Can we have an adult re-rider support group?

[Opus1]

[QUOTE=pony4me;6182853]
Meanwhile, the very nice sale horse I was riding got sold, so I’m back to riding lesson horses. They’re wonderful steady horses, but it’s not the same as riding a nice Adult Hunter.[/QUOTE]

You’re not kidding! I love the school horses I’ve rode over the past year, but riding Trainer No. 2’s Dutch WB and then the guy I’m looking to lease … wow. The WB is nice and steady, but agile and quick to respond to your commands.

My lease guy requires you to focus at all times, is responsive, likes to work and isn’t thick sided at all. Just a nice, gentle nudge or squeeze and he does what he’s told, with no attitude at all.

As someone who’s rode nothing but school horses her whole life, I can start to finally understand why people pay good money for the right horse. (Of course, in my neck of the Georgia woods, good money is anything above $1000)

[Dewey]

I’m starting to seriously shop for a safety vest. Anyone have recommendations? I’m not near a place where I can try anything on, unfortunately. The Airowear Outlyne Body Protector Looks promising; anyone know anything about it?

[spacytracy]

I don’t. Sorry. I have been contemplating this as well. My hesitation is, I would really like something lower on the abdominals, since that’s my weakest area. But obviously they are cut so you have freedom of movement. I’m pretty sure the only thing that would satisfy my criteria would be a suit of armour.

[dreaminOTTB]

I have the Tipperary vest. I know some people like it, others don’t. It’s the one that fit me the best. It has the freedom of movement, but really covers the lower back/tailbone area which was an area I was concerned about (I always seem to hit that area when I come off). Overall, I am very happy with it.

[Dewey]

Actually, spacytracy, I’ve been reading up on these vests, and there’s one that might almost qualify as armor. It’s a kind of cage thing made of aluminum. Wish I could remember what it’s called.

[wntrwhte]

[QUOTE=Dewey;6185221]
Actually, spacytracy, I’ve been reading up on these vests, and there’s one that might almost qualify as armor. It’s a kind of cage thing made of aluminum. Wish I could remember what it’s called.[/QUOTE]

It is the EXO vest by Woof. Has a magnesium cage. I found them horribly uncomfortable and I don’t think it does what spacy is wanting, which is to protect the lower abdominal area. They’re designed to protect the spine and ribcage.

[OneGrayPony]

spacytracy, what about wearing a good old fashioned girdle? Mind you, I don’t know where one might find one these days, but I’m thinking that might be enough protection for you…perhaps not…but it’s a thought.

dreamin, my horse colicked in October…really from October-November. It was a bad impaction, and because I hadn’t purchased insurance I WAS faced with the potential of that decision. It was a horrible horrible thing to go through (although…I’ve put one through colic surgery and I’m not sure I’d do that again, regardless of insurance…I don’t know…perhaps depends on the horse). He hasn’t done it since, although he gets a little tooth grindy from time to time. Some of it was related to the weird weather we had this fall, and some of it was related to the management at his last barn :-/

I was hoping to ride today but last night while cooking in the kitchen I suddenly got a sharp pain in my right knee. I have ZERO idea what caused it…it almost dropped me. I iced it etc. and then this morning I woke up and now BOTH knees ache. I suspect that it’s actually related to my Dankso clogs which are SUPPOSED to be really good for your knees but I’m wondering if they make me walk straight or something which causes knee pain. So today I’m in my “suburban mom uniform” (yoga pants, t-shirt, sweatshirt and sneakers) to see if they’ll calm down. If they don’t, I’ll have to longe. GAH, it’s always something.

[Dewey]

[QUOTE=wntrwhte;6185250]
It is the EXO vest by Woof. Has a magnesium cage. I found them horribly uncomfortable and I don’t think it does what spacy is wanting, which is to protect the lower abdominal area. They’re designed to protect the spine and ribcage.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, I didn’t think it would be one she’d be interested in. I just wanted to show the picture. It’s hard to imagine anyone wearing a thing like that. I’m not surprised you found it uncomfortable. It’s interesting, though, to see what people have come up with for designs.

The Tipperary looks like the most comfortable one I’ve seen, but it doesn’t meet current safety standards. Some have said that that is because a rider could be impaled while wearing it (which doesn’t seem likely). I just don’t know.

[Dewey]

My mare has aural plaque. She has a spot about the size of a dime, or a little smaller, in one ear. I figure I had better get her a fly mask with ears as they say it can be irritated and spread by fly bites.

I think I know where it came from as one of the mares in her pasture has a severe case with ugly cauliflower growths in both ears. I’m going to mention to the B/O that she suggest the owner of that mare get a fly mask as well.

