Fox and I had a really nice walk out last night. Apart from trying to steal apples off the trees he was an absolute angel. My day was ruined however by this:
33 dogs were massacred at a farm in Northland
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10622842
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10622729
Warning: there are some graphic photos so don't look if you don't want to see.
First I would like to say, I have no problem with a well placed bullet being used as a form of humane euthanasia. Obviously not my preferred method but when done right it is quick and painless. This was a fucking slaughter! The poor SPCA inspectors who had to go and deal with this were interviewed last night on TV. One of them looked like she was about to have a melt down but she held it together, brave woman.
I don't know why the guy signed his dogs over, why he had so many though apparently they were all in good condition but I do know the method used to kill the dogs was completely inhumane.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Getting Started
Why is it that getting started again is the hardest part?
I haven't been riding regularly since probably July. I can't believe I only just realised this. That is over half a year! Fox had a couple of months off over winter while I concentrated on study. I got back into it for a month or two but it was only a couple of rides a week. Then Fox had his accidents in October/November. Now here I am in January, with most of Summer (what we actually had of it) behind me. After last weeks post, I still can't get my A into G and get out there and do it.
There are a million things that seem to have taken priority over riding. None of them, except walking the dogs, are as much fun and even they have been neglected a bit. When did boring life take over? I can't remember the last time I did something fun, just for me, the last time I did any yoga or took the dogs out without any time constraints. I firmly believe that I was put on this earth to have a good time. Not to work endless hours or to do endless hours renovating or doing housework. Sure, these things need to be done to facilitate fun but they are not what life should be about. I'm pissed off that I let it get this way and pissed off that it took me so long to realise what was going on.
Riding used to be something that my happiness hinged on. If I went for too long without riding I would get cranky and my boy friend would send me away for a few hours with strict instructions to ride. What the hell happened to that!? I am beyond frustrated at myself. So tonight Fox and I are going for a walk. Just a handwalk, nothing special but I need to make a start. I need to start making time for riding. And actually all the other things I enjoy too.
Life is here to be lived, and all I'm doing at the moment is existing. Not good.
I haven't been riding regularly since probably July. I can't believe I only just realised this. That is over half a year! Fox had a couple of months off over winter while I concentrated on study. I got back into it for a month or two but it was only a couple of rides a week. Then Fox had his accidents in October/November. Now here I am in January, with most of Summer (what we actually had of it) behind me. After last weeks post, I still can't get my A into G and get out there and do it.
There are a million things that seem to have taken priority over riding. None of them, except walking the dogs, are as much fun and even they have been neglected a bit. When did boring life take over? I can't remember the last time I did something fun, just for me, the last time I did any yoga or took the dogs out without any time constraints. I firmly believe that I was put on this earth to have a good time. Not to work endless hours or to do endless hours renovating or doing housework. Sure, these things need to be done to facilitate fun but they are not what life should be about. I'm pissed off that I let it get this way and pissed off that it took me so long to realise what was going on.
Riding used to be something that my happiness hinged on. If I went for too long without riding I would get cranky and my boy friend would send me away for a few hours with strict instructions to ride. What the hell happened to that!? I am beyond frustrated at myself. So tonight Fox and I are going for a walk. Just a handwalk, nothing special but I need to make a start. I need to start making time for riding. And actually all the other things I enjoy too.
Life is here to be lived, and all I'm doing at the moment is existing. Not good.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Tattoo
الريح من السماء هي التي
كمات بين الحصان وآذان
This is going to be my first tattoo. It is an Arabic proverb that says 'The wind of heaven is that which blows between a horse's ears.'
I love the characters of Arabic. Looks much better than getting it written in English. My other choice was 'My treasures do not clink together or glitter, they gleam in the sun and neigh in the night.' It was a bit too long and didn't have quite the same feeling with it.
My next decision is where to actually put it. At the moment I'm leaning towards it being just under one of my shoulder blades.
I have a few ideas for a couple more but this is going to be the starting point.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Cotton Wool
Ha this is my fiftieth post!
I've decided to just get out there and do it. After this weekend, my social and academic calendar slow down for a bit and in a week or so, my work may slow down too. Bills should all be paid this week which leaves money free for Fox's physio, yay! So next week it is all on!
I have a horse who is sound at the moment, why am I not riding him? Time is not an excuse though I have been incredibly busy. In the past I have always made time. My theory is it's the Cotton Wool Factor. Fox's legs, DJD, chest wound and back/pelvis have all hammered my belief in my strong seemingly untouchable boy. Sure he was crazy, but his body has always been sound. Now I want to protect him, coddle him, make sure nothing bad happens to him.
It's rubbish really. It's time to get over myself. Fox likes getting out and about just as much as I do. It's probably doing more harm than good having him sitting in the paddock doing nothing. Sure he has a few creaks, but he isn't sore, I am 100% certain his legs now look the same as they always have, whether that is good or bad, his chest has healed up really well. I have no more excuses.
Sure we might not be able to do amazing schooling or flying over jumps, but we sure can go for some nice rides. Keep it slow and steady. Start having some fun again!
