Sunday, February 17, 2008

Days Outside


So I took the plunge. I decided to work every day to get Maddy outside. I am putting everything else in my life on hold for the next seven days and Maddy is my priority. My plan is to go out every morning, work her, and go for a long walks around the pastures so she can visit with the horses and then I put her in a small pen for a few hours. I am giving her 3 cc of ACE which I know a lot of people don't agree with, but this horse has so much adrenaline, my vet and I think to protect her from herself, she needs it for this first week. Everything is coming together and she is adjusting very well. I am allowing her to trot for longer periods to build some muscle before she goes out with the mares. She looks sound and looks like she is feeling good. I introduced her to a big blue tarp and a giant mirror...she was very brave and managed to touch both by the end of our work in the arena. I have been setting up barrels to drive her through and around both on and off line. I am dreaming of trail rides and fun this summer. We are closing in on normalcy.

18 comments:

Jessica said...

It sounds like you're making progress. Good to hear it. :)

Original L said...

Looking good! I think the Ace is a good idea. She's not a gelding, so you don't have to worry about that, and it won't hurt to use it to keep her more relaxed for now...

Rising Rainbow said...

I think you need to do what works for you. If ace makes this whole transition easier for you, then go for it. Don't worry about what other people think, you need to do what will make it come out as a good experience for both of you.

A woman I respect very much as a horse trainer always used ace the first time she clipped young horses. She could get through it without the ace, she is a great hand with a horse. But she believed it was much less stressful for the horse. She never had a wreck or a horse that needed to learn to get over fear of the clippers.

There are many out there who would agree with your use of ace. I know my friend would.

Molly said...

I love that you are committed to making this Maddy's week. The addition of ACE simply gives you confidence that she won't blow up. She's had a long period of no play. We can all appreciate that explosive possibility.

Beth said...

YEAH!!!!!!!

Yes, and DO what WORKS FOR YOU!

I ADORE the new barn I am at, but the owner disagrees a smidge on the supplements I am feeding, but I asked her to still feed them and explained why.

Have you tried quiettex instead of ace, do you think that would work? I dont like ace very much messes with their muscle movement. BUT with that said DO what is right for you and Maddy!

Callie said...

She's such a pretty girl. It's nice to hear that you are making progress. I think if the ACE is what she needs to keep her safe, then you are right to do that.

Anonymous said...

By Turkish , what sub-genre are you talking about? Here is a good site with free, legal downloads of current Turkish pop music: http://www.ttnetmuzik.com/Sayfalar/AnaSayfa.aspx

My 15-year old is into Led Zepplin and Pink Floyd mostly. When I asked about Turkish pop she said she couldn't think of any good ones off-hand. How is it that you are into Turkish music?

Anonymous said...

By Turkish , what sub-genre are you talking about? Here is a good site with free, legal downloads of current Turkish pop music: http://www.ttnetmuzik.com/Sayfalar/AnaSayfa.aspx

My 15-year old is into Led Zepplin and Pink Floyd mostly. When I asked about Turkish pop she said she couldn't think of any good ones off-hand. How is it that you are into Turkish music?

Rising Rainbow said...

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Anonymous said...

Scary stuff! The acrobatic horse turned out after a lengthy rest.

I think both of you deserve a good dose of ACE!

Devoting a week to the transition is a good idea, too.

Hang in there -- and keep us posted!

20 meter circle of life said...

Do what you need to keep everyone safe and I am sure that in no time you will be ACE free. I am sure Maddy is enjoying this one on one time with you!

EquineSpirit said...

Glad to hear things are going well. By the way...is your training/carrot stick pink or is it just the way the light is hitting it...or maybe it's just my monitor?

photogchic said...

Beth--Maddy get a supplement called "Quiessence" already and she is still "hot:-)."

KatieK-I listen to Tarkan and Rachid Taha a lot...I bellydanced for years with a troupe and after getting back into horses, my commitment to practice faded and I just dance for fun these days. Always looking for new music to keep me moving.

EquineSpirit---yes...you have a good eye...my pink carrot stick:-)

Esoxer said...

KatieK, please offer suggestions for new music, Rachid hasn't made anything great in many years and Tarkan is getting a little too silly anymore :)

And before you say anything, Photogchic knows Rachid Taha is French Algerian, not Turkish. But anything Rai-style would be great!

EquineSpirit said...

My stick is pink too! You didn't by chance purchase it from Tami in Ohio did ya? She's who I got mine from. :)

Kristine said...

I'm glad to hear you and Maddy are making some progress :)

Esther Garvi said...

I really hope you get those great trails this summer! And I also hope the weather will be superb, so they can do your trails justice!! Greetings from Niger

learninghorses said...

Sounds like a good plan.