Hi Everyone!
Today is my birthday! I am now four years old! K gave me a couple of cookies today in celebration. Yum!
K had me lunge for a few minutes today to ease back in to my exercise program. I worked at walk and trot in both directions and at both ends of the indoor arena. When we were done, K let me off the line to explore. One of the walls is shiny and there was another horse there! He looked and moved just like me. I admit I had to study this other horse for several minutes before K finally explained that the other horse was me! Apparently the shiny wall is made up of mirrors which shows us our reflection, just like looking at water.
After my exercise I received a nice grooming session, had my toes painted with Keratex Hoof Hardener and ate my dinner. After dinner K had me try on one of Sweepit's halters for size. Do you think she's picking out my birthday present? She's mentioned shopping at some big shindig she calls Rolex for several weeks.
Speaking of birthdays and presents, tomorrow is Sweepit's birthday! Happy Birthday Sweepit!
~Polo
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Friends and Strangers
Hi Friends!
I trust I find you well. I can't believe it's the end of April already! I've enjoyed the early grass and just yesterday my field at Hodge was full of buttercups. Very pretty, but not nearly so tasty as the grass.
The past two months have brought both positive lessons and a few challenges. About a week after my last post, where I filled you in on my jumping lesson and photo shoot, I suffered a setback. I bruised the sole of my right fore hoof. It was very painful that first day and created a scary swelling around my knee! Fortunately the swelling went away as K helped me back to the barn, where she soaked and bandaged my hoof. After two weeks of padding and a visit from Jamie, my fabulous farrier, I was as good as new. But, I was very unfit. Again.
Once my foot healed, K and I started working on fitness once more. We went outside, taking trot and canter sets with our pals up and down the hills at the front of the Hodge property. This is great fun!
I've also started working with K in the arena by myself. K says this is to get me used to one-on-one time. I don't like being without my friends, but it isn't so bad that I can't do my work. I must say that if I must work without my friends, I prefer it to be just K and I. I worry about strangers in the ring with me. K tells me that I will get used to it. She says it's good practice for going to horse shows. Horse Shows? Are they like races? I keep hearing about horse shows, but I've yet to go to one.
Speaking of strangers, I'm now in a field full of them! I have moved to the same farm on which Sweepit lives. This way both Sweepit and I can enjoy equal attention as K no longer has to commute between two counties. I shall miss my friends; Sarah, Buttons and Oreo, but I am looking forward to new friends and new adventures too.
I shall endeavor to keep you posted on my progress. In the meantime may you enjoy the buttercups and green grass.
~Polo
I trust I find you well. I can't believe it's the end of April already! I've enjoyed the early grass and just yesterday my field at Hodge was full of buttercups. Very pretty, but not nearly so tasty as the grass.
The past two months have brought both positive lessons and a few challenges. About a week after my last post, where I filled you in on my jumping lesson and photo shoot, I suffered a setback. I bruised the sole of my right fore hoof. It was very painful that first day and created a scary swelling around my knee! Fortunately the swelling went away as K helped me back to the barn, where she soaked and bandaged my hoof. After two weeks of padding and a visit from Jamie, my fabulous farrier, I was as good as new. But, I was very unfit. Again.
Once my foot healed, K and I started working on fitness once more. We went outside, taking trot and canter sets with our pals up and down the hills at the front of the Hodge property. This is great fun!
I've also started working with K in the arena by myself. K says this is to get me used to one-on-one time. I don't like being without my friends, but it isn't so bad that I can't do my work. I must say that if I must work without my friends, I prefer it to be just K and I. I worry about strangers in the ring with me. K tells me that I will get used to it. She says it's good practice for going to horse shows. Horse Shows? Are they like races? I keep hearing about horse shows, but I've yet to go to one.
Speaking of strangers, I'm now in a field full of them! I have moved to the same farm on which Sweepit lives. This way both Sweepit and I can enjoy equal attention as K no longer has to commute between two counties. I shall miss my friends; Sarah, Buttons and Oreo, but I am looking forward to new friends and new adventures too.
I shall endeavor to keep you posted on my progress. In the meantime may you enjoy the buttercups and green grass.
~Polo
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Workin' It
Hi Everyone!
First I must send heartfelt thoughts and prayers to everyone who was affected by Friday's storms. Hugs and slobber kisses go out to you and to the rescue crews and volunteers helping with cleanup efforts.
And now, to catch you up on my new fitness regime. I mentioned in my last post that K and I had started working out at trot. We've gradually increased the duration of the trot sets and K has started to add difficulty to my workouts by asking me alternate between walk and trot, incorporating multiple changes of directions and varying the length of my stride. I'm working very hard at all of this and my strength is gradually increasing, as is my confidence!
Yesterday, K and I worked out using the walk-trot transitions and stride length variations. After several sets of those and a walk break, K re-introduced me to caveletti. Do you remember me telling you about them? They are poles on the ground that I have to walk and trot over. They help me with my striding, pace, balance and foot placement.
After a few passes over the caveletti, K let me jump over a small cross rail a few times. Wheee! And then, as if that weren't enough fun, the whole gang of us (Buttons and T, Oreo and B, Sarah and R and K and me) went outside on a mini trail ride! We walked and trotted up and down the long hill of the driveway a couple of times, relishing the sunshine and slight breeze.
After our ride, we all got our daily meal and a good grooming and then I had a photo shoot. I've posted my favorites below. Thanks to R for hanging out with me while K played with the camera!
