Momma and Mr. Kid

Posted on January 15, 2014 by Exechorseluver

I was warned not to write this post. I was warned that people might not appreciate my comparisons. I guess sometimes you just step out there into the mud anyway.

Me and my momma.

My mother will be 90 this year. She was one of 11 children born in Oklahoma. Although she was born in the middle of the group, she is the only one still living. My mother is healthy, has no physical ailments, has even gained about ten pounds since coming to Texas. She walks regularly and except for some eye sight issues does extremely well. She has this nagging disease called dementia that takes her further away from me mentally day by day.

I read each day about people dying, people younger than she. And every time the phone rings in the middle of the night, my heart beats faster with fear that it is bad news about her. Likewise, each time she gets a cold or seems under-the-weather, I get mentally prepared that this is it!

I know she cannot live forever. I lost my sister in her 20’s to a car accident. My father has been gone over 20 years. It just seems like God has left my mother and I alone, like nothing bad is going to happen to us. My mother has gotten through cancer and some other rough times. I have had some close encounters with death (highway near misses, visits to ICU) but I just feel I am protected and my mom and I will carry on forever. I get that it is silly to think that way, but I have not really, seriously, thought I would ever lose my mom.

Mr. Kid 32 years young.

Okay, here it comes, the part where I step off into the mud. I am NOT comparing my mother to my horse. Well, sort of! So, I got Kid when he was 20, already considered a senior citizen in the horse world although Kid had no idea. Now, he is 32! Old, by anyone’s estimation.

Kid has no physical aliments. He walks, trots and even runs occasionally. His eye sight is not as good as it once was but he has managed to maintain his weight and perhaps even gain a few pounds in the last year. I don’t know about any dementia that Kid has although he was once the herd leader and now must be ever vigilant not to get hurt or trapped by the other horses.

As I drive up each day I scan the barn to be sure I can find him still standing by the stalls. Each morning, as I feed, I am relieved to see he has made it through another night. He has had his brushes with death as well, like a few months ago when he cut his mouth so badly that I thought we would never stem the bleeding.

It is wrong, I guess, to make an analogy between my momma and my favorite horse. But I see them both in similar ways. They have successfully lived their lives. They are in the golden years. One of the hardest things to do, and yet one of the best things life offers, is the uncertainty of not knowing how their stories will end. Why is that a good thing, because if we knew what lay ahead for us, it would be so overwhelming. We would fear the end, knowing how it would end and not enjoy the days we have. I pray that my momma gently closes her eyes one night and dies peacefully in her sleep. It is the best I can hope for her.

I don’t know how long I will need to provide for my mother and honestly with the costs of care, it could get a little difficult if she lives into her 100’s. But I will always care for her.

Likewise, Kid can always count on having a stall to call his own as long as he can enjoy life. Literally for over five years now, Lauren has thought Kid would die, but he hasn’t and that is wonderful.

I compared my mom to my horse, but just in their stages of life. Obviously, my love for her is different, deeper and more powerful. While I love Kid, he is my horse and I get that. What they share is being allowed to have these years that so many did not get. How great it would have been for my sister to live into her 90’s? How I miss her.

Knowing the end must be around the bend, is challenging and frightening. But neither my momma or Mr. Kid have any idea that death is stalking them. They awaken and enjoy each day. I am grateful.

Thank you for riding along!

Special Gifts

Posted on December 25, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Holding the book of my blog of Bruno’s first 300 days.

The original Christmas story was about a lot of special gifts, those of the Christ child and magical gifts for him. I enjoyed some special, thoughtful gifts today. First, getting up early, seeing the beautiful star filled sky, feeding my animals their Christmas morning breakfast and then watching my grandchildren light up with joy at seeing what Santa brought them.

My daughters each had great surprises for me. Amber and Ryan got me an amazing, huge art canvas of a beautiful paint horse (Lauren says it is Mickey’s mom). Lauren added two beads to my favorite bracelet an Irish one and a seashell for my love of the ocean.

Ally and Luke, did something that I had to keep touching and reading to believe it was really true. They took my “Bruno Stories”, the first 300 days of my blog about him and his journey into our lives, through surgery and on to being a sport horse and had them printed into a hard back book.

It is a beautifully bound book, straight from this blog (all the ones under the category of “a Bruno Story”). Most days, I sit down and write a little each evening. Often I am tired, cranky and frustrated with my ever erratic Internet connection. Sure, I have frequently re-read posts, but nothing prepared me for the sheer volume of words, pictures and pages that would represent a printed copy of my Bruno story.

