What's Up Wednesday

 

The weather has been all over the place up here in New England. But I did manage to ride more days than not the past week, so that's been wonderful. The horses had Friday off. And this is kind of a funny story why. I was kind of humming and hawing on if I wanted to ride or not that day. It was cold. Like never got to 40 and it was damp and overcast so it felt colder. And then I got a text that they were coming to take a look at the driveway that got torn up last week. And in a shocking event that never happens they were able to come back same day and get to work. I figured I didn't need to ride while there was heavy machinery here so I just didn't. But I was very grateful for the excuse, because I really was having a hard time motivating. 

The driveway isn't done getting fixed yet, but it is at least safe again. So I'll take that. 

I also wound up not riding Saturday because the high was 36. But I did spend a good long time dragging the ring and getting the footing just right. And it was LOVELY to ride on it all freshly dragged on Sunday! My helper usually drags once during the week, but he likes to see how fast he can do it which leaves speed bumps and sometimes even ruts if he picks up a rock. Not to mention all the jumps he hits... I may take this particular task off his plate going forward. Anyway, it was nice to spend the time really getting it just right. 

We've had some really nice days this week which has been much needed though. It's been windy, but more like gusty rather that sustained winds. I'll be honest though, I wasn't sure Monday or yesterday if I'd get on Al. Monday because the neighbor... And yesterday because despite my kicking my worker out in the afternoon, no sooner had he left that the state showed up on the road to do tree work. I know I've mentioned before Al gets very bothered by chainsaw noise. Like he can hear it miles away and will stare very bothered out his stall window until it stops. So with it so close by... I thought our day might be ruined. In the past, he'd still be bothered even when it stopped, but I got lucky yesterday. Since I was late getting started, I didn't get on him until 4, and the trucks had already finished for the day. After a little ground work, I climbed on and had a wonderful ride on him. The neighbor even came out and started doing who knows what outside (I swear, he waits until he sees the dark horse come out) and Al just did his job. Both days actually. Which isn't to say he give me all of his attention the entire ride. He doesn't. It IS Al after all. But he's making a good effort, and I'll take what I can get. I really think the Back on Track cap is helping, but maybe that's just me drinking the Kool Aid. Regardless, it's been nice!

Things are going well with all of them in terms of getting back to work. We're trotting ten minutes now, so probably this weekend we'll start adding in canter too. I'm probably taking things too slowly, but they're all getting older and I think slower is always better. I think my body appreciates it too. I mean they're doing ten minutes of trot, but that means I'm doing 30. Ya know? 

Today there's a chance we get rained out, but I'm going to try and get as many ridden as I can. I also have to be done on the earlier side for Passover dinner, so I we'll see what gets done. They're going to have tomorrow off. Temps are tanking again and it may also rain some more. So a good rest day for them. I think we've been doing five days a week pretty consistently the last three or so weeks, so the extra day off tomorrow fits into that. Friday and Saturday, though cooler should be decent riding days. Sunday might be another rain out. But it's spring, and that's just how it goes. I'm taking my Monday regardless of what happens! 

But also, I'm trying to get less worked up about the horses' schedules. Ideally I want to ride six days a week, but if that doesn't happen, it doesn't happen. The horses are fine. They don't gain or lose all their fitness in a day or two. Lots of horses get ridden three or four days a week and still do great. We're not training for the upper levels. We're just trying to have fun and be the best versions of ourselves we can be. And that includes not feeling stressed about things that don't actually matter that much. 

I am still, however, having big feelings about my own availability. I went on and on yesterday about feeling annoyed by my schedule being disrupted. Adding fuel to that fire, my mom had scheduled Passover dinner with my brother's family without ever talking to me about it. So they all decided it would be tonight at 5pm. No one ever told me until I asked if we were doing it. Guys. My mom is 20 minutes from me, and my horses get fed at 5. Or later. Never before. Which my family should know since I bring that up every time we schedule something. Guess I'll just be late. 

Then I just got a text that they are stopping by to go over what else I want done with the driveway today. Like really? How about, are you free? Can we meet today? I do not have time for that today. But no response, so I guess we'll just see what happens. It's just so frustrating. Like no one considers me. Which is maybe a selfish thought, but I'm just tired I guess of being at everyone's whim but my own. 

