Born 10 December just before 1.30am. Up and drinking very quickly.
Supermodel legs (*swoon*), amazing personality. Very bold, very chilled, very easy going.
Indy is quite foal proud, but who wouldn't be if this was what you were looking after...
Friday, December 11, 2015
New arrival
She's HERE!
Born 10 December just before 1.30am. Up and drinking very quickly.
Supermodel legs (*swoon*), amazing personality. Very bold, very chilled, very easy going.
Indy is quite foal proud, but who wouldn't be if this was what you were looking after...
Born 10 December just before 1.30am. Up and drinking very quickly.
Supermodel legs (*swoon*), amazing personality. Very bold, very chilled, very easy going.
Indy is quite foal proud, but who wouldn't be if this was what you were looking after...
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Being blown off the side of a hill
I am housesitting for one of my trimming clients. When she asked me to housesit her 3 dogs and 3 horses, she suggested I bring my horses along as well! It means I only have to drive to and from work (50-odd kms each way) rather than the 150+ km triangle of here to work to home and back here again. So my horses are on the side of a hill... huge change from our flat paddocks. They seem to love charging up and down the hill at speed, and don't mind the sheep, lambs, donkeys and pigs next door.
Yesterday I was lucky enough to take Scarlett to a neighbouring farm for a ride. I didn't take Indy along as she is brewing an abscess and limping a bit, and I didn't know the farm at all so wasn't sure about the ground or race condition.
That's Indy, as seen from the highest paddock Scarlett and I rode through (pink arrow in the middle of the picture).
As it turned out, the races were lovely and paddocks in really good shape so today I wanted to take both horses.... Not to be!
Between me taking the top photo from the top of the hill and walking down to catch them, it started raining sideways in gusts and there was even a little hail, not that you can tell from the photo!
I abandoned my ride plans, and it stayed fine until I went out to feed... sigh! The girls are looking really good though, they don't seem to mind the absolutely atrocious weather we've had for the past ten days (good time to be on holiday in the South Pacific).
Yesterday I was lucky enough to take Scarlett to a neighbouring farm for a ride. I didn't take Indy along as she is brewing an abscess and limping a bit, and I didn't know the farm at all so wasn't sure about the ground or race condition.
That's Indy, as seen from the highest paddock Scarlett and I rode through (pink arrow in the middle of the picture).
As it turned out, the races were lovely and paddocks in really good shape so today I wanted to take both horses.... Not to be!
Between me taking the top photo from the top of the hill and walking down to catch them, it started raining sideways in gusts and there was even a little hail, not that you can tell from the photo!
I abandoned my ride plans, and it stayed fine until I went out to feed... sigh! The girls are looking really good though, they don't seem to mind the absolutely atrocious weather we've had for the past ten days (good time to be on holiday in the South Pacific).
Sunday, August 16, 2015
T minus 4 months
Time flies, and despite saying I would take heaps of photos, regularly, every time I get halfway out to the paddock I realise I haven't taken my camera. Or it's raining. Or I'm so laden with hay and feeds that I can't possibly balance a camera on top of the precarious stack... Ok, I'm slack, that too.
Here is Indy at 222 days, which is pretty much 2/3 of the way through her pregnancy. She has not continued to expand at the rapid rate she was initially (thankfully!) but is definitely looking more and more broodmare-ish as time goes on. She's starting to develop a bit of a waddle and I see uneven wear in her feet when I trim her (she seems to be taking a more "legs out to brace" stance). She also doesn't find it as easy to keep her legs up for trimming for a long time, so needs frequent breaks... It's totally fine, I just notice her 'asking' for a break to shift her weight around, when she never used to do that.
Here is Indy at 222 days, which is pretty much 2/3 of the way through her pregnancy. She has not continued to expand at the rapid rate she was initially (thankfully!) but is definitely looking more and more broodmare-ish as time goes on. She's starting to develop a bit of a waddle and I see uneven wear in her feet when I trim her (she seems to be taking a more "legs out to brace" stance). She also doesn't find it as easy to keep her legs up for trimming for a long time, so needs frequent breaks... It's totally fine, I just notice her 'asking' for a break to shift her weight around, when she never used to do that.
Sunday, July 26, 2015
Adventures
Today the ponies and I went on an adventure. Instead of crossing the main road at the Tamahere Interchange to head around the 10km loop, we turned left, towards Matangi. This meant we had to go under the main highway and up the footpath on the side of Tauwhare Road. We turned left again at the top of the hill for a good long trot along Woodcock and Windmill Roads.
Here's the underpass on our way home:
Here's the underpass on our way home:
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Photo update!
A couple of photos, taken one day after the last post. I would have taken more but my phone chose that moment to run out of battery!
I will start taking photos at more regular intervals now to track Indy's progress as she approaches the second half of her pregnancy.
This was only the second day I had fed hay - to date the horses have been eating grass only. They were starting to get a bit hungry and had done a good job of trimming all the trees and bushes they could reach over the fence (oops!) so have now been moved. My horses are getting a token feed once or twice a week to get their BioHelp "Equine Supreme," oats and hemp pellets (complete protein),
I will start taking photos at more regular intervals now to track Indy's progress as she approaches the second half of her pregnancy.
This was only the second day I had fed hay - to date the horses have been eating grass only. They were starting to get a bit hungry and had done a good job of trimming all the trees and bushes they could reach over the fence (oops!) so have now been moved. My horses are getting a token feed once or twice a week to get their BioHelp "Equine Supreme," oats and hemp pellets (complete protein),
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Pregnancy progress
It has been a while! Indy has essentially been turned out. During summer I was getting a fair bit of groundwork in, and since daylight savings ended she's lucky if she gets 10 minutes of groundwork a week plus a couple of apples and cuddles!
Way back on 24 March I took her to the vets for another scan. Usually this is done at 40 to 42 days and confirms the foetus has a heartbeat. In consultation with my vet, we decided to delay this scan to 60+ days;
- If she was going to lose it by 40 days, we wouldn't gain anything by knowing then. It was already too late to re-breed, and if the pregnancy lasts more than 40 days the mare won't cycle again that season.
