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.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Weds.

It looks like I get to see my boy on Weds! Hope for me...

In the meantime, some old photos.

From the early days, back in 2008. Has it really been so long? This was before I owned him. I am so glad that halter dent in his face ended up not being permanent, though for a while I was afraid it would be. Note the broken stall door. Heh.


A month, maybe a month and a half after I started feeding him senior feed every day.


How I didn't get myself killed, I do not know. What I do know is that they put my rather substantial butt on a kid's saddle. Poor Solly. :(


After I bought him, getting his teeth floated. Look at that molar on the right- it doesn't even look like a horse tooth! It's so pointy and horrible.


Sol's pet hen. That chicken loved him. Raised all her chicks in his stall. Hid behind him and scolded anyone who got close.
If you can believe it, that was the cleanest his stall had ever been. Ugh. Those are sodden wood shavings. Should be a very pale golden color.


Solly went from a tiny stall in horse hell to a 90 acre pasture at the awesome Hossmoor. He was pleased.


Unfortunately, things could get pretty rough out there and he was either run through a fence, or he slipped on the muddy hillside and fell though it. His leg was cut to the bone and it was about 5 weeks of stall rest. If that were to happen now somehow, there's no way I'd make him sit in a stall for 5 weeks. He went insane and I think the inactivity did him no favors after a while. The vet did an amazing job and now it's just a little black scar.


He never cared about his jollyball, but a laundry detergent container with rocks in it was fun for a while.


The ticks were so horrible out there. Look at the hives on my poor boy! But he sure did like running in those hills.


I was clueless and getting bad advice left and right. Things came to a scary head when Solomon struck me because I just wasn't listening to him. Bo offered to board and teach us up at D&D Ranch. Best choice I've ever made!
Here we are doing just what would give people at Hossmoor a massive heart attack, haha! I lived. Lying down in the grass while Solly grazes is still one of my favorite things. He watches over me while I nap.


Of course Solomon peed on the flowers.


Second day at the ranch, being evaluated by Bo. This was before we figured out that Solomon shouldn't really be ridden because of physical issues.


One of my last rides on Solly. Despite his back hurting he was SO GOOD to me. He really was showing way more love than I realized. Man I have lost a lot of weight since then, hah!


I caught my shirt on the horn of the saddle. HAHAHA.


Solomon does not play soccer.


Solomon way far away in the pasture, excited to see me.


Solomon grazing loose on the property in January. I think he has put on weight since then. But he is a happy boy.


I think my legs are way thinner than they were, don't you agree? Me on Teddy Bear, bareback and with only a halter.


My shaggy yak at the patience tree!


Hope you enjoyed!

3 comments:

nccatnip said...

I remember those first days!!! You done good, girl.

A said...

You ARE losing, you look fantastic, Ev!

Evergrey said...

Thank you so much, both of you! :D <3