lessons in riding, 7: when it's too hot for me, it's too hot for Keil Bay

We've had a stretch of very unusually hot for this time of year weather last week and now again this week. Highs in the mid-90s, yesterday 96. Although I could get up early and ride, it's not the time of day that fits with my normal routine, so thus far I have been relying on my own comfort level to determine if it's a riding day - or not.

If I'm sweating and uncomfortable by the time I feed breakfast tubs, it's my determination that it's also too hot for the Big Bay. Yesterday I stood in the relative cool shade of the feed room, with sweat dripping into my eyes, which were stinging and burning as a result. No way are we tacking up and heading into the arena on a day like that!

My main objective on these high heat days is the comfort of the horses and donkeys. They get their wet tubs, clean water, extra salt, and I will often put their hay in nets so I can rinse and wet it down. They clearly enjoy the extra hydration.

I offer hosings at least once during hot days and sometimes twice. Yesterday, I was standing out by the water trough, under the oak tree, hose in hand, wetting down my hat so I could cool off a bit before proceeding with chores. Keil Bay marched out, looked at me like I was in dire need of some horse sense, and put his hoof in the trough to wet me (and him) down from head to toe/hoof. It was so clearly a "this poor woman needs some hosing" moment I had to laugh out loud. And thank him, for taking care of me the same way I try to take care of him on very hot days.

They all got hosings and the donkeys came out of the barn to roll in their dust circle. It still makes me laugh when I see them - they love to do what the horses are doing - but donkeys don't generally seem to like water - so they do their own version of hosing - rolling in dust!

I've been letting one gelding a day hang out in the stall and grass paddock on the near side of the barn. The pony is being a big nuisance every day - he crams himself into Keil Bay's stall and Keil gets so annoyed he starts kicking the barn. Short of locking the pony in, which I don't mind doing for a few hours a day but don't like to do for longer than that (he doesn't like drinking out of water buckets - prefers the big troughs), moving one gelding to the other side of the barn has helped alleviate the problem.

Yesterday was Keil's turn on the near side of the barn, and because he gets along well with Salina, I left the stall door open so all four of them: Keil, Salina, and the donkeys, could use both stalls, the barn aisle, and the grass paddock. When I got my things together to come inside, I noticed that Keil (16.2 and 1350 odd lbs., Salina (15.2 and close to 1200 lbs.) and two miniature donkeys had lined themselves up in Salina's 12x12 stall, in prime fan space, and were happily snoozing away.

So much for all that space they had!

We're in for another high 90s day so I'll likely be doing the same routine yet again. Between the water hose with all the cool settings on the spray nozzle, and Keil Bay's magic hoof, we will beat the heat together.

and now, for our forgotten veterans...

a little good news

The Indie Book Collective blog tour that is giving free books to commenters and troops has pushed claire-obscure, newly available on Smashwords, (which allows you to download the e-format that fits Kindles, Nooks, Kobos, Sony's, etc.) to the #2 spot in literary fiction bestsellers!

UPDATE ON MONDAY - claire-obscure is #1 in literary fiction on Smashwords! 

CHECK IT OUT.

If you don't have it yet, come get it now and maybe we can push it to #1 - which would really make my weekend!

Remember when you purchase to click the 'like' button and also come back and leave a review.

BLM press release from February 2011 - fyi

 READ IT HERE.

Craig Schmersal - come on, Craig, SUE ME TOO

UPDATE, 2022:

This post is getting some hits this week, so just in case you’d like to contact or boycott his sponsors, here’s the updated list from his website:

https://www.craigschmersal.com/sponsors

 This is quite possibly one of the most hideous riders I have ever seen in my entire life. Epona TV videotaped this and all I can say is GO EPONA!

Craig, you're an idiot. That's all I have to say. I wish I could be there to video it when karma catches up to you.

Watch the video. Is this someone you'd pay to train your horse? Can you say psychological damage? And although it IS that for the horses he rides, I'm talking about the human. Damaged goods. Ditto for the ring stewards with their heads turned down.



Help spread this across the internet. Let's see if his attorney wants to sue ALL OF US. Wouldn't you just love to show up in court and testify against this creep?

Sorry, folks. I am still mad as hell about the BLM and this came onto my radar a few minutes ago. Not in a very nice mood right now.

Here are his sponsors, from his website. Join me in giving them an earful:


Anderson Bean Boot Company

Bloomer Trailers

Bob's Custom Saddles

Cinch Jeans

Spalding Fly Predators  (sob! I have written them and will wait for a reply - but if they sponsor this man I will have to find a new source for one of my favorite products)

Hyalogic (if you use hylaronic acid - HA - and want an alternative to this company go to Pure Bulk and buy the pure HA powder with instructions to make your own gel - it works - it's pure - and it is way less expensive!)

Kiser Dragmaster

Alltech Horse Feed Supplements


Professional's Choice

Pro Panel Horse Feeders

Purina Mills

Rios of Mercedes Cowboy Boots

Western Hauler Trucks