Due to Matt having obligations this past weekend I did not get a chance to get back into the saddle until tonight. I headed out after work. Sinwaan's spot is looking so much better, it is nice to see the hair re-growth there instead of a big bald patch!
He is looking a bit round to me. Cindy reports that she has cut back on his hay but since the grass is growing in his paddock he is getting extra calories there, which is great, I would prefer that he graze all day when possible.
We did our 8 mile (flat) loop tonight. I checked the time as I headed out but soon was distracted and forgot what it was! I do know I shaved 4 minutes off my driving time on the motorcycle to get there.
I had heard reports of a cougar killing three sheep at the pasture we ride past on Stovall. Tonight I noticed they had added two llamas to the flock. Sinwaan was not sure about these mysterious creatures! It took a bit of encouragement and bravery to get past them. Crazy horse, he lives with two llamas!
When we got close to the bridge I called Matt and he loaded up the kids and drove out to meet me to take some photos. I will post a couple of those up later. It was a good ride and I think we made decent time. Jenee' saw me ride past both directions and she thought it had been about an hour, so that would be right for six miles.
I am hoping to get in at least one more conditioning ride before Klickitat - with the long holiday that could be tough as we are visiting family. I don't want to tire him out before the ride either. Typically he gets the whole week off before and after a ride. We'll see. This road riding is not easy on his feet. I am noticing a rear hind hoof chipping a little above the shoe. I would hate to go out for another road ride and lose a shoe or have him come up lame a couple days before the big ride. I don't know if my boots will fit over the shoes, and I have never booted him in the hind either. Things to mull over.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
May 18
Tonight we had a break in the rain so Matt agreed to let me go out and ride on a week night. I took the motorcycle out so I called him upon my arrival to let him know I got that far safely.
I had not made it out yesterday to check on Sinwaan's rump so tonight I was really pleased to see that the hair is growing back in really fast - that MRT is amazing! He probably has about 50% of his hair back already in 3 days time.
Tacking up didn't take long and we headed out as soon as possible. I turned on the GPS but did not check the time on my phone. I figured we could get in our 8 miles with the amount of daylight we had left. I wanted to double-check Google Maps against my GPS reading on the milage anyway.
The ride was fairly uneventful. I had to push Sinwaan a little at the start but there was no bad behavior. I tried to pay attention to where the sun was in relation to our position on the road, changing sides when I saw traffic and realized they probably couldn't see me. Heading west towards home is when Sinwaan really likes to move out, and this time we were riding right into the sun. I think because of the time of day Sinwaan couldn't see as well and therefore had a couple of little spook-in-place moments so I was on my toes. We had a couple of nice gallops on the way home and within two miles he was going along really nicely on a loose rein.
We pulled into home just as it was getting dark. I could see well enough to untack, check hooves, and apply more MRT. I had a chat with Cindy and then called Matt to let him know I was done and heading home. During the ride my GPS had shut off three times, I think perhaps because of cloud cover? I don't know how long it took me to notice so I lost time on that and some milage. The milage it told me was a little over 7 1/2 miles so I figure the 8 mile estimate is accurate. My time was 1:20 so I think I may have lost about 10 minutes with the malfunctions. All told, a great ride!
I had not made it out yesterday to check on Sinwaan's rump so tonight I was really pleased to see that the hair is growing back in really fast - that MRT is amazing! He probably has about 50% of his hair back already in 3 days time.
Tacking up didn't take long and we headed out as soon as possible. I turned on the GPS but did not check the time on my phone. I figured we could get in our 8 miles with the amount of daylight we had left. I wanted to double-check Google Maps against my GPS reading on the milage anyway.
The ride was fairly uneventful. I had to push Sinwaan a little at the start but there was no bad behavior. I tried to pay attention to where the sun was in relation to our position on the road, changing sides when I saw traffic and realized they probably couldn't see me. Heading west towards home is when Sinwaan really likes to move out, and this time we were riding right into the sun. I think because of the time of day Sinwaan couldn't see as well and therefore had a couple of little spook-in-place moments so I was on my toes. We had a couple of nice gallops on the way home and within two miles he was going along really nicely on a loose rein.