My friend, Kathy, has always said there is a book in the Bruno story. Well, now there really is! Maybe I will be the only one to read it cover to cover, but that is okay.

Momma and I enjoying Christmas!

This afternoon, alone, after the girls moved on to spend day with their husbands and boyfriend, I went to see mom at the nursing home. The residents seemed a little ill at ease, probably due to the incomprehensible influx of visitors today. Mom had no idea it was Christmas. I almost didn’t give her the simple gifts I had brought. But I did and she was so excited! She had tears of joy over the clothes and perfume I had brought. We hugged each other long and held on tight. Her being in my life is such a wonderful gift.

I hope your day was magical! May the peace of The Lord be with you.

Merry Christmas!

Posted on December 24, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Happiest holidays to you and yours from all of us at Six Meadow Farm.

Waiting for Christmas

Posted on December 23, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Sound asleep Muffy and Sneaky, waiting patiently for Christmas.

BrownDog sound asleep on tiny PuppyGirl.

It is two days until Christmas. The presents are bought, wrapped and waiting. We did a pretty half way job on decorating this year. No one will come to spend Christmas with Lauren and I. Christmas morning we will head to Ally and Luke’s. The tree is up but has only three ornaments, all new, one of a black poodle (surprise), one a Breyer Man O’ War ornament and one a gift from Amanda to Lauren.

Lauren has been on a riding marathon. Since finishing finals a week ago, she has spent hours in the saddle. Bruno went to the trainer last Tuesday. Lauren has been traveling to ride him most days, learning with the big horse. Then she has been coming home to ride Feather. Today I washed seven pairs of riding pants.

It has been a good experience watching Bruno, a year after surgery, getting consistent exercise, training and work. Asking him each day to learn a little more, seems to be working well for both of them. Lauren has never ridden a horse as large as Bruno. Plus, being a thoroughbred, he processes every tiny nuance of what she is doing in saddle. Although six years old, Bruno has not had much chance to get in the ring. He has had his downtime from the track, but not a lot of time under saddle.

Lauren was reminded that Bruno was like kindergartener. He does not have experience in the jumping ring. So, asking for complicated responses as they head over the jumps, is not going to work out. But day by day, they have both learned.

Apparently, Bruno can jump!

After multiple days in the saddle, concluding with a good session with Feather yesterday, today was a day off. Which was good as Lauren started the morning at the clinic with a temp of 101, a throat and ear infection. It is cold here and after I got the stalls done and horses out, we were on the couch to stay. Obviously, the dogs were pretty happy to keep us company in the warm room with the twinkling Christmas lights.

I hope all of you are looking forward to some wonderful holiday time with your families! We are waiting patiently for Christmas. Thanks for riding along.

Bananas for your horses??

Posted on December 7, 2013 by Exechorseluver

In fun things to try with your horses, my friends swear that all their horses eat bananas. And I have witnessed it with my own eyes.

: Caitlyn feeding Ky a banana-seriously!

They go crazy over a nice, ripe banana. I got a challenge yesterday after stating Bruno loaded for the reward of his big apple. I was challenged to get some bananas and see if any of my band of horses would be interested in them. If they loved them like Ky did, then all my loading problems would be a thing of the past. Last night, armed with a bunch of bananas, I headed to the barn.

Now, remember both Snow and Mick were rescue horses that had to learn to eat most anything to survive. Snow has been known to eat all the plums off the plum-tree (I found him covered in plum juice and thought he had blood all over his white coat). Snow will eat figs, oranges, any candy, strawberries, water melon and any type of granola bar. Mick is a little more discerning but he has even eaten Chik-fil-a chicken nuggets (he is a herbivore) because the coating is sweet, loves red licorice, Gatorade and cream soda.

I went one by one down the stall line. Feather, trustingly, took the piece of banana I offered and immediately spit it back at me. No way! Fortunately Kona was my science partner and was eating the fallen banana as we made our way down the aisle. Mickey wouldn’t even consider the banana. I got to Snow and figured, this is my banana eater!

Snow says NO!

Snow gingerly tried the banana. He had cleansed his palate with some cold water, then placed the banana in his mouth. Then spit it out. Wow, not going too far with this.

Moving on to Bruno. Bruno didn’t even eat carrots until Sherre puréed them and fed him through a syringe. Just recently, Bruno started his love affair with apples. So, it was possible that he might like the banana. But, no, another failure.

