We were watching Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince last night, woodstove gallantly attempting to warm the house with mostly wet wood, all the chores of the day and evening behind us. Daughter was on one sofa wrapped in a blanket, and I was on another. Husband generating his own heat, apparently, as he was on the bare floor with no blanket much of the time!
Daughter suddenly asked, "what is that noise?"
Husband answered, "the cats."
I hadn't heard anything but then my husband exclaimed and when I looked, Dickens Edward Wickens was walking through the living room holding a live bright red cardinal in his mouth. The bird was squeaking repeatedly.
Husband removed the bird and found that while it had been injured somewhat, it seemed not to be too bad. He decided to drive the bird a little ways away from our house and release it where hopefully none of our quite interested cats would find it.
At that point, all the resident felines were circling with big eyes.
Husband went down to the garage and the squeak squeak squeak continued until he got in the car.
When he let the bird go, it flew away, so we are hoping he heals and lives on.
I can't quite believe that late on a cold, rainy night, Dickens managed to capture a cardinal. The entire scenario was quite surreal and I don't think I'll ever be able to watch the movie without thinking of the dramatic entrance, vocal bird, and circling cats.
Today the rain stopped except for a very occasional misting, and I took off all blankets, throwing grooming caution to the wind, and let the horses into the back field, with access to the arena in case they wanted to get out of the mud.
Rafer and Redford had donkey derby practice, Cody and Redford had a re-match, they all went at the load of fallen firewood I gathered as if I had hand-picked it just for them to chew the bark off, and I served as master gate opener from the arena to the back field while I did some much-needed arena grooming. They were like cats deciding whether to go out or stay in.
Other than the extreme mud, it was a lovely day. Perfect temp for working without sweat, and although it would have been nice to have some sunshine, the muted landscape was soothing and peaceful.
I have to say: after dealing with Cody's hind end stiffness and finally finding the right diet and supplement for him, it was pure pleasure to watch him cavorting with Redford, matching Redford's feints and quick tiny turns without problem. The Quarter Horse talent for working cattle was apparent, and even if we never need Cody to do that job, it was wonderful seeing that he's healthy and feeling good enough to move so well.
Tomorrow - one day of respite from the rain! And then it's back for Sunday and Monday.
billie hinton’s camera-obscura:
life and lessons on November Hill Farm
Friday, January 22, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
reasons to be grateful for the rain
I'm so tired of mushy ground! We had several weeks of respite, when everything froze solid, but other than that it has not truly dried out here in probably 6-8 weeks.
And now more rain is coming.
In an effort to overcome my increasing grumpiness this morning, I'm starting a list of reasons to be grateful for the rain. Feel free to join in with me in the comment section!
1. Rain fills the creeks and rivers and lakes, cleaning things out.
2. When the creeks, rivers, and lakes are full, kayaking is more fun! And we now have kayaks!
3. Rain gives the earth a drink. More rain gives a deeper drink.
4. Rain makes the bare trees in winter look black against the gray skies and muted landscape - one of my favorite vistas.
5. Some people actually pay for mud treatments. We can get all we need for free.
6. Horses and ponies love to roll in mud. Little donkey boys not so much.
7. We have cats lying about all day long in the living room. Sleeping cats are peaceful cats.
8. The sound of rain can be meditative.
9. While basic barn chores still get done on rainy days, many things get postponed, which makes the rainy days good for writing novels.
10. If you're smart enough to park your car outside the garage during the rain, it will get washed off.
11. Rain falling is better than no rain at all.
That's about as far as I can get this morning. I had to stop myself before I put number 12:
Sometimes weather forecasters are wrong!
And now more rain is coming.
In an effort to overcome my increasing grumpiness this morning, I'm starting a list of reasons to be grateful for the rain. Feel free to join in with me in the comment section!
1. Rain fills the creeks and rivers and lakes, cleaning things out.
2. When the creeks, rivers, and lakes are full, kayaking is more fun! And we now have kayaks!
3. Rain gives the earth a drink. More rain gives a deeper drink.
4. Rain makes the bare trees in winter look black against the gray skies and muted landscape - one of my favorite vistas.
5. Some people actually pay for mud treatments. We can get all we need for free.
6. Horses and ponies love to roll in mud. Little donkey boys not so much.
7. We have cats lying about all day long in the living room. Sleeping cats are peaceful cats.
8. The sound of rain can be meditative.
9. While basic barn chores still get done on rainy days, many things get postponed, which makes the rainy days good for writing novels.