- If she was going to lose it between 40 and 60+ days, it would have been all the more disappointing, as we would have known it was still there at 40.
- If it was still there at 60+ days, it would have been there at 40 ;)
- I wanted to have a go at deciding the sex of the foal, which can be done after 60-65 days.
It was also nice to not have to throw yet another $50 or $60 at a thing that might not be there at all, or might come out upside down, back to front, with five legs and two heads, or not breathing. Who, me... cynical?! ;)
In any case, the scan was delayed a bit to accommodate my vet's holiday, at 77 days, or 11 weeks on the dot.
I got to see the head, the spine, the heart (beating! woohoo!), the shoulders, the pelvis, four legs, and - perhaps most importantly! - two white blobs around the pelvic area. One would be scrotum, which means two is ovaries. Babiche wasn't 100% sure as the little beastie was hiding a bit, but will be very surprised if it pops out as a colt.
That was all very exciting... Of course I'm VERY happy it's most likely a little filly, but the important things were all present and accounted for (heartbeat, legs, head, etc).
The "
Indy is now a little more than a third of the way through her pregnancy (128 days today). Her expected due date is 9-15 December.
Her foal is between the size of a small kitten and a rabbit, having surpassed the size of a hamster at 60 days and a chipmunk at 80. It is approximately 20-25cm long and 1.5-2kg in weight.
Indy, meanwhile, is already the size of a small bus.
Way back on 24 March I took her to the vets for another scan. Usually this is done at 40 to 42 days and confirms the foetus has a heartbeat. In consultation with my vet, we decided to delay this scan to 60+ days;
- If she was going to lose it by 40 days, we wouldn't gain anything by knowing then. It was already too late to re-breed, and if the pregnancy lasts more than 40 days the mare won't cycle again that season.
- If she was going to lose it between 40 and 60+ days, it would have been all the more disappointing, as we would have known it was still there at 40.
- If it was still there at 60+ days, it would have been there at 40 ;)
- I wanted to have a go at deciding the sex of the foal, which can be done after 60-65 days.
It was also nice to not have to throw yet another $50 or $60 at a thing that might not be there at all, or might come out upside down, back to front, with five legs and two heads, or not breathing. Who, me... cynical?! ;)
In any case, the scan was delayed a bit to accommodate my vet's holiday, at 77 days, or 11 weeks on the dot.
I got to see the head, the spine, the heart (beating! woohoo!), the shoulders, the pelvis, four legs, and - perhaps most importantly! - two white blobs around the pelvic area. One would be scrotum, which means two is ovaries. Babiche wasn't 100% sure as the little beastie was hiding a bit, but will be very surprised if it pops out as a colt.
That was all very exciting... Of course I'm VERY happy it's most likely a little filly, but the important things were all present and accounted for (heartbeat, legs, head, etc).
The "
Indy is now a little more than a third of the way through her pregnancy (128 days today). Her expected due date is 9-15 December.
Her foal is between the size of a small kitten and a rabbit, having surpassed the size of a hamster at 60 days and a chipmunk at 80. It is approximately 20-25cm long and 1.5-2kg in weight.
Indy, meanwhile, is already the size of a small bus.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Squeeeee!!!
We have a blob!
And only ONE blob, so no need to pinch a twin!
Now it's a not-so-anxious wait for the next scan. the vet has suggested either 40 or 60-65 days, the latter to sex. Both aren't totally required, as if it is gone by 60-odd days, it will probably have disappeared before 40. Very pragmatic - if it's going to pop out, it'll pop out, according to Babiche ;)
Now it's a not-so-anxious wait for the next scan. the vet has suggested either 40 or 60-65 days, the latter to sex. Both aren't totally required, as if it is gone by 60-odd days, it will probably have disappeared before 40. Very pragmatic - if it's going to pop out, it'll pop out, according to Babiche ;)
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
D-day tomorrow!
Two weeks of waiting is nearly up... I have to hitch the horse float up tonight and get an hour of work off tomorrow afternoon, so I can get to the clinic for a 4.30pm appointment.
Fingers crossed! Indy has been super grumpy while out and about, frequently making faces and putting her ears back at Pav (who she is often incredibly friendly with) and Billy, and threatening to kick them if they get too close to her. I'm hoping the out-of-character behaviour is indicative of her being in foal.
Fingers crossed! Indy has been super grumpy while out and about, frequently making faces and putting her ears back at Pav (who she is often incredibly friendly with) and Billy, and threatening to kick them if they get too close to her. I'm hoping the out-of-character behaviour is indicative of her being in foal.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
On track!
The only time I could see the vet today without leaving Indy at Hannah's (with the resulting two trips to drop off and pick up) was 7am. Fine by me! She was a right tart to catch, preferring to race around the paddock and rark the grazer up, even after I got oats and Scarlett was hanging out eating them!
NORTY!
Indy hasn't been a pain to catch for the float for a while now, but I'd decided not to take Scarlett along, which may have been what set her off. Loaded up perfectly though and travelled well on the short trip to the clinic.
The scan confirmed she has ovulated and there is absolutely no sign of fluid. We have done everything we can do to ensure she gets in foal this time around, and Indy's done her bit too.
The 15-day scan will be Wednesday 21 January.
FINGERS CROSSED!
NORTY!
Indy hasn't been a pain to catch for the float for a while now, but I'd decided not to take Scarlett along, which may have been what set her off. Loaded up perfectly though and travelled well on the short trip to the clinic.
The scan confirmed she has ovulated and there is absolutely no sign of fluid. We have done everything we can do to ensure she gets in foal this time around, and Indy's done her bit too.
The 15-day scan will be Wednesday 21 January.
FINGERS CROSSED!
Monday, January 5, 2015
A little girl waits...
I couldn't resist that title!