I've decided to just get out there and do it. After this weekend, my social and academic calendar slow down for a bit and in a week or so, my work may slow down too. Bills should all be paid this week which leaves money free for Fox's physio, yay! So next week it is all on!
I have a horse who is sound at the moment, why am I not riding him? Time is not an excuse though I have been incredibly busy. In the past I have always made time. My theory is it's the Cotton Wool Factor. Fox's legs, DJD, chest wound and back/pelvis have all hammered my belief in my strong seemingly untouchable boy. Sure he was crazy, but his body has always been sound. Now I want to protect him, coddle him, make sure nothing bad happens to him.
It's rubbish really. It's time to get over myself. Fox likes getting out and about just as much as I do. It's probably doing more harm than good having him sitting in the paddock doing nothing. Sure he has a few creaks, but he isn't sore, I am 100% certain his legs now look the same as they always have, whether that is good or bad, his chest has healed up really well. I have no more excuses.
Sure we might not be able to do amazing schooling or flying over jumps, but we sure can go for some nice rides. Keep it slow and steady. Start having some fun again!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Bonding and Sunscreen
Fox isn’t getting ridden again, his back is a bit sore and there are some slide marks in the paddock which has been a bit of a slippery mess. So instead of riding, I have taken the opportunity to do a bit of bonding. I sit and eat in his paddock. Fox comes and grazes beside me. It is very relaxing and peaceful until the sand flies find out where I am. I have also been finding his itchy spots. I spent ten minutes the other day giving him a good old wither scratch which he showed his appreciation by trying to groom me! Not the most comfortable experience! He’s also been getting his back massaged every day. I am hoping that he will come right so I can go for a quick ride this weekend.
I’ve been using clicker training to get Fox to let me put sunscreen on his nose. It is slowly working though I’m having to use more pressure than perhaps I should. It’s something that needs doing so I’ve got to get it done. What is most noticeable to me is how much less fear and frustration I feel using this method. Before, I would have got angry with Fox’s non compliance and frightened when Fox got all big. This way there is no fear, and just laughter at his antics. This alone is a great feeling plus the added bonus that the sunscreen actually goes on Fox’s nose as opposed to on me or the ground.
Unexpected bills mean I haven’t been able to get the physio out again for the saddle fitting and check over. Fox’s legs are still a conundrum. They are up and down, up and down. They seem to be best on cool mornings so I am going to start cold hosing again. I stopped as it didn’t seem to be doing anything and it doesn’t actually help lymphatic congestion but if there is a correlation between cool and no swelling then maybe it’s worth a go. He’ll also get his Back on Track boots on again now that all his chafing has cleared up. They have taken an absolute hammering, the little hole in the boot that happened on Guy Fawkes has spread despite me taping it. Lucking it is only on bit where the Velcro straps fasten too. There are also holes on the inside of each boot where Fox must rub together when he walks.
What I’m really wanting to find out is his long term prognosis. What impact will this have on his legs? To me, they look the same as they did before the injury. He is perfectly sound, tracking up well and more than happy to have a hoon in his paddock. The next step may have to be an ultrasound which may or may not tell me anything. This involves convincing my partner that the expense is necessary. In emergencies, he is ok with forking out money but this isn’t really an emergency situation and may in fact be totally useless. This combined with his DJD may mean he might only be suitable for hacking. No serious schooling and no jumping. I’m not sure how I feel about that at the moment. At the moment I just want to ride for longer than 20 minutes and go faster than a walk.
I’ve been using clicker training to get Fox to let me put sunscreen on his nose. It is slowly working though I’m having to use more pressure than perhaps I should. It’s something that needs doing so I’ve got to get it done. What is most noticeable to me is how much less fear and frustration I feel using this method. Before, I would have got angry with Fox’s non compliance and frightened when Fox got all big. This way there is no fear, and just laughter at his antics. This alone is a great feeling plus the added bonus that the sunscreen actually goes on Fox’s nose as opposed to on me or the ground.
Unexpected bills mean I haven’t been able to get the physio out again for the saddle fitting and check over. Fox’s legs are still a conundrum. They are up and down, up and down. They seem to be best on cool mornings so I am going to start cold hosing again. I stopped as it didn’t seem to be doing anything and it doesn’t actually help lymphatic congestion but if there is a correlation between cool and no swelling then maybe it’s worth a go. He’ll also get his Back on Track boots on again now that all his chafing has cleared up. They have taken an absolute hammering, the little hole in the boot that happened on Guy Fawkes has spread despite me taping it. Lucking it is only on bit where the Velcro straps fasten too. There are also holes on the inside of each boot where Fox must rub together when he walks.
What I’m really wanting to find out is his long term prognosis. What impact will this have on his legs? To me, they look the same as they did before the injury. He is perfectly sound, tracking up well and more than happy to have a hoon in his paddock. The next step may have to be an ultrasound which may or may not tell me anything. This involves convincing my partner that the expense is necessary. In emergencies, he is ok with forking out money but this isn’t really an emergency situation and may in fact be totally useless. This combined with his DJD may mean he might only be suitable for hacking. No serious schooling and no jumping. I’m not sure how I feel about that at the moment. At the moment I just want to ride for longer than 20 minutes and go faster than a walk.
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