10. If you're smart enough to park your car outside the garage during the rain, it will get washed off.
11. Rain falling is better than no rain at all.
That's about as far as I can get this morning. I had to stop myself before I put number 12:
Sometimes weather forecasters are wrong!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
it was like spring here today
No jacket this morning when I went out to feed breakfast, no fire in the woodstove, and the pile of gloves lying near the back door offered a distant memory of the bitter cold from two weeks ago.
At the barn I discovered a cycling mare who spent half her day chasing (and sometimes at a trot) the big red QH, fly predators on my composting manure piles, and later in the day, tiger-striped mosquitoes on the Big Bay's face.
Keil and I had a lovely late in the day ride. He met me at the gate and I got most of the dried mud off him before tacking up. My daughter was already riding her pony, and we crossed paths many times before the sun started to set.
Cody got ridden too, which made me happy. I was in the arena two days ago and not only were the donkeys shoving at the gate to get in, but Cody too. The day before that the pony had nearly knocked the gate down, wanting to get in where I was riding. I love it that the arena is such a popular place!
After the ride, I untacked Keil Bay in the barn aisle and gave him a snack. About 2/3 through it he heard something and strode purposefully to the barn doors and looked out. It was moments before sunset, and he had done that magical trick horses do where they seem to gain several hands. With his head held high and his entire body on alert, he was 18 hands and counting, highlighted by the last few rays of sunlight.
We ended up by the round bale, with me putting his oil of oregano onto frogs. I happened to look up and the sky had suddenly gone pink and purple, in long layers of alternating color. Only a few minutes later, the pink had gone to white and the purple to a deep indigo blue, in the same layered pattern.
There's not much more one can hope for in a day: perfect weather; a handsome, happy horse; and a gorgeous sunset.
At the barn I discovered a cycling mare who spent half her day chasing (and sometimes at a trot) the big red QH, fly predators on my composting manure piles, and later in the day, tiger-striped mosquitoes on the Big Bay's face.
Keil and I had a lovely late in the day ride. He met me at the gate and I got most of the dried mud off him before tacking up. My daughter was already riding her pony, and we crossed paths many times before the sun started to set.
Cody got ridden too, which made me happy. I was in the arena two days ago and not only were the donkeys shoving at the gate to get in, but Cody too. The day before that the pony had nearly knocked the gate down, wanting to get in where I was riding. I love it that the arena is such a popular place!
After the ride, I untacked Keil Bay in the barn aisle and gave him a snack. About 2/3 through it he heard something and strode purposefully to the barn doors and looked out. It was moments before sunset, and he had done that magical trick horses do where they seem to gain several hands. With his head held high and his entire body on alert, he was 18 hands and counting, highlighted by the last few rays of sunlight.
We ended up by the round bale, with me putting his oil of oregano onto frogs. I happened to look up and the sky had suddenly gone pink and purple, in long layers of alternating color. Only a few minutes later, the pink had gone to white and the purple to a deep indigo blue, in the same layered pattern.
There's not much more one can hope for in a day: perfect weather; a handsome, happy horse; and a gorgeous sunset.
Monday, January 18, 2010
some new info on the rollkur issue
SCAN POST FOR NEW INFO!
On an exciting note, Heather Moffett's Blue Tongue Facebook page now has over 4000 members!
More examples of Helgstrand's training techniques and riding behind the vertical. Please note each horse's angle - I didn't see one single moment where any of the horses were "slightly in front of the vertical" which is the standard. Also note how even Helgstrand is hanging on to the reins and leaning back. Why are the horses so herky-jerky in their movement? Is this really good riding? I leave you to make that call.
http://www.helgstranddressage.com/nyheder_aabenhus.html
In this article on Edward Gal and Totilas there has been some after the fact editing:
http://www.dressage-news.com/?p=4009
The photo that showed another horse in Gal's training facility that was being ridden in draw reins and behind the vertical has now been removed.
This was the photo which originally appeared:
http://i46.tinypic.com/261dwr4.jpg
Isn't it interesting that although they all say there is nothing wrong with these methods, they don't want any photographic or videographic evidence linked with them?
NEW: Look in the comments for a link to Gal riding Totilas in the Windsor warm-up. It's 20 minutes of an almost continuously horizontal curb bit, pulling the hand back to the thigh and a few times to the waist, and lots of the Gal "body as lever" riding, which I personally do not enjoy watching, nor do I feel it even approaches the harmony and grace an upper level rider should possess.