I ordered another dose of semen yesterday, to be sent today, so that Indy could be inseminated after I got home from work and took her to the vet clinic. I still hadn't heard when it would be sent at 11am, so I feel like I spent much of the day waiting to be sure it would actually arrive! In the end it was sent to the stallion owner's partner (I am unsure whether it went on a plane or a courier) and arrived at 3pm. I expect there were several people wanting semen so they did a combined delivery to save costs. Sean picked it up as he's not at work this week, and I thought it would help get us to the vet sooner if I didn't have to detour into Matangi on my way to Cambridge.
The vet sorted Indy out and has recommended a scan in two days to ensure Indy has ovulated and to check for fluid (it is relatively common that mares react to the semen itself, and relatively uncommon, but possible, that they react to the extender used). She may treat for fluid anyway, especially if there is any doubt, as this is our last shot at a foal for the season (Campion was only going to be collected for one month due to his competition schedule). It is also getting very late in the season for a foal.
And so, a little girl waits, again....... (haha!)
I ordered another dose of semen yesterday, to be sent today, so that Indy could be inseminated after I got home from work and took her to the vet clinic. I still hadn't heard when it would be sent at 11am, so I feel like I spent much of the day waiting to be sure it would actually arrive! In the end it was sent to the stallion owner's partner (I am unsure whether it went on a plane or a courier) and arrived at 3pm. I expect there were several people wanting semen so they did a combined delivery to save costs. Sean picked it up as he's not at work this week, and I thought it would help get us to the vet sooner if I didn't have to detour into Matangi on my way to Cambridge.
The vet sorted Indy out and has recommended a scan in two days to ensure Indy has ovulated and to check for fluid (it is relatively common that mares react to the semen itself, and relatively uncommon, but possible, that they react to the extender used). She may treat for fluid anyway, especially if there is any doubt, as this is our last shot at a foal for the season (Campion was only going to be collected for one month due to his competition schedule). It is also getting very late in the season for a foal.
And so, a little girl waits, again....... (haha!)
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Nothing to report
I took Indy to the vet clinic for her scan today. The vet couldn't find an embryo, and suggested re-scanning in 4 days (Sunday), in case Indy took a day or two to ovulate and the embryo is still too small to be seen. They are usually only able to be detected from 14 days, and today was just barely 15 days since insemination (technically not even 15 days, as she was inseminated at about 8.45pm, and today's scan was at 1pm).
Keep those dark-filly-with-bling jingles going for another few days! If there isn't anything on Sunday, we will have to PG and try again. At this stage, giving a PG injection could cause abortion, if there is an embryo, so it is safer to wait a few more days until the embryo will definitely be large enough to detect.
The vet who scanned Indy was also the vet who helped save Scarlett when she coliced a few weeks ago, so it was nice to be able to tell her Scarlett had recovered and was looking as good as ever! Bright moment in the otherwise fairly dismal day.
On that slightly melancholic note, I hope your New Year's Eve is filled with fun, laughter and love. Roll on 2015!
Keep those dark-filly-with-bling jingles going for another few days! If there isn't anything on Sunday, we will have to PG and try again. At this stage, giving a PG injection could cause abortion, if there is an embryo, so it is safer to wait a few more days until the embryo will definitely be large enough to detect.
The vet who scanned Indy was also the vet who helped save Scarlett when she coliced a few weeks ago, so it was nice to be able to tell her Scarlett had recovered and was looking as good as ever! Bright moment in the otherwise fairly dismal day.
On that slightly melancholic note, I hope your New Year's Eve is filled with fun, laughter and love. Roll on 2015!
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Hay and a new friend
We had approx 8-10 ac of grass cut for hay around 11am on 24 Dec. It wasn't turned until this morning (27 Dec) but looks set for baling tonight. I've had the horses in the driveway because I was expecting tractors, but the contractor didn't want to pay stat holiday rates to his staff so didn't send anyone to turn it on 25 or 26 Dec... Would have been nice of him to tell us that in advance!!!
In any case, the driveway grass was getting quite long and was overdue for the horses to spend a weekend in there.
Today I picked up our new temporary grazer. It is a new client's horse who is really not doing well on the grass where it has been grazed to date (very spooky and staggery) so we'll see if it does any better on our place. Indy is busy telling the newbie the rules - "No, you cannot speak to me." "No, you cannot speak to Scarlett." "No, you cannot come over here." So far it's been ugly faces and ears back only, and I hope it doesn't escalate to anything more harmful! After the hay is baled they can all go into the vineyard paddock where there is tons of space to move around and get out of each others way.
I best go have a nap so I am alive for hay baling! I expect we will get well over 500 bales (we had 500 last year and I've had two more acres locked up this year; though it hasn't been growing for quite as long, it's pretty thick). At least it won't be super hot at 6pm, and we'll have a decent amount of light to pull the hay in. I will take 100 bales and we also need to take in 100-150 for the neighbour. In theory the rest has been spoken for (6-8 people wanting an average of 50 bales each). It isn't supposed to rain/shower until after lunch tomorrow so we should also have time to clean up tomorrow morning if we get stuck tonight.
In any case, the driveway grass was getting quite long and was overdue for the horses to spend a weekend in there.
Today I picked up our new temporary grazer. It is a new client's horse who is really not doing well on the grass where it has been grazed to date (very spooky and staggery) so we'll see if it does any better on our place. Indy is busy telling the newbie the rules - "No, you cannot speak to me." "No, you cannot speak to Scarlett." "No, you cannot come over here." So far it's been ugly faces and ears back only, and I hope it doesn't escalate to anything more harmful! After the hay is baled they can all go into the vineyard paddock where there is tons of space to move around and get out of each others way.
I best go have a nap so I am alive for hay baling! I expect we will get well over 500 bales (we had 500 last year and I've had two more acres locked up this year; though it hasn't been growing for quite as long, it's pretty thick). At least it won't be super hot at 6pm, and we'll have a decent amount of light to pull the hay in. I will take 100 bales and we also need to take in 100-150 for the neighbour. In theory the rest has been spoken for (6-8 people wanting an average of 50 bales each). It isn't supposed to rain/shower until after lunch tomorrow so we should also have time to clean up tomorrow morning if we get stuck tonight.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Progress - but first, a palaver
At Indy's initial scan, the vet suggested waiting 5 days for PG then another 5 days to scan. We revised that and gave the PG at 6 days (last Friday evening) then followed up with a scan on Monday around midday, so that we didn't miss her ovulating. On Monday the vet said she's good to go, so we ordered the semen for Tuesday.