[spacytracy]

My gelding has them. He’s had it for as long as I’ve had him. I try to not mess with it too much, as it is painful for him, and I worry the more I mess with it, the more it comes back. Once in awhile I go in with swat or some neosporin type cream to get the crusties out.

Sometimes I think it itches him because he sometimes likes when I do go in there, he kind of likes it.

I am so unsure on what to do about them - some say leave it, some say treat it.

I put a mask on all my horses anyway because I feel bad for them in the summer with all the bugs. I figure if I can at least eliminate the face bugs, they can concentrate on swatting the body ones.

[spacytracy]

Dewey, hows your mare’s feetsies doing???

So stupid me sees someone on fb post this link to Camelot’s Horse Weekly. SHOULD HAVE NEVER LOOKED.

How cute is this little mare??? #358
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=390727110937763&set=a.390157814328026.106673.159567607387049&type=3&theater

[Dewey]

Yes, I have been reading up on aural plaques, and it seems that there’s not much that can be done and no effective treatment. I am just going to keep an eye on it. I hope it doesn’t spread, though. I have noticed that her affected ear is very sensitive. I was showing the former owner yesterday, and he reached for her ear. I thought she was going to break the crossties in response though she stopped pulling as soon as he let go.

Thanks for asking about her feet, spacytracy. She is still sore but better than the last time I rode (Tuesday). I just did a little hacking yesterday.

DD went with me yesterday and met the little girl who is buying her beloved Jack. She also watched the girl have a lesson on him. It was sad, but I think she was relieved to meet the girl and see for herself that they are a good match.

[Dewey]

[QUOTE=spacytracy;6185822]
So stupid me sees someone on fb post this link to Camelot’s Horse Weekly. SHOULD HAVE NEVER LOOKED.

How cute is this little mare??? #358
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=390727110937763&set=a.390157814328026.106673.159567607387049&type=3&theater[/QUOTE]

Really cute. :no: Hope someone snaps her up…

[Pancakes]

Has anyone else’s horse acted strangely in the last 2 days? Dash was SUPER off her game, acting nervous/anxious/distracted and restless. She wouldn’t pick up her legs over jumps and went down on her knees after once, and I landed on her neck. She wasn’t hurt thankfully. Today she was back to normal. What gives? Anyone else go through something similar? Is it the solar flare??? I’m gathering not-so-scientific evidence.

I love reading about everyone’s days. I wish I could offer some advice on buying vests, but I’ve never shopped for one nor worn one before.
That mare is so cute! I also don’t have any more to add about aural plaques…the knowledge I gained in vet school left my mind long ago, sadly, when I didn’t have to use it anymore.

Dash and I are really excited and working towards the shows next weekend and the end of the month. She’s come so far. I have some grievances/rants though:

• Wearing tall boots again for lessons in prep for the show. OUCH. And totally slippery, and painful where the crease hits my ankle. I can’t feel where my leg is as well. It’s a weird feeling. What to do? Does it just get better? How do I get my boots softer?
• Position: All of a sudden my leg is sliding back and I’m sliding forward. WTF? This happened before I got the tall boots on.

I did get some awesome used show clothes from the nearby consignment tack store, which has some really high-end stuff due to WEF being right nearby. I got a Grand Prix show coat (retail $400), Tailored Sportsman breeches, and a Tailored Sportsman shirt all for $225. Not too bad!!! Hopefully we’ll play and look the part next weekend…

And now for the MOST exciting part…my trainer has a new horse! I went horse shopping with her, her assistant trainer, and her family. We are so excited!!! He’s a truly handsome boy, about 15.2 and a registered no-spot paint (APHA). He’s dapple gray with a big blaze and a beautiful head/face. He’s really out of shape though, and knows a lot of the basics. He’s a really quick learner, very honest, and has the cutest personality. I’ll try to get a good picture soon. He’s a real stunner. I can’t wait to take him and Dash out on trails now! We need a name though…suggestions are welcome!

[HazelG]

Hi everybody. Happy to see Friday arrive, that’s for sure! Crazy weather up here, freakish snowstorm!

Dewey how is horse ownership going?

Opus have you ridden the potential lease again?

PaintedHunter I’ve been reading your thread on the bucking problem. Sounds like some good ideas on there. I agree, it really does sound like there’s a message from him for you. If you don’t get anywhere, PM me and I will give you the contact info for my animal communicator. I personally believe in her (have tried others who I haven’t but this person is different).

How is everyone’s fitness program going? I’m pleased to report that I am back to yoga every day this week except today (ridiculous day at work and a school presentation for my daughter that I had to attend. ) I’m looking into Insanity workout (I fear I may be too old for that one) and a DVD set that I read about on here called “success in the saddle”. Has anyone seen or tried that one?