Note the foamy sweat forming along the neck where the reins are rubbing, as well as on the flank where Gal's legs are scrubbing back and forth. I don't recall ever seeing foamy sweat in those areas. The sound of T. huffing as he canters by, the foam flying off in flecks behind him, makes me ill. There are several moments when he tries to protest but is immediately shut down with that curb bit.
In the background you'll see plenty more nose to chest riding going on. I'm glad people are videotaping. I'm not sure I could stand there quietly, watching horses under lockdown, body and spirit.
There's a new study which looks at hyperflexion:
A new study by Graf-Lehndorff-Institute (Austria/Germany) is about to be published (Cavallo 02/10). The scientists used a newly developped endoscope to observe the breathing in horses in movement (so far only possible at halt). 16 horses on the lungeing ...line first with long side reins then lungeing session with side reins so short that r hyperflexed. They also assessed superficial body temperature in horses with different degrees of hyperflexion of the neck.
Not only does it take 'their breath away', but pulse rate increases. Thermoscopy shows the horses get tense, blood circulation changes and the back is being hollowed.
http://www.vu-wien.ac.at/i109/equinescience/GLI_Bericht2009neu.pdf
On January 11, 2010, this was released:
World Horse Welfare comment on Rollkur
11/01/2010
In a recent article in the Observer newspaper, the quote attributed to World Horse Welfare with regards to the practice of Rollkur was not entirely correct.
World Horse Welfare does not believe that Rollkur is a "valuable training method". Our comment was that there are many people within the equestrian world who feel that Rollkur is a valuable training method, although clearly there are many people who take the contrary view. We also stressed that Rollkur, like any training method, can cause great harm if it is misused.
World Horse Welfare is taking a stance on this issue. Current FEI rules do not allow prolonged or excessive use of Rollkur. We are seeking robust guidance for stewards at FEI events as to what “excessive” and “prolonged” use of Rollkur means in practice. We are also pushing for robust research to look at whether there is a welfare issue involved in training techniques using Rollkur.
AND, JUST IN, a note on doping in competition. The FEI has launched a new website:
http://www.feicleansport.org/
Ironically this new website, which seems to focus on the FEI's concerns about doping, is actually heralding the NEW RULES they have come up with that actually ALLOW certain drugs to be legal in competition!
How about an FEI NON-ABUSIVE SPORT?
Even more bizarre, they have established an "Integrity Unit" with a nice note that says this:
Concerns regarding integrity issues?
Call the Equestrian Community Integrity Unit confidential hotline on +44 (0) 20 7935 5822 or email: report@equestrianintegrity.com
I have lots to report when it comes to integrity on the part of the FEI in the sport of dressage.
On an exciting note, Heather Moffett's Blue Tongue Facebook page now has over 4000 members!
More examples of Helgstrand's training techniques and riding behind the vertical. Please note each horse's angle - I didn't see one single moment where any of the horses were "slightly in front of the vertical" which is the standard. Also note how even Helgstrand is hanging on to the reins and leaning back. Why are the horses so herky-jerky in their movement? Is this really good riding? I leave you to make that call.
http://www.helgstranddressage.com/nyheder_aabenhus.html
In this article on Edward Gal and Totilas there has been some after the fact editing:
http://www.dressage-news.com/?p=4009
The photo that showed another horse in Gal's training facility that was being ridden in draw reins and behind the vertical has now been removed.
This was the photo which originally appeared:
http://i46.tinypic.com/261dwr4.jpg
Isn't it interesting that although they all say there is nothing wrong with these methods, they don't want any photographic or videographic evidence linked with them?
NEW: Look in the comments for a link to Gal riding Totilas in the Windsor warm-up. It's 20 minutes of an almost continuously horizontal curb bit, pulling the hand back to the thigh and a few times to the waist, and lots of the Gal "body as lever" riding, which I personally do not enjoy watching, nor do I feel it even approaches the harmony and grace an upper level rider should possess.
Note the foamy sweat forming along the neck where the reins are rubbing, as well as on the flank where Gal's legs are scrubbing back and forth. I don't recall ever seeing foamy sweat in those areas. The sound of T. huffing as he canters by, the foam flying off in flecks behind him, makes me ill. There are several moments when he tries to protest but is immediately shut down with that curb bit.
In the background you'll see plenty more nose to chest riding going on. I'm glad people are videotaping. I'm not sure I could stand there quietly, watching horses under lockdown, body and spirit.
