Ella in Foal?!?

I went out to the barn on Sunday, it was a snowy, cold day. Brought Ella in for a good grooming and to be turned out in the arena so she could warm up and stretch out. She was her usually self, quiet for the most part with a bit of attitude (that I honestly don't mind, its nice she's a bit sassy). She had been wearing her rain sheet to keep the snow off, but as I noticed she was a bit sweaty around the shoulders and neck area I decided against putting it back on. She's generating plenty of internal heat, whether it be hay or foal I am not entirely sure. So, for these reasons she is not wearing her blanket. 

Plus, I happened to notice how round she was. I am still not 100% sure, but I do know that 'if' she were in foal, then her due date is around the end of this month (March) or beginning of April. 

I have been trying to check for signs that she is, such as: 

• Swollen udders
• Dropped belly
• Wax on nipples
• Dripping of Milk
• Milk streaks down hind legs
• Change in attitude (restless or tired)

It's extremely hard to tell by just looking, especially as I only just got her in October - so this is our first winter together and I'm not familiar with whether she typically gets a "hay belly" or not. Nor am I familiar with how she carries a foal. 

She's had a couple foals in the past and this isn't exactly 'new' to her ~ BUT it's certainly 'new' to ME! I could pay to have a vet check, but from what I understand the vet would confirm "yes" or "no" that she is to have a foal and wouldn't be any better at guessing the exact due date. I have the dates of when she had her last foal and when she would have been 'covered' etc. So, she is either going to have one or not and if I wait and see ~ the question will answer itself. It's the waiting and not being certain part that is hard! 

Here is a BEFORE picture(s) and a NOW picture(s). The before pictures are from the previous owner who rescued her from going to the Meat Buyers along with two other Mares (who have been confirmed by the vet to be in foal). They were taken in October of 2012 and the now pictures were taken yesterday, March 17, 2013. This might help determine whether it's typical for a Mar to put on that much wait in a 6 month time frame. 

Before (3 pictures) October 2012:

Now (3 pictures) March 2013:

I could have a vet check, but from what I understand the vet would confirm "yes" or "no" that she is to have a foal and wouldn't be any better at guessing the exact due date. I have the dates of when she had her last foal and when she

Also, I took a picture of her udders, when I checked (to me) it appears as though there is wax on her nipples. Might not be able to see what I'm talking about (white dots) in the picture clearly, so I have also included two sample pictures from the internet that are clearer so you can look at them and see what I'm referring to and then go back and look at Ella's.

Ella's Udders (2 pictures): 

Internet Sample (2 pictures):

As you can see it is hard to tell. I'm not sure, but am keeping a very close eye on her and am lucky to have others doing the same as well. 

Here are some MORE PICTURES of Ella from March 17, 2013 you can check them out ~ they will offer different angles and a different perspective having someone standing next to her. 

Burglars Busted by Braying Burro

Burglars Busted by Braying Burro

Bridle Fitting ~ Good to Know!!

Proper fitting Bridle is just as important as a proper fitting saddle. 

For example, Eli wear's a "Large Horse" or "Full" halter/bridle, whereas Ella wear's a WB (Warmblood) as the halter/bridle is to small and therefore too tight. 

Riding Ella ~ March 5, 2013

Following my riding session with Eli where him and I practice our trot and post, I brought Ella in to give her an opportunity to get out of the paddock for a bit and exercise. I decided against tacking her up with a saddle as she's quite big in the stomach right now, which is more than likely just hay. BUT, just to be sure AND as it has to be uncomfortable I decided against putting the saddle on with the very tight girth.

I did however, put her bridle on with little to no fuss from her then brought her into the arena. I'm glad I did because she was chewing and mouthing the bit a LOT. Before I could ask Jesse if he wanted to ride her he volunteered "I want to ride her" then asked if we were putting on a saddle, when I said no there were no complaints ~ he claims she's quite comfortable without one on. If we ride bareback she's certainly the one I would pick as well, if Eli would let us (which I'm not sure he would or not) he has high withers that would be nearly impossible and extremely uncomfortable for both horse and rider.

