There's a more than good chance we'll be getting significant snow tonight and tomorrow, so before I launch out to get things set up (stalls stocked with shavings, water troughs clean and full, horses groomed, groceries, feed store - yikes, I have to do all THAT today?) I wanted to take a few minutes and write about a magical experience I had yesterday afternoon.
It was 60 degrees out, gorgeous skies, really peaceful afternoon. After Salina's morning of bucking and trotting, and her afternoon arena walking with me, I moved her, along with the donkeys, to the front field by themselves so she wouldn't overdo it, and the geldings were in back.
I wandered back to see the boys, and had a sudden impulse to lie flat on the ground so I could see the sky from that angle. The moment I stretched out flat, all three heads were pointed in my direction. Keil Bay and Apache Moon stood where they were, but Cody walked over to check me out.
It reminded me of what an important job he has. Whenever anything scary happens, Cody moves out front to assess the situation. Generally the pony will move up a few yards from Keil Bay. That's exactly what happened. Cody came right up to me, and then spooked a little bit, as if he were shocked to see me lying down. The pony came about halfway between me and Keil.
It was clear Cody was concerned, so I sat up. He immediately relaxed and began to graze right in front of me. The pony went back to grazing and Keil Bay approached and began to graze just behind Cody.
Although the sky was beautiful from a reclined position, I forgot about it. I had slipped into herd mind. Without really thinking about what I was doing, I stood up. Immediately, Keil Bay came to stand beside me, and Cody took a step away, to give space to Keil. The pony stayed where he was.
Keil Bay put his head into my hands for a moment, and then, again without thinking, I moved. As I moved, I realized I was in sync with the herd. We all took the same number of steps, in the same direction. Our heads all went to the front field, to see Salina and the donkeys, then returned to our own space.
I suddenly smelled something and Keil Bay and I lifted our heads together and both took simultaneous deep breaths, trying to figure out what it was. We lowered our heads at the same moment, then took more steps in the direction of the gate.
It lasted about two minutes. But during that brief time, I was not me making conscious decisions to move and breathe and look. I was one of the herd, doing what they do, as one entity. It was a wonderful experience.
billie hinton’s camera-obscura:
life and lessons on November Hill Farm
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
this is what happens when women take better care of their horses than they do themselves!
I talked with Patsy yesterday afternoon and received my kinesiology test results. Whoa! I am a wreck compared with my horses! I did not write it all down, but here's what I remember:
yeast overgrowth
thick blood
low bile
low sulphur
low seratonin
low digestive enzymes
low EFAs
tailbone out and spine needs adjustment in 3 places
The interesting thing is that I told Patsy nothing of my medical history, and nothing at all about my back injury in July. Nor did I tell her that I have been having a few twinges in lower back the past month or so and already suspected I need to head back to the chiro. I had my gall bladder out years back and the low bile makes a lot of sense. The constitutional remedy I am most often prescribed by my homeopath is sulphur. I generally need to take it a couple of times a year. And it's nearing that time.
Even more intriguing is that my profile is very close to what Keil Bay's was, and for everything we shared, we tested for the same supplement to correct it.
And, probably the most amazing thing of all - the cost. For all the supplements needed to address the above, in a 7-week program, the total was $81. which included FAST shipping.
Salina was waiting for me at the gate yesterday afternoon, ready to do her walking in hand. This morning she was out back with the boys bucking and trotting like a wild woman. We're nearing 60 degrees today and she seems to be feeling like a million dollars.
Thanks, Patsy! I continue to be extremely impressed with your work.
yeast overgrowth
thick blood
low bile
low sulphur
low seratonin
low digestive enzymes
low EFAs
tailbone out and spine needs adjustment in 3 places
The interesting thing is that I told Patsy nothing of my medical history, and nothing at all about my back injury in July. Nor did I tell her that I have been having a few twinges in lower back the past month or so and already suspected I need to head back to the chiro. I had my gall bladder out years back and the low bile makes a lot of sense. The constitutional remedy I am most often prescribed by my homeopath is sulphur. I generally need to take it a couple of times a year. And it's nearing that time.
Even more intriguing is that my profile is very close to what Keil Bay's was, and for everything we shared, we tested for the same supplement to correct it.