We were down to the end of the line. I had little hope that Kid would eat the banana. Kid is not a real food oriented horse. He does not even like carrots. Kid did not disappoint. He did not even consider the banana. Not for a moment or even a second, Kid just lifted his head and walked away.

I find it very odd that all of Caitlyn’s horses LOVE bananas and none of my little piglets will even consider them. Let me know if any of your horses like bananas because mine sure don’t.

I guess Bruno won’t be charging off to the trailer in hopes of a banana reward! We did try.

Loading, Riding and Christmas Lights

Posted on December 6, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Lauren’s Christmas lights adorning the barn.

Lauren got the tree up and Sneaky took her spot as a present.

Yesterday morning I got up at my usual time to feed the animals. I had on shorts and a tee-shirt. It was balmy and crazy humid, so much so, that I was sweating by the time I had the morning feed done. It was 4:00 a.m., dark and hot. Seriously.

I had routine doctor/tests things scheduled and had some office work to finish before my first appointment at 9:45. Lauren was headed out to do some shopping with a friend. The horses were out except for Mickey who is again, having abscess troubles (although is much better already today). It started to rain around 9:00. I had Lauren get Bruno and Kid in before she left. It was just drizzling so Feather and Snow stayed out. By 9:15 when I needed to leave, it was all out pouring.

Rarely when I am home, does it matter what I am wearing, but because of my medical appointments, I had made an effort to do my hair, my make-up, and put on nice clothes-well, at least clean clothes. I headed out the door expecting the sheets of rain to fall on me, but not the abrupt temperature change. It had dropped from the high 70’s to the 40’s in the few hours since breakfast. I was hit with a gust of north wind that chilled me to the core.

I got completely soaked by the time I had Feather and Snow successfully back in their stalls. Feather had been standing in the run-in shed and was reasonably dry but Snow was soaked to the skin. No doubt, Feather had kept the white pony out of the shed with her evil ways.

It was good Jordyn had gotten down the day before to ride, because with the temperatures and rain forecasted, she won’t be riding for a while. The whole family came down with Luke still off work following surgery.

Jordyn with little sister, Kendyll, headed to the arena.

Jordyn is still reluctant to trot (since the whole Feather bolted with her thing) but Lauren had them playing “red light-green light” getting in some good practice on stopping and making Snowney go. She is going over trot poles in the jumping position and just being more at ease in the saddle. Kendyll spent the whole time running to Lauren with her arms outstretched wanting Aunt Lauren to pick her up. Kendyll got to take her turn on Snowney at the end, and we almost didn’t convince her to get off!

Trainer Sarah had come Saturday to work on loading giant Bruno who had gotten reluctant (as in never getting in the trailer again) to load after his series of trips to the vet. Lauren has been loading Bruno each day since Sarah’s visit and Bruno has been getting better and better. Yesterday, (before the vast temperature change hit) Lauren haltered him, walked him out of the barn, across the yard, straight up and in the trailer without even picking up the whip. He stood there quietly eating his apple.

What I love most about Sarah working with my animals is that she is always positive and never abusive. It is easy to get frustrated and angry when wanting a horse to load. It can fall apart fast and did for us when we were trying to get Feather to load before Sarah intervened. She uses a dressage length whip with a little tassel on it. She gets the horse so she can hold his leadrope and encourage him forward by tapping on his hind quarters. This allows the handler, Sarah, Lauren, whomever, to load the horse when they are by themselves. Living where we do and with me out of the area most days, this is crucial. We cannot rely on having one person to lead the horse into the trailer while another stands behind it with the whip encouraging it on.

It may take an hour or so, the first time, to get this accomplished (Feather, Sarah said, was the record holder of over two hours to load) but it is a safe, non-violent approach that makes the whole process easier. Ask Lauren for a demonstration sometime. Or I think I actually have a “YouTube” video of Feather loading. Let me know if you want the link or Sarah’s contact information.

Horses when they are lunging, are moving off the whip at the hind quarters, it is really just the same idea. Just controlled, up close, in-hand.

Everyone got bundled up last night for the first of many days to come with cold temperatures and rain. We are lucky to have our nice barn, even though it is totally open to the front, it blocks the strong north wind that roars down our open pastures and keeps everyone dry and comfortable.