Campion was due to be collected in time for the shipment to make a 10am flight from New Plymouth to Auckland, and would get to Hamilton from Auckland at 4pm... Well... What a palaver it ended up being!
First, Hannah was called to say "we will get it on an earlier flight to Hamilton, it'll arrive at 12.30," so she rescheduled the vet for 3pm. Then "oops, the NP flight was late, it'll arrive at 4pm as planned originally as it didn't make the 12pm." Vet rescheduled for original time of 4.30pm.
Then at 4.15pm.... Oh, guess what, it was forgotten at Auckland and will be on the next flight to Hamilton. Unfortunately I only got THAT message after I'd raced home from work early and taken the float straight to Hannah's to be there in time for the vet! FRUSTRATING! I unhitched the float and went home, as it was too long to bother waiting there (if it had been an hour I would have done some groundwork with her, but thought I could go home and ride Scarlett instead).
At 6.40 I checked the flight schedule and realised there was no flight from Auckland at that time... Rang several numbers to get hold of the airport people. Of course, there was nearly no one around as it was after normal working hours. The people who WERE around could only find out that there was no parcel in Hamilton... And let me know they'd get back to us with the details of where it was, when it was located.
We were all incredibly frustrated and annoyed at this point, especially considering the vet had said "must be inseminated TODAY" but trying not to be grumpy at the poor airport staff who weren't the ones who had caused the problem in the first place.
In the end, the semen was on the 7.40pm flight from Auckland that was scheduled to arrive in Hamilton at 8.05pm. I raced down and.... the flight was nearly 10 minutes late! I also had to wait for ALL the baggage to clear then the now-infamous shipment to be brought out to the front desk. I rang Hannah to call the vet and drove there with the Very Important Parcel safely on the front seat (more than 4 hours after we should have collected it!).
Thankfully we did not have to wait long for the vet. It was a very uneventful process to put Indy into the crush and inseminate her, yakked to Hannah for a bit then went home. Scarlett was VERY happy to see her bestie again, and I am sure Indy was happy to be home, though I bet she wished we could have taken Hannah's teaser stallion "Lucky" home with us. She spent the whole time she was there talking to him, trying to convince him to jump out of his paddock and into hers! Hannah said the other horses can't stand him, but Indy was besotted with him which was quite hilarious!
So, a quick pat and "no orange colt, thanks" request before I could finally go inside, no longer worrying where the damn swimmers were and if they would arrive at all.
All the "dark bay filly with bling" jingles you want to send our way will be greatly appreciated!
Her 15-day scan will be done on 31 Dec. I've got my fingers crossed for a better reason to celebrate than simply ringing in the new year :D
Campion was due to be collected in time for the shipment to make a 10am flight from New Plymouth to Auckland, and would get to Hamilton from Auckland at 4pm... Well... What a palaver it ended up being!
First, Hannah was called to say "we will get it on an earlier flight to Hamilton, it'll arrive at 12.30," so she rescheduled the vet for 3pm. Then "oops, the NP flight was late, it'll arrive at 4pm as planned originally as it didn't make the 12pm." Vet rescheduled for original time of 4.30pm.
Then at 4.15pm.... Oh, guess what, it was forgotten at Auckland and will be on the next flight to Hamilton. Unfortunately I only got THAT message after I'd raced home from work early and taken the float straight to Hannah's to be there in time for the vet! FRUSTRATING! I unhitched the float and went home, as it was too long to bother waiting there (if it had been an hour I would have done some groundwork with her, but thought I could go home and ride Scarlett instead).
At 6.40 I checked the flight schedule and realised there was no flight from Auckland at that time... Rang several numbers to get hold of the airport people. Of course, there was nearly no one around as it was after normal working hours. The people who WERE around could only find out that there was no parcel in Hamilton... And let me know they'd get back to us with the details of where it was, when it was located.
We were all incredibly frustrated and annoyed at this point, especially considering the vet had said "must be inseminated TODAY" but trying not to be grumpy at the poor airport staff who weren't the ones who had caused the problem in the first place.
In the end, the semen was on the 7.40pm flight from Auckland that was scheduled to arrive in Hamilton at 8.05pm. I raced down and.... the flight was nearly 10 minutes late! I also had to wait for ALL the baggage to clear then the now-infamous shipment to be brought out to the front desk. I rang Hannah to call the vet and drove there with the Very Important Parcel safely on the front seat (more than 4 hours after we should have collected it!).
Thankfully we did not have to wait long for the vet. It was a very uneventful process to put Indy into the crush and inseminate her, yakked to Hannah for a bit then went home. Scarlett was VERY happy to see her bestie again, and I am sure Indy was happy to be home, though I bet she wished we could have taken Hannah's teaser stallion "Lucky" home with us. She spent the whole time she was there talking to him, trying to convince him to jump out of his paddock and into hers! Hannah said the other horses can't stand him, but Indy was besotted with him which was quite hilarious!
So, a quick pat and "no orange colt, thanks" request before I could finally go inside, no longer worrying where the damn swimmers were and if they would arrive at all.
All the "dark bay filly with bling" jingles you want to send our way will be greatly appreciated!
Her 15-day scan will be done on 31 Dec. I've got my fingers crossed for a better reason to celebrate than simply ringing in the new year :D
Monday, December 8, 2014
Long, long time, no post!
It's been... erm... a long time. A very long time indeed!
I'd like to say I've been busy (I have, promise!) but I've also been a bit slack on taking photos and making any sort of record about progress with Indy.
We've had a few ups and a few downs along the way. Overall, she has come a long, long way since I last posted anything on this blog.