There's a new study which looks at hyperflexion:
A new study by Graf-Lehndorff-Institute (Austria/Germany) is about to be published (Cavallo 02/10). The scientists used a newly developped endoscope to observe the breathing in horses in movement (so far only possible at halt). 16 horses on the lungeing ...line first with long side reins then lungeing session with side reins so short that r hyperflexed. They also assessed superficial body temperature in horses with different degrees of hyperflexion of the neck.
Not only does it take 'their breath away', but pulse rate increases. Thermoscopy shows the horses get tense, blood circulation changes and the back is being hollowed.
http://www.vu-wien.ac.at/i109/equinescience/GLI_Bericht2009neu.pdf
On January 11, 2010, this was released:
World Horse Welfare comment on Rollkur
11/01/2010
In a recent article in the Observer newspaper, the quote attributed to World Horse Welfare with regards to the practice of Rollkur was not entirely correct.
World Horse Welfare does not believe that Rollkur is a "valuable training method". Our comment was that there are many people within the equestrian world who feel that Rollkur is a valuable training method, although clearly there are many people who take the contrary view. We also stressed that Rollkur, like any training method, can cause great harm if it is misused.
World Horse Welfare is taking a stance on this issue. Current FEI rules do not allow prolonged or excessive use of Rollkur. We are seeking robust guidance for stewards at FEI events as to what “excessive” and “prolonged” use of Rollkur means in practice. We are also pushing for robust research to look at whether there is a welfare issue involved in training techniques using Rollkur.
AND, JUST IN, a note on doping in competition. The FEI has launched a new website:
http://www.feicleansport.org/
Ironically this new website, which seems to focus on the FEI's concerns about doping, is actually heralding the NEW RULES they have come up with that actually ALLOW certain drugs to be legal in competition!
How about an FEI NON-ABUSIVE SPORT?
Even more bizarre, they have established an "Integrity Unit" with a nice note that says this:
Concerns regarding integrity issues?
Call the Equestrian Community Integrity Unit confidential hotline on +44 (0) 20 7935 5822 or email: report@equestrianintegrity.com
I have lots to report when it comes to integrity on the part of the FEI in the sport of dressage.
Friday, January 15, 2010
more reasons why I love the Big Bay
I told him at breakfast that once it warmed up fully we would have a ride together. When I got back out to the barn mid-day, he was lying curled up in the front field, soaking up sunshine. My daughter tried to take a picture, but my camera battery died the instant she pressed the button.
I walked into the front field with his new Micklem bridle in hand, and he stayed curled up until I reached him and rubbed his head. There is something special and sweet about rubbing the Big Bay's star while he is lying down. He let me get that bit of magic, and then he stretched full out for a moment and then carefully stood up and shook himself off.
He stood sniffing the new bridle and the booklet that I was consulting to make sure I got the bridle adjusted correctly - it's made differently and I wanted to get the buckles set just right. We worked together to get it fitted, and then I removed it and told him to enjoy the hay daughter was serving while I groomed him in the field.
When I went back to the barn to get organized for tacking up, I realized my saddle was having some issues - the cold damp we had did a number on the leather and it needed a thorough cleaning and conditioning. So I called out to Keil that I was going to clean the saddle and then we'd ride. I pulled up a make-shift stool, turned on the radio to NPR, and got to work.
Once I got everything ready I brought Keil in and tacked up. We haven't ridden in about 5 weeks, but Keil was wonderful. No fussing, no fidgeting. He seemed intrigued by the new bridle and walked with me into the arena. We had a little issue with mounting. The same issue - when I haven't ridden in awhile I get extremely obsessed with the mounting block being in one very precise place in relation to the stirrup. And then I hesitate as I start to mount and Keil steps back one step with one foot, which puts him off square and I stop to move the block.
All this would be alleviated if I would just go buy a 3-step block! But I'm stubborn and I feel I should get over the obsession, which gets better anyway if I'm riding regularly. So we played the game for a minute and then daughter came out and I asked her to just stand at Keil's head, which always works too.
Alas, when I put my foot in the stirrup, it slid almost to the ground. I hadn't buckled it back after cleaning the leathers! Yet another instance where Keil likely knew something I didn't, and instead of checking everything, I kept trying to do what wasn't working.
In any case, I fixed the buckle and got on, and that was that.
We had a very unstructured ride, only walking, and mostly focused on relaxation and just getting back into the swing of things.
One thing stood out though - Keil was walking with a huge amount of freedom in his shoulders, with his head and neck relaxed and ears curious and alert. There was a forwardness to his motion and his general physical demeanor that I loved. I kept looking at his front end, noting the position of head and neck, and also looking at his shadow. Something was different and better.