We pulled into home just as it was getting dark. I could see well enough to untack, check hooves, and apply more MRT. I had a chat with Cindy and then called Matt to let him know I was done and heading home. During the ride my GPS had shut off three times, I think perhaps because of cloud cover? I don't know how long it took me to notice so I lost time on that and some milage. The milage it told me was a little over 7 1/2 miles so I figure the 8 mile estimate is accurate. My time was 1:20 so I think I may have lost about 10 minutes with the malfunctions. All told, a great ride!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
May 16
Today I took Sinwaan out to Bennington Lake. My first solo ride out there. We parked at the bottom and I remembered my GPS this time. We walked up the path along the road to the dam, trotted across the top of the dam, (to the building is 1 mile), then took the double track trail down to the trail closest to the Lake (also known as Meadowlark Trail if I am reading the map right). This loop is fairly flat but the trail was overgrown and half of it we were riding through swarms of bugs which were hovering over the green plants that had consumed the trail. Sinwaan hated that, tossing his head. It was very warm. We came upon some people and I slowed down, they finally got off the path so I could go past. The child wanted to pet Sinwaan. His mother commented "he is working" so I didn't stop. We crossed the water and things seemed to be cooling down, finally some cloud cover! We did more walking when the path got close to the water, as there were lots of people set up for fishing and lots of things to see. I offered Sinwaan a chance to drink and he was not interested.
After that trail we headed back up to the dam and down the other side, connecting with part of Whitetail Trail, we had a nice canter on the flat and then downhill to the trees. We trotted quickly through there, winding back and forth on the twisty trail. Exiting the trees I was undecided which way to go - left or right? Both were uphill. We went right to go back up to the top of the dam and continued on Whitetail Trail all the way around the lake. I had forgotten how many hills there were at the Lake! When I ride with other people we are usually talking and the time goes by quickly and I don't notice the hills. Sinwaan was working hard today and a couple times I let him stop for a breather and to graze. We were not making very good time.
After crossing the water a second time we headed back towards the trailer along Mill Creek. We took the little spur trail for fun. Across from Dean's place I again gave him an opportunity to drink. He waded around in the water for a couple minutes but no drinking. Back to the trailer. GPS reading said 8.6 miles in exactly 2 hours. Wow that is horrible, but I think Sinwaan got a really good work out on all those ups and downs. It was a nice ride, although a little lonely. I was hoping for more miles in that amount of time, so I decided that unless I have a riding partner I won't bother taking the time and gas to trailer out when I can ride about the same distance from the barn in less time.
After that trail we headed back up to the dam and down the other side, connecting with part of Whitetail Trail, we had a nice canter on the flat and then downhill to the trees. We trotted quickly through there, winding back and forth on the twisty trail. Exiting the trees I was undecided which way to go - left or right? Both were uphill. We went right to go back up to the top of the dam and continued on Whitetail Trail all the way around the lake. I had forgotten how many hills there were at the Lake! When I ride with other people we are usually talking and the time goes by quickly and I don't notice the hills. Sinwaan was working hard today and a couple times I let him stop for a breather and to graze. We were not making very good time.
After crossing the water a second time we headed back towards the trailer along Mill Creek. We took the little spur trail for fun. Across from Dean's place I again gave him an opportunity to drink. He waded around in the water for a couple minutes but no drinking. Back to the trailer. GPS reading said 8.6 miles in exactly 2 hours. Wow that is horrible, but I think Sinwaan got a really good work out on all those ups and downs. It was a nice ride, although a little lonely. I was hoping for more miles in that amount of time, so I decided that unless I have a riding partner I won't bother taking the time and gas to trailer out when I can ride about the same distance from the barn in less time.
Friday, May 14, 2010
8 miles
Tonight I got out for a ride. I should be at Mt Adams but it wasn't in the cards for us this weekend. Good luck to Ruth and Otto, I hope they do great!
I rode the motorcycle out to the barn. It took me about 20 minutes to get there. I am getting more comfortable on the bike but still not there yet for taking corners at a decent speed.