The newest development is that I somehow won a service to the gorgeous Holstein stallion "Campion". I never expected to win when I entered the competition, then i did, and so, this is him! I cruised over to WEC to watch him compete in test 5D, and prior to his test I stalked him in the warmup. Isn't he purdy?
I have stolen, erm, borrowed these photos from his facebook page, because they show him off nicely For reference, here is his page, with lots of information about him and the first few of his offspring: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Campion/152913788179892?fref=photo
He is 10yo and has done lots already in life. His has a few offspring, the oldest are 4 years old and starting to be broken in.
I got to meet him after his test and he was a real "pony" presence: a bit roly-pony in shape (and I mean nice and round, not fat!!!). He was busy searching for his post-ride cookie when his saddle was taken off, before anything else! He appeared to be really well socialised: not bothered in the slightest by any of the other horses around. I could tell he loved his job as he was so chilled about everything and happy to do anything asked of him without fuss. He moved nicely, and best of all he liked cuddles.... That's my kind of horse!!
So, Miss Indy is off to be a mama. She had her first scan the other day which showed she had plenty of eggs and had ovulated two days prior. The plan is to administer a PG injection on Thursday afternoon, which will be 5 days after the scan, then scan again another 5 days after that, and order the semen that day. Perfect timing really as Campion's collection 'season' starts on the 15th which is about when we'll be ordering it, then we have a month to get her in foal before he is back competing over summer. I'm lucky to have a very good vet on the job who comes highly recommended.
In about 10 days I'll be looking for "dark bay filly with bling" vibes, thanks very much ;)
I'd like to say I've been busy (I have, promise!) but I've also been a bit slack on taking photos and making any sort of record about progress with Indy.
We've had a few ups and a few downs along the way. Overall, she has come a long, long way since I last posted anything on this blog.
The newest development is that I somehow won a service to the gorgeous Holstein stallion "Campion". I never expected to win when I entered the competition, then i did, and so, this is him! I cruised over to WEC to watch him compete in test 5D, and prior to his test I stalked him in the warmup. Isn't he purdy?
I have stolen, erm, borrowed these photos from his facebook page, because they show him off nicely For reference, here is his page, with lots of information about him and the first few of his offspring: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Campion/152913788179892?fref=photo
He is 10yo and has done lots already in life. His has a few offspring, the oldest are 4 years old and starting to be broken in.
I got to meet him after his test and he was a real "pony" presence: a bit roly-pony in shape (and I mean nice and round, not fat!!!). He was busy searching for his post-ride cookie when his saddle was taken off, before anything else! He appeared to be really well socialised: not bothered in the slightest by any of the other horses around. I could tell he loved his job as he was so chilled about everything and happy to do anything asked of him without fuss. He moved nicely, and best of all he liked cuddles.... That's my kind of horse!!
So, Miss Indy is off to be a mama. She had her first scan the other day which showed she had plenty of eggs and had ovulated two days prior. The plan is to administer a PG injection on Thursday afternoon, which will be 5 days after the scan, then scan again another 5 days after that, and order the semen that day. Perfect timing really as Campion's collection 'season' starts on the 15th which is about when we'll be ordering it, then we have a month to get her in foal before he is back competing over summer. I'm lucky to have a very good vet on the job who comes highly recommended.
In about 10 days I'll be looking for "dark bay filly with bling" vibes, thanks very much ;)
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Sleepy Sunday morning
I happened to look out of the kitchen window on Sunday and noticed this...
So I crept outside with the camera...
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Rinse and repeat
I've been lucky enough to get to ride in a local arena while it's owner is away, and my friends are 'horse sitting,' so we have been down Friday and today, with plans to go again tomorrow morning, too.
It is easiest to float Indy down, and we decided it would work to collect Pav, Teri and Liz on the way. I think it is a great training exercise to travel with another horse, not Scarlett all the time. Scarlett's floating idiosyncrasies mean she is always the second loaded, so Indy always goes in first (I need to find a way to work on that).
This trip, I switched Indy to the left side of the float, as it was such a short journey with no bad or twisting roads; I believe my horses should cope travelling on both sides of the float, but don't get many opportunities to put Indy on the left, mainly due to her size. One never knows when one might need to float another larger horse or one who needs the right side (I've had a right-side-only pony so know how frustrating that can be! never mind trying to travel two right-handers!); or if I ever travel in someone else's float and my horse has to go in the available space. In any case, I take any opportunity to mix it up to vary and solidify their travelling experiences.
Once there, we tied the horses up and ferried our gear over to the tie-ups. Teri usually takes Pav out for some groundwork to begin, while I groom and tack up; Indy does her groundwork fully kitted out.
Pav got to play over some of the smaller jumps and through the huge water puddle in one corner. He was very funny watching the crispy crackly leaves being collected by the long line on the ground - who could resist a pale palomino with flaxen mane and tail, making faces at leaves on the ground. Too cute!
Indy also got to walk through the big puddle, on the ground and under saddle. She didn't play as much as Pav, but we definitely need to make some time to head down to play with the facilities at LVF in the near future to get them doing more in the water.
After pre-flight checks were complete, we got on. I didn't do much with Indy; just walk, trot, halt; rinse and repeat. Changes of direction, walking around the various jumps and other obstacles, around the scary corner, through the water, back to the scary corner - all without issues. Pav and Teri were doing their thing, we did our thing... everyone was brilliant! It's like I have a new horse, and I love it. She feels green, which is to be expected, but she feels safe. The limited work she has had, seems to have held her in good stead: she is soft and responsive. She listens to my aids for speed and direction. We can have a conversation about "yes, we will keep going" or "no we are stopping now" which used to be completely out of the question - Indy did what Indy did, for reasons unbeknownst to both of us I think, and I was but a passenger. She thinks, rather than just reacting, or just moving her feet.
Yesterday I thought if someone wanted to buy her, they'd need to come up with a large sum of money, because she's turning into an amazing horse.