On the plus side, at least I don't have to figure out dinner tonight, right? Sigh. Anyway, I'm off to try and get these horses ridden and fed before our Seder. Guess who's gonna smell like a barn at the dinner I'm late for?? I guess that will make us even. Their penance for not considering me is that they have to smell me. Heehee. 

Truthful Tuesday

 

So last week was one of those weeks where I had something additional to do outside of the norm every single day. And I was SO looking forward to my Monday this week. I don't ride on Mondays. I have my helper in the morning for chores and turnout/in. All I have to do on Mondays is make Shiny's hay bags, feed all the meals, top off waters, and do night check. Since I have less to do in the barn that day, I usually tend to all the household chores, do my PT exercises, run errands, and clock some work for TurnoutHQ. Now that I'm HAPPILY back in the saddle, my weekend days in the barn are a solid 10-12 hours between riding and chores. Needless to say, I very much look forward to my Mondays. But alas, my worker called out this week. So after a crazy week and two very long weekend days, I had to do the barn Monday. And it was actually a really nice day so I decided to ride. Today, I figured I'd catch up on a few things I couldn't get to yesterday, and then go ride. And now comes my confession for today. 

My morning helper is also the lawn guy. After calling out yesterday, he thought he would stay late today and start spring cleanup outside. But without asking me first. And here's my confession. I was really frustrated by this. I just got really fed up with him just doing what he wants when he wants around here. And I'm not sure if that's entirely fair, but it was very much how I was feeling. Now, I'm not an asshole. I didn't tell him that. But I did tell him he needed to be done for the day when it was after noon and I needed to start riding. I probably would be less bothered if I'd had my Monday. But this was the second one in a row that turned out to not be truly my "day off" and I was just needing some peace and quiet. (Not that I really get that with the neighbor...) Anyway. That's my confession. I had big feelings today. 

Thursday's Threads

 

Outfit Day! We aren't getting too all in on outfits just yet thanks to all the mud required layers to stay warm... But we're getting there! Today's model is Shiny, and here's what she's wearing:

She's the cutest. 

Bridle: Pinnacle

Brow band: Dark Jewel Designs

Guess I should have shot this from the other side, I didn't realize it came out so dark! But anyway, this is our bitless bridle from Pinnacle that I really like. I've had a few over the years, and this is my favorite. 

Saddle:Butet
Saddle Pad: Smartpak
Half Pad: Stephens

I forgot I had these Smartkpak saddle pads, but I'm glad I rediscovered them because I like them a lot! They are kind of a baby pad hybrid. A little more structured that a regular baby pad, but not bulky like a saddle pad. This half pad was Pammon's, and the quilt barn is green. I only have two green mattes half pads, so this one is serving that purpose for Shiny. It's a hair big for this saddle, but good enough. She isn't wearing boots today because mud. 

Here's what I wore this week:

Yeah, it's still been chilly. But today might get to 60 so I'm pretty excited for that! Despite the cold, I'm trying to help spring along with some  pastels today. I thought about wearing the mint colored boots, but they aren't mud friendly so I went with these older ones instead. Still pastel adjacent! 

Helmet: One K

I had meant to pop some lavender accents into this helmet, but I forgot apparently. So it's just gray. But it matches my boots anyway!

Sweater: J Crew

Vest: Eddie Bauer

At the end of last winter I replaced my old black Eddie Bauer vest with this new one. The old one was probably ten years old. The pockets were all torn, it had a few small holes, and the zipper was only a few wears away from quitting completely. So it was time. And I'm glad I did it because Eddie Bauer is going out of business. I popped over to their nearby outlet the other day to try and snag some deals, but the deals weren't impressive so I didn't get anything. Aren't you proud of me?! 

Belt: C4

Fun fact, I had a dr's appointment in the morning, so I when I chose my outfit I picked the lightest items I could find that were still appropriate for the weather. C4 belts weigh much less than a leather belt, so it had to be one of those! 

Breeches: RJ Classics

Most of the newer breeches are VERY light weight, but they aren't warm enough when it's not even 40 degrees out. (Which is a big complaint of mine. I think breeches manufacturers are only catering to people who go to warm climates these days. Winter breeches exist yes, but mostly they are all full seat and tights. Neither of which are what I want.) But I digress, I chose these RJ's today for their light weight but still warm enough fabric.