And, probably the most amazing thing of all - the cost. For all the supplements needed to address the above, in a 7-week program, the total was $81. which included FAST shipping.
Salina was waiting for me at the gate yesterday afternoon, ready to do her walking in hand. This morning she was out back with the boys bucking and trotting like a wild woman. We're nearing 60 degrees today and she seems to be feeling like a million dollars.
Thanks, Patsy! I continue to be extremely impressed with your work.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The FEI's conclusion on Patrik Kittel and Scandic
Watch the video again. Then read the FEI's finding regarding this case. If you disagree with their finding, please follow up your grumbling to self with a LETTER or EMAIL to the FEI, letting them know your feelings.
Swedish Dressage News
Patrik Kittel Exonerated by FEI in Blue Tongue Scandal
January 27, 2010
The FEI investigation into the training methods used by Patrick Kittel on his horse Scandic in Odense, Denmark on 18 October 2009 has been concluded. Witness statements and video evidence have been thoroughly reviewed and the investigation finds are that there is no reliable evidence that the warm-up techniques used by Mr Kittel were excessive.
As a result, the FEI Legal Department has ruled that no formal claim against Mr Kittel will be submitted to the FEI Tribunal, however Mr Kittel has received a warning letter regarding the appropriate and inappropriate use of warm-up techniques and has been made aware that his actions will be watched very carefully going forward to ensure that there are no subsequent violations of FEI rules relating to horse welfare.
The FEI is conducting a major review and analysis of its current policy on pre-competition warm-up activities, with an emphasis on hyperflexion. A working group has been set up with a specific brief to define the term “prolonged and excessive” in order to provide more precise guidelines for stewards.
This issue relates to the welfare of the horse in general and not just to dressage and will be discussed in detail at a round table, taking place on 9 February, where all stakeholders will be represented.
Swedish Dressage News
Patrik Kittel Exonerated by FEI in Blue Tongue Scandal
January 27, 2010
The FEI investigation into the training methods used by Patrick Kittel on his horse Scandic in Odense, Denmark on 18 October 2009 has been concluded. Witness statements and video evidence have been thoroughly reviewed and the investigation finds are that there is no reliable evidence that the warm-up techniques used by Mr Kittel were excessive.
As a result, the FEI Legal Department has ruled that no formal claim against Mr Kittel will be submitted to the FEI Tribunal, however Mr Kittel has received a warning letter regarding the appropriate and inappropriate use of warm-up techniques and has been made aware that his actions will be watched very carefully going forward to ensure that there are no subsequent violations of FEI rules relating to horse welfare.
The FEI is conducting a major review and analysis of its current policy on pre-competition warm-up activities, with an emphasis on hyperflexion. A working group has been set up with a specific brief to define the term “prolonged and excessive” in order to provide more precise guidelines for stewards.
This issue relates to the welfare of the horse in general and not just to dressage and will be discussed in detail at a round table, taking place on 9 February, where all stakeholders will be represented.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
one of those manifesting days
I can't remember the first thing that manifested today, but it kept happening and by dinnertime I had to laugh at how fun it is when things flow this way.
Some examples:
I wondered about a check that was in limbo. Got a message on my cellphone that the check is now in the mail.
I decided that Salina is going back into work. Not under saddle, but some serious walking in hand and maybe some trot when we see how the walking goes. I proceeded to forget about it, and was standing in the barn aisle wondering what it was I'd forgotten to do when I noticed Salina leave her hay and walk to the arena gate, where she stopped and stood, looking into the arena. Got her halter and lead rope on and off we went. She was incredibly focused and fussed at the donkeys when they got in our way!
Noticed that our weather forecast now has snow in the picture and a low in the teens by Sunday night. Thought to self: need to remind husband so he can get firewood ready. Gas truck arrives at that moment and fills the tank.
Was getting ready to walk the heavy muck-barrow down the back path and thought - where are my kids when I need them?! Son appeared and took the wheelbarrow from me.
Walking through the woodland path, which now has two connecting paths that make it so much more interesting. Was thinking "I need a circle somewhere in here." Then I found two vines that had wound themselves perfectly together. It was about 12 feet long. I picked it up and whirled it and then let go. It landed in a perfect circle, perched on top of some brush so that it almost seemed like it's floating in the air.