It is easiest to float Indy down, and we decided it would work to collect Pav, Teri and Liz on the way. I think it is a great training exercise to travel with another horse, not Scarlett all the time. Scarlett's floating idiosyncrasies mean she is always the second loaded, so Indy always goes in first (I need to find a way to work on that).
This trip, I switched Indy to the left side of the float, as it was such a short journey with no bad or twisting roads; I believe my horses should cope travelling on both sides of the float, but don't get many opportunities to put Indy on the left, mainly due to her size. One never knows when one might need to float another larger horse or one who needs the right side (I've had a right-side-only pony so know how frustrating that can be! never mind trying to travel two right-handers!); or if I ever travel in someone else's float and my horse has to go in the available space. In any case, I take any opportunity to mix it up to vary and solidify their travelling experiences.
Once there, we tied the horses up and ferried our gear over to the tie-ups. Teri usually takes Pav out for some groundwork to begin, while I groom and tack up; Indy does her groundwork fully kitted out.
Pav got to play over some of the smaller jumps and through the huge water puddle in one corner. He was very funny watching the crispy crackly leaves being collected by the long line on the ground - who could resist a pale palomino with flaxen mane and tail, making faces at leaves on the ground. Too cute!
Indy also got to walk through the big puddle, on the ground and under saddle. She didn't play as much as Pav, but we definitely need to make some time to head down to play with the facilities at LVF in the near future to get them doing more in the water.
After pre-flight checks were complete, we got on. I didn't do much with Indy; just walk, trot, halt; rinse and repeat. Changes of direction, walking around the various jumps and other obstacles, around the scary corner, through the water, back to the scary corner - all without issues. Pav and Teri were doing their thing, we did our thing... everyone was brilliant! It's like I have a new horse, and I love it. She feels green, which is to be expected, but she feels safe. The limited work she has had, seems to have held her in good stead: she is soft and responsive. She listens to my aids for speed and direction. We can have a conversation about "yes, we will keep going" or "no we are stopping now" which used to be completely out of the question - Indy did what Indy did, for reasons unbeknownst to both of us I think, and I was but a passenger. She thinks, rather than just reacting, or just moving her feet.
Yesterday I thought if someone wanted to buy her, they'd need to come up with a large sum of money, because she's turning into an amazing horse.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Reformed, in pictures
Because a picture says a thousand words, here are several that might start describing how much I appreciate Indy right now.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Onwards with the reformed pony
After the 'treatment' I started working with Indy more frequently. Unfortunately I managed to over-face her one day when I took her to a friend's place for a ride: the weather was against us, I didn't do enough groundwork and I didn't get her really using her hind end. Consequently, she really did not feel good to ride and I quickly got off again. I think I set her back to where she was before the quantum treatment.
Life got busy again, the temps soared, water levels plummeted, the horses didn't get worked... Indy's general demeanour was much improved, but she was the same under saddle. I ignored the 'problem,' hoping it would go away (good Tui ad, that!).
Finally, after a friend had super success sending her horse to a local person who got him "out and about" for life experience, I decided to do the same. Not schooling or training as such, more someone who had more guts than me if anything went wrong, getting Indy ridden, forward, and dealing with everything that might happen on a ride.
Two weeks before Indy was due to head off to 'school' I had a lesson. And a very serious discussion with my instructor.
What was I hoping to achieve, sending Indy away?
What part needed "fixing"?
Was the work that would be done, solve the problem I was having?
Did I even know why I was having that problem? Or how to work through it myself?
Was Indy ready to go away - or were the problems I was having showing that she needed more time and more groundwork, to "know it in her bones" rather than (somewhat) superficially?
Or was I simply trying to put some mechanical aids on my horse in the hope that I would be able to 'do more' with her... knowing full well I'd have to come back later and un-do/re-do any habits she'd learned or cemented in her brain.
It also raised the question of principles. For what reason do we have principles, if we choose not to follow them? Are we doing that knowing the consequences, or are we going in blind? Are we sure we want to deal with the fall-out (if any), just to get this short-term gain?
My short answer is no. I don't want to undo any of Indy's training. I don't want to install any cues or instill more habits - she has enough of those! I haven't been taking the time it takes for three years, to turn around and want a quick fix now.
It is only that I choose to follow a method of training and riding that is not a path well trodden here. I choose to take the slow route because I know it will pay off in the end. Sending her away was a 'way out', a 'quick fix', something *I* didn't have to do *myself*... But, if I don't have 'It' in MY bones yet, - honestly - how can I expect my horses to?
A plan of attack formed: 1 or 2x per week, I would pony Indy from Scarlett; 1x per week, she would get groundworked; 1x per week, I would ride her. That would be 3-4 times per week that she'd get worked in various ways, still leaving me time for Scarlett and time for trimming. I would have to ride on the weekend in order to know I would have a groundsperson (I have not felt like she is ready for me to ride her without someone looking out for my head to date).
Completely by chance, I ordered some Devils Claw for Scarlett. I also asked for a sample of a product called Equi So-Happy St John's Wort. The description suggested it was "nature's comfort herb. This extract consists mainly of St John’s Wort which increases levels of seratonin, which is responsible for feelings of contentment. Long term treatment will generally settle the horse making it receptive to training."
Knowing what I did from the quantum device's readings, I thought it might help with her anxiety and worry. I had nothing to lose - and - nothing ventured, nothing gained!
So, Indy got her first 2 or 3ml dose of SJW on Monday. A friend was able to come over on Tuesday so I could ride. The horse I caught was a content creature, alert and ready for work. She stood still for brushing and tacking up. She stood still for me to clamber aboard. She walked nicely. She travelled in both directions, easily changing from one to the other. She listened to my instructions, whether that was move on, don't move on, go this way, go that way, keep going, stop now.
I was as floored by the change, as I was by the change following the quantum device reading. Lucky for me, Jacqui was there to pinch me and tell me I wasn't dreaming, because it was THAT good I didn't believe it was happening.