Boots: Celeris UK

I left a little dirt on the heel to keep this real... Haha! This is actually the second pair of Celeris boots I ever ordered. They'll be seven years old this year, and are still going strong! My first pair which is about six months older than these are ready for a new zipper and for some stitching repairs, but otherwise still in good shape too. I am really impressed with the quality from this brand. I wear these a lot, so they really are durable. 

That's it for this week! Any colors or themes you're excited to see soon? Now that it's getting nice out I'm excited to have some fun with outfits again. 

What's Up Wednesday

 

We're plugging along over here! Last week we rode several days in a row which was LOVELY. But we have had a lot of rain and a few cold/windy days too. The trouble with all the rain is that the ground is really saturated from all the snow melt. That one long side of the ring that stayed frozen the longest is now too wet to use. But that's okay, we're just sticking to the quarter line on that side. 

But there are bigger problems in other areas. Monday I had to have the manure bin emptied (already). It was sooner than normal because when it was last emptied everything was so frozen they could only dump about half of it. (Still got billed full price though.) Anyway, they came Monday to do that. I was in the house and somehow didn't hear them out there. But when I went out to feed dinner this is what greeted me:

The photos do no justice to how deep these ruts actually are. This is "going to need a professional" sort of driveway problems. It's honestly exhausting. I'm never going to have money to show again with all the property stuff around here lately. The furnace, the snow plowing, the tree removal I need to schedule.... The list goes on and on. Oh the joys of home/farm ownership! 

Anyway, back to the horses. We're still working on our fitness, so rides are mostly walking with slowly increasing amounts of trot. We're starting to do more walking with proper shape now too. So lifting the belly, giving at the poll. Working on that topline! Al is very amenable to it, Eros has opinions and Shiny does it when she's decided she's ready. So they haven't changed who they are with the time off! Ha!

For the most part, we've had lovely and uneventful rides. I did have to abort with Al one day last week. It was a cold and windy day, which isn't Al's favorite. He struggles keeping his attention on me when the trees are blowing around and the birds are flittering around in the brush. But he was really trying! Of course, the neighbor decided after looking right at me while I got in, that it was the perfect time to pull out his gas powered blower and get to work on the leaves in his yard. On a windy day. Seems like a silly time to try and clean up leaves, but what do I know? Anyway, it was too much. Al didn't do anything wrong, but he let me know his quarter had run out for riding. Since I'm not especially strong at the moment, I chose to listen to him and I got off. But we did finish up with some ground work and he was very good for it. At first I felt hugely frustrated and disappointed. But then I stepped back and decided not have such big feelings about this. He really made a big effort which probably wouldn't have been the case last year. And the next day we had a wonderful ride! He's been much more forward so far this year which is SO nice! I hope it continues. In a forward trajectory. 

I have a funny Al story that I forgot to share last week. One Saturday not long ago the horses were all SASSY. Even Shiny. When Al was in the ring for his turnout, Shiny got a case of the zoomies and was running around screaming. (She does this like twice a year.) There was bucking. There was REARING! And you know what Al did? He came back to the gate and whinnied for me to come out. So I did, and he looked out at Shiny's field like, "Mom, something's wrong with Shiny." It was very cute. I love that he comes to get me when he thinks something is wrong. (Also Shiny was fine, just getting out her spring yayas.)

I had put the Back on Track cap on my Chanukah list this year. I used it first on Eros because he's been a little weird this spring. Kind of snorty and nervous. It seemed to make a huge difference for him. I've been riding Al in it too and I feel like he's less flighty with it too. Though it wasn't a magic fix for that day I talked about above. Still, nice to have a tool in the box for the spooky days! 

Eros gave me a little scare the other day. He was fine when I fed lunch but then he was just being kind of odd in his stall. Like really irritated. Not pawing or rolling, but he was attacking his ball and dumping his buckets. Both things he normally only does when he's bothered. Usually when he thinks his next meal is late. And then he laid down. Quietly, not rolling. But it wasn't a usual nap time for him. I touched base with the vet just for an opinion. And his was the same as mine: check temp and monitor. Important to note, there was plenty of manure, and I really wasn't suspecting colic so much. But maybe?

