Learning to Long-line
Siouxsie
EP 49: Frustrations
This episode is sponsored by: Lucas Equine Equipment and Airlite USA
When you finally get your horses home, there is no other feeling like it. Looking out your window and seeing your favorite creatures enjoying life under your care is one of THE most gratifying experiences for a horse lover.Â
But there’s a flip side. Happy Horsekeeping isn’t as easy as it sometimes seems. While we can design our barns, yards, and turnout to keep our horses safe, feed them the best hay and grains, and provide a low-stress environment for them, there are times when that’s still not enough. Listen in!
For more information:
- Habronema and Summer Sores
- Encysted Redworms in Horses
- Upward Fixation of the Patella (Sioux’s stifle issue)
- Changes in Hindgut Microbiota and Behavioral Indicators (article abstract)
- Controlling Hindgut Acidosis (PDF)
- Horse Personality Questionnaire (PDF)
Don’t Stop Until You Find the Bliss
17 years. I kept chasing a dream, and it took me 17 years to finally catch it.
Today, I put my horse on the trailer and traveled up the road to my friend Kim’s barn, where I spent a few hours showing Siouxsie around the farm, and then hopping on her for a bit. It was a big deal for both of us because it was Sioux’s first time off the property by herself, and my first time hauling her in the new rig. We both handled things very well!
The freedom, joy, and sense of accomplishment from this small event permeates every single cell in my body. Even my soul feels fulfilled.
By most equestrians’ standards, this outing wasn’t all that special, but for me, it was extraordinary.
There isn’t a thing about horsemanship that I do not love. From walking Siouxsie around the farm to see things, to patiently loading and unloading her from the trailer. Not a minute went by that I wished away. Every detail of the day was gratifying. That’s not an easy thing to achieve for an Energizer-Bunny-with-ADHD type like me!
On my way home, I thought about calling my dad. I used to call him on my way home from lessons when I first starting riding seriously. He wasn’t a “horse person” like I am, but he did love them, occasionally rode, and liked to hear about my adventures in an english saddle. My dad was my go-to person when I was feeling particularly happy about a lesson or a ride.
Despite the fact that he died 10 years ago, I chatted with him about the adventure just as if he was right next to me. The fear I overcame today was a lot like the fear I had one summer day in Pennsylvania, a very, very long time ago. My dad and I went for a trail ride and my horse didn’t want to cross a wide, shallow creek. I cried and wailed like a baby for the longest time, but I finally got that clever little Quarter Horse through the water. And then the indescribable glee hit me — right in the center of my being. What a feeling!
Today was just like that day. You’d be proud of me, dad. I wish you were here to enjoy the moment.
* * *
Don’t give up until you find the bliss. It doesn’t matter how old you are or what your dream is, keep it in your sights. Money, power, prestige, even blue ribbons aren’t made of bliss. Nah. Bliss comes from that place deep inside of you that knows what feeds your soul. You’ll know it when you find it.
Have a Plan and Be Ready to Trash It
About 90% of the time, the plan I have for Siouxsie on any given day gets trashed in less than 10 minutes in the saddle. That’s cool though, ’cause in the abandoned plan’s place, we work on whatever presents itself that day. It usually turns out pretty well. Today was no different.
What I thought was going to be a simple session of Walk -> Sit -> Post -> Sit -> Walk transitions turned out to be a day of Canter Departs. Who knew?!
Sioux’s head was in the right place for it today, actually. And before we go on adventures off property, I want to make sure I can both ride and rate her canter if it turns into something more racehorse-y.
Anyway, there were a dozen things that we did beautifully today and dozen more that were just wonky. As you can tell from my smile, I enjoyed every single minute of it. -H
EP 48: Helping Horses in Need
This episode is brought to you by:
LUCAS EQUINE EQUIPMENT
Makers of Quality Stall Components and Stable Accessories
Should you turn your new rescue horse out with the others in your herd?
What are the Five Freedoms?
How can re-feeding syndrome cause a horse to die?
What important exam is necessary when adopting a mare?
There’s a wonderful surge in horse adoptions this year. It’s never enough, but it’s something! Many rescue horses, however, are in poor health, and that leaves the adopters struggling to rehabilitate, support, and nurture the horses back to good physical and mental health. This recovery process can be very confusing, and the information available that is specific to rehabilitation is limited. Our guest in this episode is Dr. Stacie Boswell, an equine veterinarian who recently published a book titled, The Ultimate Guide to Horses in Need.
Helena talks with Dr. Boswell about the most common issues facing rescued horses, and how we, as caregivers, can best support their return to good health. Listen in!
For more information:
UC Davis Guidelines for Refeeding Horses
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