Motoring Along

Once Jesse gently hopped on Ella ~ away they went, walking around the arena. He rode her for quite some time walking, she would speed up a bit or pick up her pace but it was nothing more than a walk. NO trotting at this time, I don't think Jesse would be comfortable trotting on her yet as she's not quite balanced like Eli and without a saddle it wouldn't be good.PLUS, I'm sure he's going to be quite surprised at how much work and practice it takes for him to post when you haven't had practice and are out of shape in terms of core strength. He'll probably catch on quicker than me as he snowboards.

Throughout their riding session she walked around the chair that was intentionally left out in the open (she used to spook a bit at it) without any trouble. She went all the way to the end of the arena (she used to be nervous about that too) without any trouble and she didn't seem to mind the snow spots that appeared around the arena ~ good to take these things into consideration and be aware that she might. SO PROUD OF HER! She's coming a long way, I see a bit of a difference in her, perhaps she trusts us, seems if we don't worry or panic about something she doesn't seem too worried about it either for the most part ~ cautious still yes, but not like before.

Fine with the snow here and there on the ground

No worries with the opening in the Arena door

Going around the chair

A little cautious of the chair, but doing great

Coming from the far end of the barn, snow on ground

Stable Visit ~ March 5, 2013

Went out to the stable yesterday after work. It was cold, maybe - 12 but felt like -26 with the windchill. Refilled the hay nets, soaked some beet pulp then took Eli in for a ride. My feet were freezing and it was pretty chilly, but not too chilly to walk and trot indoors OR get out of the paddock for a bit.

I tacked him up, he was REALLY bad with the 'attempts' at nipping me, being a bit girthy. At one point I had to slap his rear haunch hard as he lifted his hind leg threatening to kick. I have to stay on-top of this as it's off and on with him and could be a dominance issue. I've changed his girth and stretched out his legs, so I think it's more of an attitude thing.

Once I tacked him up I hopped on and we did a walk to warm up, then we practiced our trot. Well I should say, I practiced my posting. ELI WAS AMAZING!! I absolutely LOVE him, if I could dedicate a song to him (yes Jesse thinks I'm crazy) I would dedicate "Safe and Sound" by Capital Cities to him ~ after our homework that's just how I felt, like he can lift me up, show me things I want to see, take me where I want to be and if he's SAFE he's SOUND ha ha, just kidding ~ but honestly, my heart swelled a bit that day. I can't describe or explain how helpful he is with me thus far. Jesse even made a comment during or ride that if I lost rhythm or posted to slow or fast,  Eli would change leads to accommodate 'my rhythm' and to synchronize as I am not nearly good enough yet to do it for him. I kind of realized this as I was able to post for longer periods of time, but the fact Jesse could visibly see it was nice to hear as well.

After our short ride I asked Jesse if he was interested in hoping on and he politely declined, but I could tell by his expression he wanted to and was excited to see us trot ~ he said Eli did so well that he should get his beet pulp and have the rest of the day off. I figured I was bringing Ella in to ride her as well and more than likely Jesse would want to hop on AND that he did. Next post will be of him riding Ella. She loves her hay nets ~ hence the preggo belly that I am certain isn't anything more than a hay belly, but 'hey' it's winter, have to stay warm!

Ride & Exercise

Ever wondering which muscles you use when horse back riding? I do now, particularly as we're in a trot and I am attempting to post. WOW is it a lot of work for someone such as myself ~ inexperienced. If anyone said horse back riding is easy and the horse does all the work ~ you're riding wrong! AND probably making the horse work that much harder.

these are the muscles that hurt the most after posting ~ for me

I practiced my posting during Saturday's lesson and felt it the next day, the day after that and... the next day. Wednesday. So while going out to the barn yesterday to practice some more I started thinking about the muscles I use so that I can work on strengthening these while at home. I'll post later on good exercises to do in order the strengthen these areas, for now I will focus on the muscle groups themselves so that I can become more familiar. I know a lot of it has to do with 'core' strength, but which muscles are covered in your core?