It’s school break for my kids this week so no work for me :). Will be going away for a few days so I will miss my lesson this week. On a happier note, the cut on my son’s horse’s leg is finally healed and he is back to riding and jumping him. Big smiles on both their faces tonight, despite the horrendous weather. Can’t wait for spring!!

[dreaminOTTB]

OneGrayPony - mine had a medical colic in December and spent about a week at Rood and Riddle in order to get him past the worst of it. It was pretty rough for a few days, but he has now recovered fully. I did not have him covered under insurance and the cost was pretty high. The treatment at R&R was exemplary though and I think that if that situation presented itself, I would do it again. Now a surgical colic … I don’t know.

HazelG - I need to get on a fitness program - badly! I’m recovering from injuries and lost a LOT of muscle and just overall conditioning. I need to get back in shape. Any one have any other ideas besides yoga?

[HazelG]

Dreamin there’s a great thread on here about fitness for riding. That’s where I got the ideas about “success in the saddle” and Insanity workout. I will say though that it’s a bit intimidating to read. I think the people that are posting on there are MUCH younger than I am, and don’t have jobs with ridiculous hours, children to shuttle around to activities, laundry, etc etc etc…

i really have to get back to fitness though. Had a private lesson this week (everyone else was on vacation or ill) so there was nowhere to hide. I was so winded I could hardly breathe :(. It’s just finding, or creating the time, and getting over the psychological bump of how I know I am going to feel at the beginning.

Pancakes good luck with the upcoming shows. You will have to let us know how they go. Sounds like a steal of a deal for the show clothes. I think horses do react to things like changes in barometric pressure. You guys have been having some wild weather down there from what I read in the paper, maybe that’s part of it. About the leg slipping back, sounds like what I do too. I think it’s a common problem and probably not related to the boots. I’m in no position to be giving anyone advice on how to ride, but my trainer talks about keeping your “seatbelt” on. Like in a car. So when you go into two point make sure your butt/crotch is over the back of the saddle, which keeps your legs where they are supposed to be, instead of over the pommel which makes your leg slide back. Trot around like that for a bit pushing your bum backwards, as if you had a seatbelt around your waist preventing you from opening your hip angle too much and leaning too far forward. Not sure if that makes any sense, it’s easier to show than to explain… And I was in West Palm for a day last month, I wish I knew there was a consignment tack shop I would have been there in a heartbeat!!

[dreaminOTTB]

Can I vent for just a second?

I had a bad day when it comes to my confidence in riding/horses. I was riding a friend’s horse, which actually happens to be a horse that was “retired” from a local schooling barn where I used to take lessons and show. I used to ride and show this horse a lot and am very familiar with her. When the program decided she no longer fit their needs, they put her up for bid and my friend (who also had a lot of experience riding her) was able to purchase her. Anyways, enough with the background. I was riding her today and having a FANTASTIC ride. She was listening, calm, responsive and just looking and feeling so wonderful. Not that she doesn’t have those days, but she can be a bit of princess at times and occasionally needs a bit of convincing that what you’re asking isn’t going to kill her (usually very much on the lazy side).

We were trotting around very nicely tonight in the facility’s jump arena. Although some deer had made an appearance a few minutes earlier - and quickly left - they hadn’t fazed her. We continued our trotting and out of nowhere, she BOLTED, then started a long series of bucking. I’m not sure what happened after that because I felt off, hitting my side and head.

I’m getting a lot of “if you had a stronger leg/core, you wouldn’t have come off” and “you really need to return to basics so you don’t have accidents” (I have had two other accidents in the past year, one a horse that bucked me off in a show, another from a horse that spooked and ran while I was standing next to it). While I agree that I need to work on basics (I think all riders should always work on basics), the people who are telling me this are those that weren’t there to see the bolt/bucking and I just think it’s hard for someone to tell me what I should or should not have sat/stayed on for when they couldn’t have seen the situation for themselves.

I’m sorry … I’m already beating myself up enough over this as it is. I know I’m not a great rider or anything, but how would you respond to a friend or person you know who just came off? Sorry for the long vent …

[Dewey]

Well, OTTB, I am feeling very annoyed on your behalf. I can’t imagine anyone at my barn saying such a thing to me whether they had seen me come off or not. What nerve!

So sorry you fell, though. It sounds from your description as if there wasn’t much you could do. Hope you’re OK!!

[pony4me]

Hope you’re ok. My response to coming off, or someone else coming off is “$hit happens.” Sometimes you stay on through the unfortunate event; sometimes you come off. Same for everyone else. No one should do the “if you…(insert perfect world scenario here)…then it wouldn’t have happened.”

As long as you’re ok, or are going to be ok, you just move on. Your fall is already yesterday’s news. Today is another day.