Long story shorter, he took a long nap and then was back to normal. No temp ever though I did monitor for a couple days. Phew. Dodged a bullet. I think he was just a little gassy maybe. Some of the new hay is pretty stalky too, which he finds unfavorable. So he might have just been mad that the hay wasn't to his liking. Wouldn't put that past him. 

He's been good for riding, though still very suspicious of the far end of the ring. When I turn him out, he won't even down there all the way until Shiny is turned out to protect him. Geldings are so silly. I don't think he's sad that with all the rain that end has been too soft to ride on. 

Remember that five minutes when it wasn't stupid cold out?

Shiny's been exactly the same as always. And that's what I love about her. She is the most comfortable being in herself that I've encountered. She should give a ted talk on loving yourself, advocating for yourself, and standing up for what you believe in. A real role model. Though she does choose violence more than is probably appropriate for general society. 

Which leads me to what might be a controversial topic. My Facebook algorithm showed me a post from someone saying that stalls that with solid walls where the horses can't see and interact with each other are a red flag. And all I could think was clearly you've never owned a mare... Shiny HATED that set up at the old boarding barn and that's in fact what resulted in not once but TWICE getting giant splinters in her hoof. Someone in the comments had a similar thought and the OP wrote back that it's because these horses failed to learn how to socialize and it's the result of being so solitary all the time. Which I dunno maybe? But I really think not every horse wants to be stared at all the time. Yesterday when I took Eros out to ride he stopped to visit with Shiny first. She was eating lunch and got so pissed that he looked at her she kicked the wall. Twice. Sorry Shiny. I mean, I agree that horses should be socialized. And I would love to turn mine out as a herd, but they're a bunch of dinguses that will wound each other immediately so I don't do it. You have to balance that risks and benefits. My horses are generally happy with their set up, but it's not right for everyone. And that's something that bugs me about social media. All these "experts" that think the best way on paper is the best for every horse. And it's just not. 

Anyway, I went off on a tangent there didn't I? I have some braiding stuff happening that's fun this week. My hunter braid tutorial just posted on TurnoutHQ! The full video is in three parts on the main site/app and there's a teaser version on our socials too. I'd love for you to check them out and feel free to ask questions. I'll be answering them all! Also in braiding news, I'm heading up to Uconn tonight for my annual braiding clinic. Should be fun!

I think that's about it from here for now. How are things going with you guys? Enjoying mud season? (Haha.)

Truthful Tuesday

 

Well guys, I messed up on Sunday. I set my usual two alarms. And somehow slept through both of them. I woke up at 8AM! I ran out in my jammies to feed the horses before heading back inside to put on appropriate horse chores clothing. 

Thankfully, my horses aren't too tied to a clock so they didn't seem terribly offended that breakfast was more than 30 minutes late. Thank goodness. But I sure felt terrible about it! It all worked out okay in the long run because it was going to be a rainy afternoon so I figured we wouldn't get to ride anyway. They got to stay out a little longer but were back inside just in time for the rain to start. 

I've since added a third alarm to the mix that's significantly louder. 

Thursday's Threads: St Patrick's Day edition

 

Outfit Day!! You'll have to use your imagination a little with this one because we didn't get to actually ride in our St Patty's day outfit this year. We're going to use some old photos from our Pinsnickety photo shoot that the very talented Chelsea Lothrop took a few years ago for Eros' outfit. Here's what he would have worn this week if the weather had played nicer. 

He would have been wearing his Joseph Sterling bridle with the Dark Jewel spiked browband. He has a cute Pinsnickety pin in his forelock in this photo. 

He also would have been wearing his Butet saddle, this mattes pad, and that adorable Lettia baby pad. We probably wouldn't have had a number on though. 

That's what the horses would have worn (more or less) and here's what I had on, because I did have high hopes that we might ride.

Nothing says St Patty's like green and gold! I really had no idea I'd get so much use of these $50 Winnie the Pooh colored breeches. 

Sweater: Luyaa

This is one of my many inexpensive wool sweaters that are perfect for the barn. This one has a weird neck line though. I think it's stretched out. But whatever. Horse clothes don't have to be perfect. 