Lauren has been busy getting the tree up and some Christmas lights on the barn. It makes it festive at least. I am a little surprised that Bruno has not been inclined to eat the Christmas lights. I mentioned to Lauren that she should have strung them higher so Bruno couldn’t reach them immediately after she had completed stringing them along the 75 feet of barn front. She told me if I was worried about it, I could get up on ladder and re-hang them. Guess we know they are still where they were!

Thanks for riding along. Stay warm, dry and safe. Enjoy this wonderful season.

And the Lesson Goes to…

Posted on November 30, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Sarah giving Lauren tips on getting respect from the big horse

Sarah, who used to run the horse rescue that Mick, Snow and Kid came from, and is my go-to for starting my young horses or problem horses, accepted my invitation to come help work on Bruno’s loading into the trailer. When he came to us Bruno loaded well. I suspect that the series of trailer rides, all ending in pain at the vet, have soured him on loading.

Sarah helped us with frightened, spooky Feather. She trains with positive reinforcement and tough love. She does not put up with any disrespect. She worked with Bruno and with Lauren, whom she claimed was not standing up to Bruno. All those months of babying him through his hoof issue have not boded well with being the boss mare now.

Sarah got Bruno loading consistently. He was not extremely happy in the trailer but Lauren loaded him multiple times. We will continue with our homework and hope to see Bruno happily loading.

Tomorrow Lauren has a lesson with Dev. In a light bulb moment, we both realized we could bring any horse to the lesson. Feather has finished for the season. She could use the work, but we do not have to take her.

Feather says of course, I am going to the lesson! I am the show horse

Bruno could go. It would be good to focus on him, really ready to go for the first time since he came to us. Plus, I really believe he will load happily in the trailer.

Bru says bring it on, I am ready to go

Or since Mickey is finally sound after five weeks off work, it would be fun to take him. It would be way easier on Lauren to bring Mickey. Or so she thinks!

Mickey sticks his tongue out, nanny boo boo, no way she would pick me-free pasture day

And don’t forget, a really fun day could be had on Snowboy!

Tune in tomorrow to see who Lauren picks to be her Sunday ride!

Thanks

Posted on November 29, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Momma hanging with Lauren

Been enjoying a couple days off work for the Thanksgiving holiday. Mostly, anyway. We had been at moms last weekend and I had thought it was a little cool in her room. A cold front was moving through and I kept upping the thermostat each time I came by. Tuesday, they called me to say the heater was out in my mom’s room and they were moving her to another vacant room. Jordyn and I helped move the bed, some chairs and some clothing to get her by, for a few days. It has all been confusing to her. I understand stuff happens, but her heat broke last year and she went without for several days.

Thanksgiving morning the nursing home called to say the housekeeper had found my mom on the floor. She was fine, no injuries, but I feel she was confused going between the new room and her old room. I am thankful she was okay.

I just hate anything that troubles my mother.

Lauren and Jo having breakfast

Part of our chores was to get the truck inspected. There is only one spot in town that does state inspections. So we anticipated a little wait on the last day of the month. We picked up some breakfast and headed to the gas station. The truck passed inspection and we had a great time. Building memories, one glamorous moment after another!

Thanksgiving was spent at Ally’s. Luke and she did a great job on dinner. All of us, had many things to be grateful for and Jordyn led us as we went around the table saying what they were. Family was high on all of our lists. Although Jordyn had Snowboy first on her list. Priorities!

The horses have been in their stalls pretty much non-stop for the last several cold, rainy days. Feather has completed her last show this year, so down time is fine, except for the 57 times a day we get to clean the stalls. We are trying to get Bruno started on his show career. However, while he used to load like a champ, I think he associates the trailer with going to the vet, and it is causing reluctance on his part to load now. Our trainer friend, Sarah, is coming tomorrow to work with us and Bruno to come to an understanding about loading in the trailer. If we get over that hurdle, Bruno will be headed to a lesson Sunday. Wow, I bet that will be something to see! Bruno, in a new place after being in his stall for two weeks. I vote that Dev rides him first!

Hope your holiday was warm and happy! Thanks! For riding along and being a part of our journey.

Snowboy getting out for a little break

Momma, Winning and Stitches

Posted on November 18, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Never a dull moment around here, all week when I had been stopping to see my mom, I had found her asleep in an almost coma like state. Wednesday, I found her sound sleep. Usually, I open her squeaky door and I will wake her up. She has always been a light sleeper. I don’t remember one instance of her ever falling asleep in a chair or even on the couch.