This is what I was able to learn so far. The muscles 'primarily' used when riding are your stomach muscles, lower back muscles, thigh muscles, biceps and your calves. Here's how they are used:

• The ABDOMINAL/LOWER BACK (Multifidus)muscles are used for balance and controlling your centre as well as to move your hips aiding your seat position. 
• The CALF muscles are used to deliver aids by applying pressure to the horse's sides, or to increase speed
• The PSOAS and ILLIOPSOAS hold the torso vertical while riding
• The THIGHS are used to grip the saddle in a canter and assist when posting
• The TENSOR FASCIA LATAE muscles are used to turn the thighs inwards to open up the hips to sit comfortably on the horse
• The VASTUS LATERALLS and the VASTUS MEDIALIS (both extend the leg) allow the rider to rise in a trot
• The RECTUS FERMOSIS - flexed by the thigh is also used during the trot or when jumping
• The muscles in the thigh that are used to grip, GRACILIS, ADDUCTOR LONGUS, PECTIENEUS and the SARTORIUS

Hip Flexors

Psoas Major

Needless to say these are muscles I don't use all that often, surprisingly enough. Building muscle while learning to ride may lead to better posture for me as well as a better aligned back, kness, hips etc. Who would of thought, PLUS I am only now paying a bit more attention to MY conformation. What do I compensate for aside from weak muscles. 

Having strong muscles is important in being a good rider. Not only will you not be as sore afterwards, but you'll also be able to enjoy riding longer, have a better seat position on your horse and therefore help alleviate a lot of unnecessary additional work for your horse where the horse is expected to compensate for your weight distribution. How you ride your horse is VERY Important! 

Slightest movements can be felt by the horse and if you want good communication (to my understanding) the better able you are to make slight adjustments, intentionally, the better you will be at asking for a change. I would assume the more fit you are the better able to will be to make the slight adjustments and maintain the positions required. 

 Can you notice the differences in the below diagrams? 

The more you work out, the stronger you become and the more you ride the stronger your core will be. There are numerous benefits to having a strong core, I can think of a few other sports that require CORE STRENGTH (which I believe is key to balance) such as Skiing, Snowboarding, Ice skating etc. 

copyright:Robin Dorn

A Book I am interested in picking up by Linda Pearce is called "BETTER RIDING THROUGH EXERCISE" illistrations done by Carole Vincer (picture below) Another great reference is ZEN & THE HORSE, this website goes into further detail on the needed core strength and the Psoas Muscles and things riders are told or taught that I know I myself have heard, sample from the webpage: 

'Many riding instructors refer to the stomach and back muscles as being the 'core' muscles their students need to use to stabalize themselves on their horses. However, these are only the surface muscles of the body. Students hear things like: 

• Sit deep in the saddle
• Sit on your pants pockets
• Heels down
• Find your balance point
• Ride from your center

What riding instructors actually mean is to engage the psoas muscles. Students also hear: 

• Chest out
• Shoulders back
• Chin in

What riding instructors mean is to engage the hyoid muscles. This enables the chest to lift and expand, yet remain flexible". For further information Click on the link to read more: Zen & The Horse

Browbands ~ Jeweled

Update: March 7, 2013

I went to Micheal's Craft store and picked up some supplies, determined to make my own browband for Ella. After I got home I played around a bit with the different options I had for a design then decided on one and set to work. Some photos of the different options I had. 

FIRST Option

SECOND Option 

THIRD Option

FOURTH Option

It didn't take very long, but it was hard threading the needle threw the leather. I managed to prick myself a couple of times and drew blood, ha ha. BUT, with a bit of determination and persistence I was able to sew and glue on (combination of both) the beaded design. NOW, I will determine how secure the gems are and whether or not they will hold up or withstand constant use as I will be using it often ~ at which point I will determine a better method of adhering the jewelry to the leather browband, IF necessary. Here are a few photos of the progress and finished product:

Original Post

I want to make Ella a jeweled browband. I'm not sure how to do it, but I have a few ideas. Researched some examples and looked at some supplies. Will update this post when I pick-up her bridle and start working on it.

Some Supplies I picked up: