boarding school 2015

The paddocks weren't as bad as advertised. Cleaning the pastures is going to be way more challenging. It's been really wet, and there's mud. But, I don't mind helping my friend because she does so much for me. The horses will have nice, dry houses, the hay and food will be there, and my friend is getting some round bales for daytime munching. We're ready to ride!

Cool....glad it's working out. I had a feeling it would. Let the riding begin!

Today was moving day. Wow! Busy. Didn't get a ride in with moving hay, getting bedding, cleaning paddocks and stalls, and getting ready for tomorrow's rain. But, tomorrow, we'll ride unless we have floods.

Had our first inside ride today. I am really out of shape and look awful on a horse. Fortunately, the horses are out of shape too, so we will have to work out together.

Envoy is starting to do really well after just a couple rides. He really needs a groomed riding area for rehab work. The pasture is fine for walking around, but with his leg problems, he does better in the arena. Hopefully, he'll build some strength so my friends and I can go trail riding when the weather improves.

How far away its boarding school?

Yeah, how far? Just curious. Glad to hear Envoy is doing better already.

It's about 50 miles (1 hour) from my house and about 20 miles from work. So, I go to work, then to school, then go home. Turns out to be 3 hours of driving a day. Long day in the car, but oh so worth it.

Short ride on Kina today. I was late getting there, and couldn't avoid cleaning paddocks and stalls. So, I didn't get on until 7:30. Had to get off by 8 so I could haul myself home. Very sleepy tonight!

I can imagine....but Kina probably appreciated the ride even if it was a short one.

Today was "Deal With MUD" day. It rained so much that everything was soggy. Envoy rolled in stinky mud, and his blanket stinks really bad. I need to hang it out in the air tomorrow. It's supposed to be sunny and warmer.

The weather was wonderful. I aired the rank blanket (is it a ranket?) and cleaned a lot of things I missed in yesterday's mud. I also brought the trailer full of hay to park for the winter. I hauled bales, cleaned buckets, and rode. Kina got a little sweaty because it was warm. Of course, that big storm is on the way, and we can say bye bye to warm temps. I get to bundle the horses back up tomorrow.

They're all tucked in with hay nets in the stalls and blankets/neck covers on. I got a quick ride in tonight, and got home before sprinkles started. Now, it's sleeting. I hope the kids are staying inside!

I have a feeling they will be.....being out in the sleet is no fun. It stings when it hits your skin!

My friend says that Kina refused to come out of her stall even when the sun came out and the temps warmed up. Silly girl. She came out tonight and is eating her hay under the stars.

Must've been afraid it would start sleeting again at any moment. Silly pony, it can't sleet with the sun out....or can it?

Envoy is getting stronger. Tonight, we trotted for about 30 minutes. He seems to be enjoying the light work. This weekend, we'll add trot poles to help him pick up his back legs a little higher.

What are trot poles?

They are basically landscape timbers that are on adjustable x-es so they can lie on the ground, be 3, 6, or 12 inches off the ground. If you Google "cavaletti" and look at images, you'll see what I'm talking about.

Ohhhhhhh.......now I get it.

No riding today. The wind was blowing so hard, it sounded like the roof of the arena was about to come off. 60 degrees this morning, and 28 so far tonight. Wild weather means wild ponies. I'll try to ride tomorrow.

Good luck with your buckin' broncos!

That wind must be what blew through here on Sunday....it was wild....about 60-70mph!

Poor Kina is a little lame. I think it's because it's really cold out. It sounded like she might have a loose shoe, but I couldn't find one that moved at all. I'll give her a couple days off, and see if she's better when it's warmer. Envoy is a youngster in comparison, so he can pick up the slack.

The work will do him good. Hope Kina improves with a few days rest...poor girl. Give her some (((((gentle pats)))))) from me. Better give a couple to Envoy too so he won't be jealous.

The farrier is coming next week, so if it's something with her feet, it'll get sorted out quickly. She seemed fine today. She and Envoy went out to run around the pasture while I cleaned. I made sure to tuck her in with blankets and a little herbal pain killer.

Envoy did really well. We cantered for the first time in months. He did really well. We didn't go for long since he's still building up strength from so long off. But, he did it and didn't seem to hurt at all. Yippee!!