Standing in the front field watching Keil Bay and the pony playing. Remembered a fall morning soon after we moved here, when the two of them galloped up the hill and Keil Bay jumped a log between two trees. I walked over to the two trees, thinking "I need to put a log here again." Moments later Keil Bay galloped through the two trees and leaped over... nothing!
There were so many of these moments today I couldn't keep track of them. But here's the really funny one:
I was complaining that I needed help with chores. In full Mom mode. Saying maybe I needed to advertise for barn help in exchange for riding. (my kids both know that is so unlikely to happen it's virtually meaningless, but sometimes it gets them moving)
Come in to read email and there is one asking if we are interested in an exchange student.
X is cheerful, positive, spontaneous and open to new challenges. One of X's greatest passions is riding. She has always had horses in her life and has ridden for over 11 years. X also enjoys writing and writes about her day to day activities. She loves animals, especially, horses, cats and dogs.
That one raised my eyebrows a bit.
When we put it out there clearly, we get quick results.
Some examples:
I wondered about a check that was in limbo. Got a message on my cellphone that the check is now in the mail.
I decided that Salina is going back into work. Not under saddle, but some serious walking in hand and maybe some trot when we see how the walking goes. I proceeded to forget about it, and was standing in the barn aisle wondering what it was I'd forgotten to do when I noticed Salina leave her hay and walk to the arena gate, where she stopped and stood, looking into the arena. Got her halter and lead rope on and off we went. She was incredibly focused and fussed at the donkeys when they got in our way!
Noticed that our weather forecast now has snow in the picture and a low in the teens by Sunday night. Thought to self: need to remind husband so he can get firewood ready. Gas truck arrives at that moment and fills the tank.
Was getting ready to walk the heavy muck-barrow down the back path and thought - where are my kids when I need them?! Son appeared and took the wheelbarrow from me.
Walking through the woodland path, which now has two connecting paths that make it so much more interesting. Was thinking "I need a circle somewhere in here." Then I found two vines that had wound themselves perfectly together. It was about 12 feet long. I picked it up and whirled it and then let go. It landed in a perfect circle, perched on top of some brush so that it almost seemed like it's floating in the air.
Standing in the front field watching Keil Bay and the pony playing. Remembered a fall morning soon after we moved here, when the two of them galloped up the hill and Keil Bay jumped a log between two trees. I walked over to the two trees, thinking "I need to put a log here again." Moments later Keil Bay galloped through the two trees and leaped over... nothing!
There were so many of these moments today I couldn't keep track of them. But here's the really funny one:
I was complaining that I needed help with chores. In full Mom mode. Saying maybe I needed to advertise for barn help in exchange for riding. (my kids both know that is so unlikely to happen it's virtually meaningless, but sometimes it gets them moving)
Come in to read email and there is one asking if we are interested in an exchange student.
X is cheerful, positive, spontaneous and open to new challenges. One of X's greatest passions is riding. She has always had horses in her life and has ridden for over 11 years. X also enjoys writing and writes about her day to day activities. She loves animals, especially, horses, cats and dogs.
That one raised my eyebrows a bit.
When we put it out there clearly, we get quick results.
go well, Blue Hors Matine
Sadly, she was put down due to a broken leg at the young age of 13. The statement of her death said:
It is with great sadness that Blue Hors today have had to say goodbye to their wonderful mare, and she was undoubtedly a novelty that will touch people and horses dressage enthusiasts the world over.
I hope that the use of the word novelty is a translation issue and not how she was viewed, but I also know that many horse breeders, riders, and trainers view these animals as livestock, and not as sentient beings.
For a very different take on the death of a horse, GO HERE and read what the Purple Pony has to say.
It is with great sadness that Blue Hors today have had to say goodbye to their wonderful mare, and she was undoubtedly a novelty that will touch people and horses dressage enthusiasts the world over.
I hope that the use of the word novelty is a translation issue and not how she was viewed, but I also know that many horse breeders, riders, and trainers view these animals as livestock, and not as sentient beings.
For a very different take on the death of a horse, GO HERE and read what the Purple Pony has to say.
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