Upon inspection I noticed that Sinwaan's rump has been peeling. I was able to remove a big patch of old dry skin and it felt like paper. It was really odd. Underneath I could see fuzz of little hairs already coming in. That was a relief. He is looking much better up there.
I had been out to Bordertown and luckily they had the right size english saddle pad for me so I picked up a new one and replaced it under my saddle. Tonight I removed the saddle bags and rode bare bones. No GPS, no HRM, no water.
The first couple of miles were brutal because of the heat. It was really warm today (in the 80s) and I forgot sun-block. Sinwaan was very good, no tricks. Thanks to the last three weeks on vacation he was ready to go - no pushing him tonight - he went along really well for me at a fairly steady trot. He did not feel off or bothered by his bald spot.
We saw three dead raccoons on our journey, in varying stages of decomposition. A hippie hanging out at an intersection compete with a guitar and VW van. Not a whole lot to report on. Heading for home he started pulling on my arms pretty good. I may start using a martingale to try and get his head out of the clouds. I let him have a good gallop when it was safe.
According to google maps we did about 8 miles. The ride time was 1:35.
After the ride I hosed Sinwaan down and applied more MRT to his spot. I started using this yesterday at the recommendation of Cheryl. I hand grazed him a bit while he dried and of course as soon as I turned him loose he had a good roll. I am thinking a little dust on his spot will help keep it from burning.
I rode the motorcycle out to the barn. It took me about 20 minutes to get there. I am getting more comfortable on the bike but still not there yet for taking corners at a decent speed.
Upon inspection I noticed that Sinwaan's rump has been peeling. I was able to remove a big patch of old dry skin and it felt like paper. It was really odd. Underneath I could see fuzz of little hairs already coming in. That was a relief. He is looking much better up there.
I had been out to Bordertown and luckily they had the right size english saddle pad for me so I picked up a new one and replaced it under my saddle. Tonight I removed the saddle bags and rode bare bones. No GPS, no HRM, no water.
The first couple of miles were brutal because of the heat. It was really warm today (in the 80s) and I forgot sun-block. Sinwaan was very good, no tricks. Thanks to the last three weeks on vacation he was ready to go - no pushing him tonight - he went along really well for me at a fairly steady trot. He did not feel off or bothered by his bald spot.
We saw three dead raccoons on our journey, in varying stages of decomposition. A hippie hanging out at an intersection compete with a guitar and VW van. Not a whole lot to report on. Heading for home he started pulling on my arms pretty good. I may start using a martingale to try and get his head out of the clouds. I let him have a good gallop when it was safe.
According to google maps we did about 8 miles. The ride time was 1:35.
After the ride I hosed Sinwaan down and applied more MRT to his spot. I started using this yesterday at the recommendation of Cheryl. I hand grazed him a bit while he dried and of course as soon as I turned him loose he had a good roll. I am thinking a little dust on his spot will help keep it from burning.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Sinwaan update
Went out today at lunch with Jenee' and his rubbed area was looking really good. Still clean, and the redness was gone. Today we applied Panalog® and he was much less sensitive to the area being touched. Still a little jumpy about it but an noticeable improvement.
Major Rub photo
Thanks to Jenee' for the photo - here is the rub as it looked last night. Almost like a hot spot on a dog. He hunches up and really rounds his back when we try to touch/clean it. He is very sensitive.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Injury?
This morning I was way too excited about riding. I had an awesome breakfast with my family and then we all headed out with Ugly to the gas station to check the air pressure in the tires. Everyone please take the time to do this on your tow vehicle. As it turns out the front tires were way off, one only had about 10 lbs and the other one had over 40. The rear tires were all off too. None of them had the little caps so I was able to get six of those for $1. Once we had everything balanced Matt said it handled way better and couldn't believe we had driven it as far as we did in it's condition.
Matt helped me hook up the horse trailer (I was heading out for a solo ride at the Lake) and I went to fetch Sinwaan from his pasture. He had been laying down taking his morning nap in the sun but got up and waited for me to halter him. I led him out of his paddock and he was acting and walking normally. Once he got through the gate he dropped his head to snatch some grass and I went behind him to shut the gate and as I turned back towards him and raised my eyes my mouth dropped open and I could not believe the huge bald spot above his tail. What on earth has he done now!?