I'm not sure if it's just Keil being in a good place or the addition of the new bridle. We certainly didn't try anything strenuous or fancy, but as we strode effortlessly along the arena, me practicing an exercise I sometimes practice, which involves just letting my eyes hit a point and then Keil goes there, straight and in balance, with mostly no aids required, I realized that we were doing what I think of as the perfect "working" walk.
We looked like one of those old photos or sketches of a horse and rider walking with purpose and yet pleasure down a country lane. Keil's attention was with me and yet we noticed the neighbor cat walking toward the woods, the crash of a deer in the opposite direction, my daughter mucking out a stall, and various other things that went on around us. We noticed but weren't distracted, as if we were on a path to somewhere important, but there was no rush to get there, and no reason not to enjoy the things blooming up around us as we went.
There were no thoughts of dressage or work or anything like that. No getting on the bit, no fussing with position or trying to achieve a goal. I suppose you could view it as Keil Bay and I not trying to accomplish anything at all, and succeeding at that. But it felt too like we had transcended something and were simply, but brilliantly, enjoying a piece of our journey together.
What more could I ask for? The Big Bay takes me where I need to go.
I walked into the front field with his new Micklem bridle in hand, and he stayed curled up until I reached him and rubbed his head. There is something special and sweet about rubbing the Big Bay's star while he is lying down. He let me get that bit of magic, and then he stretched full out for a moment and then carefully stood up and shook himself off.
He stood sniffing the new bridle and the booklet that I was consulting to make sure I got the bridle adjusted correctly - it's made differently and I wanted to get the buckles set just right. We worked together to get it fitted, and then I removed it and told him to enjoy the hay daughter was serving while I groomed him in the field.
When I went back to the barn to get organized for tacking up, I realized my saddle was having some issues - the cold damp we had did a number on the leather and it needed a thorough cleaning and conditioning. So I called out to Keil that I was going to clean the saddle and then we'd ride. I pulled up a make-shift stool, turned on the radio to NPR, and got to work.
Once I got everything ready I brought Keil in and tacked up. We haven't ridden in about 5 weeks, but Keil was wonderful. No fussing, no fidgeting. He seemed intrigued by the new bridle and walked with me into the arena. We had a little issue with mounting. The same issue - when I haven't ridden in awhile I get extremely obsessed with the mounting block being in one very precise place in relation to the stirrup. And then I hesitate as I start to mount and Keil steps back one step with one foot, which puts him off square and I stop to move the block.
All this would be alleviated if I would just go buy a 3-step block! But I'm stubborn and I feel I should get over the obsession, which gets better anyway if I'm riding regularly. So we played the game for a minute and then daughter came out and I asked her to just stand at Keil's head, which always works too.
Alas, when I put my foot in the stirrup, it slid almost to the ground. I hadn't buckled it back after cleaning the leathers! Yet another instance where Keil likely knew something I didn't, and instead of checking everything, I kept trying to do what wasn't working.
In any case, I fixed the buckle and got on, and that was that.
We had a very unstructured ride, only walking, and mostly focused on relaxation and just getting back into the swing of things.
One thing stood out though - Keil was walking with a huge amount of freedom in his shoulders, with his head and neck relaxed and ears curious and alert. There was a forwardness to his motion and his general physical demeanor that I loved. I kept looking at his front end, noting the position of head and neck, and also looking at his shadow. Something was different and better.
I'm not sure if it's just Keil being in a good place or the addition of the new bridle. We certainly didn't try anything strenuous or fancy, but as we strode effortlessly along the arena, me practicing an exercise I sometimes practice, which involves just letting my eyes hit a point and then Keil goes there, straight and in balance, with mostly no aids required, I realized that we were doing what I think of as the perfect "working" walk.
We looked like one of those old photos or sketches of a horse and rider walking with purpose and yet pleasure down a country lane. Keil's attention was with me and yet we noticed the neighbor cat walking toward the woods, the crash of a deer in the opposite direction, my daughter mucking out a stall, and various other things that went on around us. We noticed but weren't distracted, as if we were on a path to somewhere important, but there was no rush to get there, and no reason not to enjoy the things blooming up around us as we went.
There were no thoughts of dressage or work or anything like that. No getting on the bit, no fussing with position or trying to achieve a goal. I suppose you could view it as Keil Bay and I not trying to accomplish anything at all, and succeeding at that. But it felt too like we had transcended something and were simply, but brilliantly, enjoying a piece of our journey together.
What more could I ask for? The Big Bay takes me where I need to go.
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