Wednesday, I pulled her out of the paddock. She was the same. Alert, content, ready to work. Almost a "pick me!" look on her face. She did some lovely groundwork, so I hopped on. I did, of course, send Jacqui a text saying "I'm about to get on, no one else around, it's been nice knowing you!" I didn't need a rescuer or an ambulance. Indy was fine. More than fine. Amazing. Incredible.
I could go on, but I am sure you get the picture by now ;)
In any case, it's about the first time I have felt truly safe riding Indy, because she was super responsive - she was listening. Her ears flicked back to me as I thanked her and said she was a clever girl.
I can only describe the feeling I had after getting off, as like a kid who has just been let off the lead rein... No more holding back.
Life got busy again, the temps soared, water levels plummeted, the horses didn't get worked... Indy's general demeanour was much improved, but she was the same under saddle. I ignored the 'problem,' hoping it would go away (good Tui ad, that!).
Finally, after a friend had super success sending her horse to a local person who got him "out and about" for life experience, I decided to do the same. Not schooling or training as such, more someone who had more guts than me if anything went wrong, getting Indy ridden, forward, and dealing with everything that might happen on a ride.
Two weeks before Indy was due to head off to 'school' I had a lesson. And a very serious discussion with my instructor.
What was I hoping to achieve, sending Indy away?
What part needed "fixing"?
Was the work that would be done, solve the problem I was having?
Did I even know why I was having that problem? Or how to work through it myself?
Was Indy ready to go away - or were the problems I was having showing that she needed more time and more groundwork, to "know it in her bones" rather than (somewhat) superficially?
Or was I simply trying to put some mechanical aids on my horse in the hope that I would be able to 'do more' with her... knowing full well I'd have to come back later and un-do/re-do any habits she'd learned or cemented in her brain.
It also raised the question of principles. For what reason do we have principles, if we choose not to follow them? Are we doing that knowing the consequences, or are we going in blind? Are we sure we want to deal with the fall-out (if any), just to get this short-term gain?
My short answer is no. I don't want to undo any of Indy's training. I don't want to install any cues or instill more habits - she has enough of those! I haven't been taking the time it takes for three years, to turn around and want a quick fix now.
It is only that I choose to follow a method of training and riding that is not a path well trodden here. I choose to take the slow route because I know it will pay off in the end. Sending her away was a 'way out', a 'quick fix', something *I* didn't have to do *myself*... But, if I don't have 'It' in MY bones yet, - honestly - how can I expect my horses to?
A plan of attack formed: 1 or 2x per week, I would pony Indy from Scarlett; 1x per week, she would get groundworked; 1x per week, I would ride her. That would be 3-4 times per week that she'd get worked in various ways, still leaving me time for Scarlett and time for trimming. I would have to ride on the weekend in order to know I would have a groundsperson (I have not felt like she is ready for me to ride her without someone looking out for my head to date).
Completely by chance, I ordered some Devils Claw for Scarlett. I also asked for a sample of a product called Equi So-Happy St John's Wort. The description suggested it was "nature's comfort herb. This extract consists mainly of St John’s Wort which increases levels of seratonin, which is responsible for feelings of contentment. Long term treatment will generally settle the horse making it receptive to training."
Knowing what I did from the quantum device's readings, I thought it might help with her anxiety and worry. I had nothing to lose - and - nothing ventured, nothing gained!
So, Indy got her first 2 or 3ml dose of SJW on Monday. A friend was able to come over on Tuesday so I could ride. The horse I caught was a content creature, alert and ready for work. She stood still for brushing and tacking up. She stood still for me to clamber aboard. She walked nicely. She travelled in both directions, easily changing from one to the other. She listened to my instructions, whether that was move on, don't move on, go this way, go that way, keep going, stop now.
I was as floored by the change, as I was by the change following the quantum device reading. Lucky for me, Jacqui was there to pinch me and tell me I wasn't dreaming, because it was THAT good I didn't believe it was happening.
Wednesday, I pulled her out of the paddock. She was the same. Alert, content, ready to work. Almost a "pick me!" look on her face. She did some lovely groundwork, so I hopped on. I did, of course, send Jacqui a text saying "I'm about to get on, no one else around, it's been nice knowing you!" I didn't need a rescuer or an ambulance. Indy was fine. More than fine. Amazing. Incredible.
I could go on, but I am sure you get the picture by now ;)
In any case, it's about the first time I have felt truly safe riding Indy, because she was super responsive - she was listening. Her ears flicked back to me as I thanked her and said she was a clever girl.
I can only describe the feeling I had after getting off, as like a kid who has just been let off the lead rein... No more holding back.
Still here, right where you left us
We are still here! I have not forgotten this blog! Life has been more than a little hectic over the past 6+ months...
As you know, I left my job of 6+ years to pursue an opportunity to spend time as a working student for Peggy Cummings. Most of my time in the States was detailed in my other blog (http://heschenbruch.blogspot.co.nz/).
I happily admit my trip to the States was life changing, and I am so very grateful I had the opportunity, and so very glad I managed to make it work. Thanks, Universe.
... I was, however, more than a little slack at finishing the blog off. I'll blame that on the commotion of farewells, packing, travelling, unpacking, then launching straight into job interviews, collecting my horses, and catching up with all of my trimming clients. Not to mention the jet lag!
Onwards! I have a new job as a claims assessor for a health insurance company. Giving up my previous job and coming to this one was a learning curve and a half. In a nutshell, it is not really the job for me. Luckily, I've been seconded for 6 or so months to the Pet insurance team - I REALLY like this part of the job! I spent a month full time learning more new ropes (I've become quite the rope twirler), and now I am on a 50/50 split (or 25 pet/75 medical, if the medical turn-around-time, or TAT, is too high).
Unfortunately I've had to increase my hours, travel, and parking hassles for this job (I really appreciate 6 years of having a parking spot outside the office, now), which hasn't made for good horse time. I shuffled to a 7am start so that I can be home by 4pm, which gives me time to ride, or, time to trim after work.