But this week my mother was unwakeable (is that a word?). At one point I laid down next to her, just to hold her hand. She opened her eyes for a moment, stared at me and said, “we have had some wonderful years, haven’t we?” Then I thought she died. It was horrible. I thought her sleeping meds were being given at the wrong time but the nursing staff says no. Saturday, Lauren and I found her sound asleep sitting up on the couch in the main lobby. We had difficulty getting her to her room. We laid her on her bed. Seconds later, we both pushed her further into the bed, lifting her body roughly (although not meaning to). She never opened her eyes.

It hasn’t gotten any better. She does not know me and is extremely confused. No pictures of momma this week as she would have been asleep in all of them! The doctor is running some tests. Please say a prayer for her!

We went Sunday to watch our friend, Kathy’s, horse, go in the jumper classic. We have seen this horse regularly since he was first purchased and have seen him jump well but not quite be a top, winning horse. His name is Capitano and he is a striking, bay horse. He was young when we first saw him go but the couple years of showing and training have done wonders for this horse. Cappy was last to go yesterday, with five horses already clean to the jump off. Trapp (the trainer and rider) rode him clean and in the time allowed to join the others in the jump off. Last to go again, Trapp knew the time he had to beat and that he had to go clean to win.

The Cappy I saw yesterday seemed thrilled to be asked for some speed. Trapp took some quick, tight turns amongst the course jumps. As he gunned it to the last fence, the clock showed he had the win if he could keep the last jump intact. Cap and Trapp flew through the timers and the win was all theirs. It was a beautiful example of schooling your horse along, not asking for too much, too soon, then reaping a great payoff when all your training comes together.

Feather’s beautiful face that we believe was grazed by a hunter’s bullet

We got home to find another bloody horse. Feather had been out in the pasture. It is hunting season. I think and the vet concurs, that a bullet grazed her. Google grazing bullet wounds. Looks like Feather’s face. So, it was off for an emergency session with the vet. We had been bragging at the show, that we had three horses hurt and we were now good to go. Stupid. Feather got some inter dermal (not sure if that is the right word) but little stitches inside the closing stitches. The vet hospital has broken ground on a new wing. I feel we should get a room or stall in our name.

Feather with her new stitches

Snowboy is beginning to look a little suspect, as the only horse not needing vet care in the last three weeks. We should install a camera so we can see what is really happening when we leave the barn.

I have been diagnosed with Shingles so figure the stress is getting to me. Thank you for riding along and keep us in your prayers.

Week update!

Posted on November 15, 2013 by Exechorseluver

We have had ZERO vet visits this week! That is a great statistic! It has been a busy week. Temperatures dipped down in the 30’s for the first time this season. We had gotten out blankets for all the horses and got everyone settled in for the night.

Snow, Mick and Feather

Lauren and I, warmly settled in the living room, came up with a new game we call Bullock Ball (after the place kicker for the Texans who can’t seem to kick anything). I was lying on the couch while Lauren was reclining way back in the leather chair. We took Kona’s squeaky toy football and pitched it at one another. The object was to make contact with your foot, kicking the ball across the room so Kona would retrieve it. We were not very good at it, thus the name Bullock ball! I bet you wish you could hang out with us!

The next evening I met Lauren and Feather for a lesson with Dev. We hadn’t been to a lesson in a few weeks. The weather has been rainy and we have not been able to ride. Feather acted like she had never missed a day. Lauren asked her to jump a little higher. They have work to do to be real fluid but this mare continues to improve.

Amanda and Lauren getting the hay to the barn

Thursday we were lucky enough to get in one more cutting of hay. I had 300 bales sold. We have never had a hay cutting after the time had changed from day light savings time. It got dark way too fast. The baler stopped baling, the truck and hay trailer got stuck in the mud. (I kept moving hay while the men figured out how to pull out the rig.)

But my new Chevy 2500 truck came in handy when it pulled both the Dodge dually truck and trailer with 125 bales of hay out of the mud!

I drove home tonight looking forward to a pretty quiet weekend of some chores and baby sitting. I turned the corner onto my road. You know how you get a glimpse of something but it is too unbelievable to be true? Well, I thought I saw my house in the middle of the street!

Well, it wasn’t my house, but it was a house. It was taking up the entire road. It was skimming the power lines at every house it passed. It went slowly. I saw the hay trailer collecting today’s hay and was grateful not to be unloading it. I was also grateful when the moving house successfully passed my home leaving my electrical service intact.

Thanks for riding along!

Exechorseluver

The life and times of modern day horse woman

Category Archives: Life on the farm