I tied him to the trailer and Cindy helped me fetch some warm water in a bucket and a washcloth and I started sponging the area down. He was very sensitive to any sort of touch but eventually I did get him cleaned up. As I was working on him, Matt and Doug went with the kids to have a look around the paddock and they found a spot where it must have happened. There was a tree limb that he had really rubbed hard on, and his feet had made a big hollow in the ground at the base.
He has never exhibited any behavior like this before so we were all mystified by it. Our best guess is that he got bit by a bug and was trying to get rid of it. He was wormed about a month ago. I would think if he was itching from slight discomfort he would not have ripped all his hair off.
From rinsing the area I saw a couple small spots that started bleeding slightly but not too bad. I applied a lot of aloe vera salve for horses and once he was dry we turned him back out to pasture. He spun and galloped off. He doesn't usually do that.
Sad to say my plans for riding were cancelled yet again. I don't know what kind of shape he'll be in next weekend for the Mt Adams ride. If it's not one thing, it's another.
Matt helped me hook up the horse trailer (I was heading out for a solo ride at the Lake) and I went to fetch Sinwaan from his pasture. He had been laying down taking his morning nap in the sun but got up and waited for me to halter him. I led him out of his paddock and he was acting and walking normally. Once he got through the gate he dropped his head to snatch some grass and I went behind him to shut the gate and as I turned back towards him and raised my eyes my mouth dropped open and I could not believe the huge bald spot above his tail. What on earth has he done now!?
I tied him to the trailer and Cindy helped me fetch some warm water in a bucket and a washcloth and I started sponging the area down. He was very sensitive to any sort of touch but eventually I did get him cleaned up. As I was working on him, Matt and Doug went with the kids to have a look around the paddock and they found a spot where it must have happened. There was a tree limb that he had really rubbed hard on, and his feet had made a big hollow in the ground at the base.
He has never exhibited any behavior like this before so we were all mystified by it. Our best guess is that he got bit by a bug and was trying to get rid of it. He was wormed about a month ago. I would think if he was itching from slight discomfort he would not have ripped all his hair off.
From rinsing the area I saw a couple small spots that started bleeding slightly but not too bad. I applied a lot of aloe vera salve for horses and once he was dry we turned him back out to pasture. He spun and galloped off. He doesn't usually do that.
Sad to say my plans for riding were cancelled yet again. I don't know what kind of shape he'll be in next weekend for the Mt Adams ride. If it's not one thing, it's another.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Official Results - MRRT
Well I decided to check out the AERC site tonight, and what do you know the MRRT results are already posted! We did place 37th out of 41 (two tied for 40th) with a ride time of 4:43 which is our slowest to date and our lowest placing to date but hey we did it and it is great to be back in the saddle!
I think it is most important not to ask more than my horse is capable of, and I also strive to have longevity and completion my priorities. So far Sinwaan has not been pulled from a ride. The last ride we technically never started due to the trailer leg injury. Our very first ride we were over time (and did an extra 3 miles). Other than that it has been 100% completions. To me, that is more important than a Top Ten, although I'd like to aim for those eventually too.
Today Chad came out and reset his shoes. We are good to go. I am hoping to get in a nice long ride this weekend. Having Mother's Day in the mix could complicate things. It is kind of a personal struggle for me to not spend Mother's Day as a mother. But there has to be "me" time too, especially since Sinwaan had last weekend off.
I think it is most important not to ask more than my horse is capable of, and I also strive to have longevity and completion my priorities. So far Sinwaan has not been pulled from a ride. The last ride we technically never started due to the trailer leg injury. Our very first ride we were over time (and did an extra 3 miles). Other than that it has been 100% completions. To me, that is more important than a Top Ten, although I'd like to aim for those eventually too.
Today Chad came out and reset his shoes. We are good to go. I am hoping to get in a nice long ride this weekend. Having Mother's Day in the mix could complicate things. It is kind of a personal struggle for me to not spend Mother's Day as a mother. But there has to be "me" time too, especially since Sinwaan had last weekend off.
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