli thinks he's in a box stall

Jesse lunging Eli 

Running along

Monday Stable Visit.

Went out to the Stable Monday evening after work. Worked with the horses a bit and switched their winter blankets out for rain sheets.

Well Ella's is a rain sheet, but Eli's is a water resistant turnout sheet so has a liner inside. Ella's didn't so instead of throwing the plastic like blanket on her I threw on Eli's fleece sheet first, layering it a bit.

Glad I did because it turned out to be warm the following two days and sunny. They certainly would have been warm maybe over heated and I got a major migraine so have been out of commission since first thing Tuesday morning.

At least with the light blankets when the sun goes down and the wind picks up they have some cover and can retain a bit of body warmth.

In the second picture picture below you can see Eli and Jesse in the Arena peering through the door at Ella and her pretty pink rain sheet. I didn't pick this pattern/color intentionally, it just happen to be the best quality for the best price haha. Have to love Sales.

Was happy to see Eli had eaten up all the hay that was in the hay net hanging from the shelter in his paddock, updated the 'Boredom and Head Bobbing' post with the empty net picture.

Hot To Trot (1988)

What Makes a Good Racehorse - Explained by "Ella" from IRELAND

Boredom and head bobbing

Eli's been head bobbing and working up a sweat more so lately than before. Could be because he's in a paddock over the winter to prevent slipping and competing for hay ( not sure where he fits in with the herd but he wasn't the dominant one )

Or, could be his feed - too much Protien as mentioned in the Hard Keeper - Feeding Pellets post.

Either way I am sure it is some sort of anxiety associated with boredom. Which is probably another good reason he is free feeding. When he's eating he's not bobbing his head.

What I did and HOPE it works is put some hay in a hay net, the one we used in the trailer when transporting him and hung it from his shelter. The idea is that he will eat from there but have to work a bit to get the hay out. Might have to let him finish off the hay in his paddock before he shows any interest. PLUS, if it's snowing or raining he'll be protected from the elements.

I'm not sure if it's a good idea or not, but I got it when I read a post about an EcoNet round bale. Seen a picture, but still haven't had a chance to look into that yet I will post about EcoNets once I research more.

Update: looks like its working. Went back two days later and netting was empty, certainly eating the hay so must be keeping him busy even if for just a short time. Refilled it before heading home.

Hard Keeper - Feeding Pellets

Eli being a Thoroughbred is always on the lean to thin side and with winter here we are trying to make sure he and Ella put and keep weight on.

How we're trying to accomplish and maintain this is by, making sure they have continues access to hay (free feed), wear sheets to suit the climate, get regular exercise to maintain muscle and feed them pellet feed in thd form if a high-fat supplement mixed with a complete feed.

Having done this we noticed Eli was head bobbing and pacing quite a bit, this could be a number of this ( another post to follow will be AB idea I had to combat boredom). Someone made mention that it might be their feed. High protein or too much protein. So we have since changed it to Proform Step 6 to go along with the high-fat feed Proform Step 8.

I should have picked-up the maintenance Step 5 feed as it is 10% Protein and the Step 6 is 14%. I hope that this makes a difference because changing feed before they get used to it can't be good either.

We keep the feed in containers to help keep it fresh and prevent attracting mice and contamination from mice droppings.

Picture 1 is Step 6 feed. Picture 2 is Step 8 feed and remaining photos the containers and information found on Proform. Something I have to keep in mind is they amount they are fed and their daily intake of selenium.

Second last Picture: CR Profibre Crunch is recommended for horses with Metabolic Syndrome or sugar sedative and the last photo is a selenium 'guidline' found on the Internet.

Any feed or supplements should be Veternarian recommended or approved. H

Proform Step 6 Feed on the LEFT  Proform Step 8 Feed on the RIGHT

Proform StepRight Step 8 Feed (High Fat)

Proform StepRight Step 6 Feed (Senior) 

Selenium daily intake 'Guideline' 

Saturday's training session

Saturday's training with Ella went really well. Worked with lowering her head for the bridal. The bit didn't seem to bother that much at all and usual one hour session was extended to two hours.

Did some lunging and ground work in relation to effective communication in the saddle or when mounted. I can certainly see her confidence growing.

When Robyn (trainer) is working with her I see how willing she is and how much potential she has - then when practicing my homework with her prior to the lesson ending I realizing how much I have to learn as Robyn makes it look so easy.

I have to focus on my timing and make sure I am communicating with her properly and not sending mixed messages.

After Ella's training session I brought Eli in for some lunging - stretch out his legs and get some circulation going. When that was done I took off his halter and let him run around. Just after putting his halter back on he indicated that he wasn't quite done so before attaching the lead I gig z clip of him being a bit spunky, I will include that as well.

After training and lessons and some time cooling down they get their feed as a reward back in their paddocks. And plenty of fresh hay.

Eli having fun running around in the Arena

Eli Following me in between the posts without a lead 

ELLA 

Ella Trot and Canter 

Laminitis

I have been learning a lot. I thought that only draft crosses or heavier set quarter horses were prone ( more so ) to Laminitis, Founder or Seedy toe and that Thoroughbreds etc wouldn't be.

Turns out I was wrong and Laminitis is actually quite common in Thoroughbreds do to track injuries such as tendons causing uneven weight distribution.

Then you add on to that the fact they are pretty far from the natural environment of a pasture horse. Wet mud, dry grasses and forage. They are typically kept in box stalls and fed high protein feed for high energy, but this high sugar can lead to founder and even worse Metabolic Syndrome which is comparable to Type ll diabetes in humans.

Here I thought they had it made with personal trainers, dietitians and farriers. They would be paraded around in all these lavish sheets with bright colored leg wraps. Turns out those sheets are called coolers and are worn to prevent the horse from catching a chill after a race so that it Won't get sick and die ( there goes someone's investment ) so as long as they are still bringing in money everything appears to be fine aside from the obvious concerns of heart attacks or legs breaking.

I made a mistake when I was a kid never asking what happens to those ' retired ' racehorse that become an expense instead of an asset. Well, some are lucky enough to get a second chance at a life as a pleasure horse, dressage horse or hunter, jumper etc ( depending on whether it not they have sustained injuries ) but what happens to the ones that don't? Well, I'll post the video another day but am sure we get the idea.

Picture 1 racehorse - is a chart explaining Laminitis and Picture 2 is of the fat deposit resulting from Metabolic Syndrome.