Hi, I'm Ev. I'm training to become a horsewoman. These are my adventures and misadventures. I'm green as hell, but so far, so good. I'm now learning from Bo (and sometimes his wife DeDe) at D&D Ranch in Pope Valley. I am extremely lucky to have this opportunity, I feel quite blessed, and I feel that they, and horses, have really turned my life around.
Solomon is my baby- a big old flea bitten grey Appendix gelding who is very kind and way too smart! I love him so very much. He is a rescue and was meant to be co-owned rehabbed, and maybe rehomed to a good home. He turned out to be over 25 years old with injuries that ultimately do not make him riding sound, so he is retired.

Friday, June 13, 2008

Weight gain already! :D


Solomon has gained weight! He looks less ribby now. I've just been giving him carrots when I've come to visit, though less ouchy feet has probably also helped.
I'm going to sponsor him. Probably just one day a week, but still. Then I can call him my horse on Tuesdays at least.
Today he did not headbutt at all, and was very sweet with me. He also backed up and waited for his carrots like a good boy. He ate everything out of the bucket and knocked it over, but then he put it back upright next to his stall door again, in the hopes that he'd get more. He did get more before I left, as well as a handful of grain. I just found out that the racetrack sells grain for about $13.00 a bag. I think this might be the track that TB Friends rescues off of. Anyway, I'll probably head down that way tomorrow or the day after and buy Sol-Sol some grain. :)
It's really amazing- it has only been a week!
Today was a laid-back day for Solomon. I want him to associate me with good things, not just work. Work is something he needs a lot of, though. Tomorrow I will walk him, and if I can drag him out, my man will record a short video of him so I can ask people about his movement. Mostly I am looking for soundness issues.
Oh yeah, and he laid down before he was completely dry at some point yesterday. One side of him is sparkly white, and the other is brown. Meh, it's not like I was planning on showing him today. He got brushed with the really soft brush, which he likes.
Today I also got to ride again. They tell me that I have a good seat. That's good, especially since I am heavy. I want to create as little work as possible. It's very nice of them to let me ride for free. :) I can't do it for very long yet anyway- my thighs were trembling after I got off. Tomorrow will be fun times.
Lastly, a sad note. Bright is boarding at the barn, he's 35 years old and the sister of his owner inherited him when the owner passed on. He's under a vet's care, and getting senior feed and mash and stuff, but he's so skinny anyway. What really makes me want to cry is his legs, though. Poor old guy. I always go over to him and give him neck skritches and tell him he's a good boy and that I'm sorry, I'm so sorry.

4 comments:

nccatnip said...

Soloman look shappy and I think I see a difference in him already. Good job!!!!!!!!!!

2manyminis said...

Hello!! Glad to be directed your way! Looks like you are doing an awesome job- are you sure you're a newbie?!? LOL!

Solomon looks fabulous & I am a sucker for greys! he looks like he's going to be a fun horse to be around!

Poor Bright, jeez, to be his owner & give him the comfort he needs. It hurts to see them looking like that & hear they are thin- so folks don't know when to just let them go!

Anyhoo- keep up the great look & look forward to the progress you make! OH!! Riding advice- buy a boatload of epsom salt & soak in a tub after you ride- trust me, the cramps that hit in the middle of the night aren't funny! I am a re- rider & boy, let me tell you, when you get older, the muscles just don't stretch out like they did when you were younger!

Evergrey said...

Thank you both!
Hee, yeah, I'm totally green, I just got lucky with a really patient horse, I think. I'm not ashamed to pester people for advice though, which has helped a lot.

Oh gods, thigh muscle cramps? I am scared of that! I've gotten calf muscle cramps a few times that have made me wake up screaming. Epsom salts, here I come! :o

nccatnip said...

Forget epsom salts, head straight to the valium!!!!!!!!!!