Belt: Unbranded

Buckle: Ovation

I'm not sure what happened to the strap this belt actually came with, but I'm using it on this yellow one today. It doesn't look it here, but the belt and the breeches are pretty much the exact same shade. 

Breeches: Vestrum

These are a ridiculous color for breeches. RIDICULOUS. But here we are. Loving them! Ha! 

Socks: Dreamers and Schemers

I've had a few lucky themed boot socks over the years, but these are my favorites so far. 

Since I didn't ride, I didn't wear boots or a helmet. But here's what I would have worn if I did. 

Boots: TuffRider (embellished by me) 

Helmet: Equinavia

I'm really impressed with how the glitter paint has held up on these boots over the years. Makes me want to paint more boots... but I won't. For now anyway. I'm looking into a fun new green helmet from Fair Play to possibly replace this one. I don't love how this helmet fits me so I hardly ever wear it. But I'm not sure the Fair Play one will be any better. It's really pretty though! 

Okay that's it for this week! Any favorites? Anything you guys want to see soon? Themes, colors? Anything? Let me know in the comments!

What's Up Wednesday

 

As is the norm for March, we've had all kinds of weather lately. 70 degrees, 40 degrees, rain, snow, THUNDERSTORMS! Currently it's 25 degrees outside. So our triumphant return to work is rather intermittent. But that's okay. I know consistent riding days are coming. So close I can smell them! In the meantime, we do what we can when we can, and we're happy with that. 

The snow is pretty much entirely gone except for where the snow plow piles were exceptionally big. I feel like I have so much more space to move around. I hadn't really noticed how confined I felt by all the snow until it as gone. Everything feels better with it gone!

I shared last week that we got to start riding, but we've been taking things slow so no one gets too sore (me included). And then weather made it more slow. So we rode Tuesday and Wednesday, and then didn't get to again until Sunday. A mix of reasons really. Mostly rain, but also wind, and occasionally the cold. 

I'm trying this new thing this year where I base my decision whether or not to ride on what I feel is best for my horses AND myself in the moment. And NOT on whether or not I could be perceived as wimpy by some outside third party. I don't think I need to prove how tough I am, or how brave I can be anymore. After this winter, I know I'm both of those things. I'm also approaching 46 years old, and the body doesn't work the same as it did ten years ago. After not riding for so long, I'm weaker and my balance is probably less good as a result. It will all come back the more we ride. But on days where the wind is gusting in excess of 40 MPH, I don't need to test my ability to "ride through" spring tine shenanigans. 

Which doesn't mean I chicken out of every ride that they seem spicy. Al came out very attentive on Sunday but after some ground work he settled and we got our ride completed as planned. But it does mean that if I decide not to ride one day I don't feel guilty about it. The horses have survived the winter with lots of no riding, and are none the worse for the wear. So if sometimes this summer we have 5 day work weeks instead of six, I'm going to be okay with that. And so will they. At least I hope. That's the plan. I'm Jewish, so guilt is instilled in me very strongly. Not sure if I can just turn that off. But I'm going to try!

Anyway, our rides right now are walk trot rides. We're doing three laps of walk each way, then trotting two laps each way, and then finishing with another three laps each way at the walk. It's about a 20 minute ride. I plan to add a lap of trot each week. Once we're trotting five laps each way we'll add in some canter. I figure we'll be to full work in a 4-6 weeks depending on how much saddle time we get. 

I am very much looking forward to getting back to full work. My plan to keep the weight off this winter has failed miserably and I have 15 lbs to get off. To be fair, I gained about 8 this winter, but I already had some excess to start... (See above, approaching 46... The struggle is real.) It's interesting to see how bodies work because I stayed very active this winter, but more so with strength type exercise and less so cardio. As a result, despite my weight gain, my blood sugar and A1C are still great, but with the lack of cardio my cholesterol has gone up. Could also be the level of cheese consumption... Both of those things. Ha! Anyway, hopefully once I'm back to fully riding three horses a day things will get back to good. I have my annual physical tomorrow so we'll see what kind of lecture I get... (Also, why did I schedule an 8am physical?)

I don't have too much else to report. We took yesterday off for wind, and today we'll be off due to frozen footing. But the rest of the week looks promising for rides every day. Fingers crossed!

Any tips or tricks for weight loss that won't make me cry? Share away!