Most of the country has suffered drought this summer; one of the worst droughts in the last 100 years, I think. Winter is going to be tough: very little winter feed produced, and much of it already fed to keep animals going over summer. My horses are as fat and sassy as ever, living in a diet paddock, with a couple of hours on "grass" each day plus a feed of oats, beet and minerals.
The horses have truly been on the back burner. When I have had time, I've not had the inclination to be out in the heat dealing with them. Bad, bad, bad!
Life with Scarlett has been the same as usual - I always need to do more groundwork, and be more insistent that she gives me a good posture and good responses, but she is my reliable rock, my good ol' faithful horse, who I can just hop on and go.
Indy has been as - what's the right word? - volatile?! as ever. For every step forward, and every breakthrough, I feel like we uncover five more things that need fixing. Sure, we're working through layers and adding finesse, but man some days I feel like we're surging backwards instead of making any progress.
Indy was an absolute STAR at the four-day clinic with Peggy up in Auckland. Peggy commented it was the first time she had seen this horse come to the clinic with a work ethic. I have to say she stole the show. The following weekend in Cambridge, I was almost disappointed I took her; though Scarlett wasn't in any state to attend, I feel it would have been better than where I got with Indy, which (at least to me) seemed like yet more back-tracking.
Things really came to a head in early January after she got a particularly good bodywork session. I took her to a friend's place for a ride. She was lovely and soft, but she reared, several times.
"That's it," said I, "into a hole she goes." I haven't put three years of hard work into this horse for her to dump me and seriously injure - or kill - me. Deep down, I knew she had so much more to give, but I wasn't about to find out the hard way that she'd ended up with a dangerous and unfixable habit.
But, seeing she had been so good to that point, I decided to throw some more at her before pulling the plug.
First up, bodywork. Zenya came and worked her magic.
Then, diet.
Then... something I didn't plan. Or even know about. A member of the UDBB forum contacted me about trimming. We got talking, and she mentioned that she has a quantum device - would I like her to run Indy? Sure, why not... I mean, that is there to lose? The results were astounding, and confirmed much of what I know about Indy. A healing program was also run, and I followed up with some homeopathic remedies and dietary supplements. The change in Indy was as clear as night and day: she softened and mellowed. She lost the tense, worried expression. She let her anxiety melt away. She started to really, truly trust me and the work I was asking her for.
It was like a new horse. The horse I always knew was there, without the layers of guarded-ness and tension.
As you know, I left my job of 6+ years to pursue an opportunity to spend time as a working student for Peggy Cummings. Most of my time in the States was detailed in my other blog (http://heschenbruch.blogspot.co.nz/).
I happily admit my trip to the States was life changing, and I am so very grateful I had the opportunity, and so very glad I managed to make it work. Thanks, Universe.
... I was, however, more than a little slack at finishing the blog off. I'll blame that on the commotion of farewells, packing, travelling, unpacking, then launching straight into job interviews, collecting my horses, and catching up with all of my trimming clients. Not to mention the jet lag!
Onwards! I have a new job as a claims assessor for a health insurance company. Giving up my previous job and coming to this one was a learning curve and a half. In a nutshell, it is not really the job for me. Luckily, I've been seconded for 6 or so months to the Pet insurance team - I REALLY like this part of the job! I spent a month full time learning more new ropes (I've become quite the rope twirler), and now I am on a 50/50 split (or 25 pet/75 medical, if the medical turn-around-time, or TAT, is too high).
Unfortunately I've had to increase my hours, travel, and parking hassles for this job (I really appreciate 6 years of having a parking spot outside the office, now), which hasn't made for good horse time. I shuffled to a 7am start so that I can be home by 4pm, which gives me time to ride, or, time to trim after work.
Most of the country has suffered drought this summer; one of the worst droughts in the last 100 years, I think. Winter is going to be tough: very little winter feed produced, and much of it already fed to keep animals going over summer. My horses are as fat and sassy as ever, living in a diet paddock, with a couple of hours on "grass" each day plus a feed of oats, beet and minerals.
The horses have truly been on the back burner. When I have had time, I've not had the inclination to be out in the heat dealing with them. Bad, bad, bad!
Life with Scarlett has been the same as usual - I always need to do more groundwork, and be more insistent that she gives me a good posture and good responses, but she is my reliable rock, my good ol' faithful horse, who I can just hop on and go.
Indy has been as - what's the right word? - volatile?! as ever. For every step forward, and every breakthrough, I feel like we uncover five more things that need fixing. Sure, we're working through layers and adding finesse, but man some days I feel like we're surging backwards instead of making any progress.
Indy was an absolute STAR at the four-day clinic with Peggy up in Auckland. Peggy commented it was the first time she had seen this horse come to the clinic with a work ethic. I have to say she stole the show. The following weekend in Cambridge, I was almost disappointed I took her; though Scarlett wasn't in any state to attend, I feel it would have been better than where I got with Indy, which (at least to me) seemed like yet more back-tracking.
Things really came to a head in early January after she got a particularly good bodywork session. I took her to a friend's place for a ride. She was lovely and soft, but she reared, several times.
"That's it," said I, "into a hole she goes." I haven't put three years of hard work into this horse for her to dump me and seriously injure - or kill - me. Deep down, I knew she had so much more to give, but I wasn't about to find out the hard way that she'd ended up with a dangerous and unfixable habit.
But, seeing she had been so good to that point, I decided to throw some more at her before pulling the plug.
First up, bodywork. Zenya came and worked her magic.
Then, diet.
Then... something I didn't plan. Or even know about. A member of the UDBB forum contacted me about trimming. We got talking, and she mentioned that she has a quantum device - would I like her to run Indy? Sure, why not... I mean, that is there to lose? The results were astounding, and confirmed much of what I know about Indy. A healing program was also run, and I followed up with some homeopathic remedies and dietary supplements. The change in Indy was as clear as night and day: she softened and mellowed. She lost the tense, worried expression. She let her anxiety melt away. She started to really, truly trust me and the work I was asking her for.
It was like a new horse. The horse I always knew was there, without the layers of guarded-ness and tension.
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