Enjoy!
~Polo
First I must send heartfelt thoughts and prayers to everyone who was affected by Friday's storms. Hugs and slobber kisses go out to you and to the rescue crews and volunteers helping with cleanup efforts.
And now, to catch you up on my new fitness regime. I mentioned in my last post that K and I had started working out at trot. We've gradually increased the duration of the trot sets and K has started to add difficulty to my workouts by asking me alternate between walk and trot, incorporating multiple changes of directions and varying the length of my stride. I'm working very hard at all of this and my strength is gradually increasing, as is my confidence!
Yesterday, K and I worked out using the walk-trot transitions and stride length variations. After several sets of those and a walk break, K re-introduced me to caveletti. Do you remember me telling you about them? They are poles on the ground that I have to walk and trot over. They help me with my striding, pace, balance and foot placement.
After a few passes over the caveletti, K let me jump over a small cross rail a few times. Wheee! And then, as if that weren't enough fun, the whole gang of us (Buttons and T, Oreo and B, Sarah and R and K and me) went outside on a mini trail ride! We walked and trotted up and down the long hill of the driveway a couple of times, relishing the sunshine and slight breeze.
After our ride, we all got our daily meal and a good grooming and then I had a photo shoot. I've posted my favorites below. Thanks to R for hanging out with me while K played with the camera!
Enjoy!
~Polo
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Back in the Saddle
Hi Everyone!
I'm back in the saddle! Well, K is and I'm under saddle. The abscess in my hind foot is all better and it's time for me to get in shape. Summer sheet season will be here before we know it!
K tacked me up yesterday and we worked a lot on walking around the arena getting a feel for the different views. The cattle path runs along one side ending in a chute that divides the roper start boxes at the in-gate end. Also on this end is the announcer's stand. Lots to look at! I was a bit nervous as I had only explored the whole ring once before and there were children and dogs running around while we were working. After I got a little more comfortable K had me pick up a trot and we worked on that for just a little bit. I must admit, trotting is definitely work when one has had a few months off!
I had another workout today. This time with just as much trot as there was walk. Phew! K gave me lots of praise and has been encouraging me to relax and stretch my neck as I find my balance. I must admit that it feels good to stretch every once in a while. As we cooled down I got to check out the start boxes for the roping horses. They are just like open fronted stalls!
K tells me that I get tomorrow off as it's a roping practice night. She says she'll see me again on Thursday and that we will work some more on re-building my fitness.
Until next time my friends!
~Polo
I'm back in the saddle! Well, K is and I'm under saddle. The abscess in my hind foot is all better and it's time for me to get in shape. Summer sheet season will be here before we know it!
K tacked me up yesterday and we worked a lot on walking around the arena getting a feel for the different views. The cattle path runs along one side ending in a chute that divides the roper start boxes at the in-gate end. Also on this end is the announcer's stand. Lots to look at! I was a bit nervous as I had only explored the whole ring once before and there were children and dogs running around while we were working. After I got a little more comfortable K had me pick up a trot and we worked on that for just a little bit. I must admit, trotting is definitely work when one has had a few months off!
I had another workout today. This time with just as much trot as there was walk. Phew! K gave me lots of praise and has been encouraging me to relax and stretch my neck as I find my balance. I must admit that it feels good to stretch every once in a while. As we cooled down I got to check out the start boxes for the roping horses. They are just like open fronted stalls!
K tells me that I get tomorrow off as it's a roping practice night. She says she'll see me again on Thursday and that we will work some more on re-building my fitness.
Until next time my friends!
~Polo
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Whinnies and nickers and Slobber Kisses
Hi Everyone!
I understand that I missed Valentines' Day yesterday, so I'm sending love and extra slobber kisses to all today!
I have new turnout sheet to wear. It is light blue and made from a more durable nylon than my first sheet. I really like my navy blue and red sheet, but it got torn so K has taken that one for repair. Unfortunately K didn't have her camera today to snap a picture. My new sheet is no longer clean as I just had to scratch my back right after K turned me out. A good test of durability right?
I would like to send out whinnies and nickers to Kentucky Equine Research. They helped K pick out a new supplement for me called Bio-Bloom. This will help my coat recover from the winter elements and will also help my hooves strengthen. Hoof strength is very important and young Thoroughbreds like me need a little help now and then. Help is especially welcome this year as our winter has been so wet.
Speaking of hooves, my abscess is getting better daily. I still have to have my foot all wrapped up by K on a daily basis to keep the mud and muck out of it while it heals. I hope to be back on my exercise program soon.
And now, for some hay.
~Polo
I understand that I missed Valentines' Day yesterday, so I'm sending love and extra slobber kisses to all today!
I have new turnout sheet to wear. It is light blue and made from a more durable nylon than my first sheet. I really like my navy blue and red sheet, but it got torn so K has taken that one for repair. Unfortunately K didn't have her camera today to snap a picture. My new sheet is no longer clean as I just had to scratch my back right after K turned me out. A good test of durability right?
I would like to send out whinnies and nickers to Kentucky Equine Research. They helped K pick out a new supplement for me called Bio-Bloom. This will help my coat recover from the winter elements and will also help my hooves strengthen. Hoof strength is very important and young Thoroughbreds like me need a little help now and then. Help is especially welcome this year as our winter has been so wet.
Speaking of hooves, my abscess is getting better daily. I still have to have my foot all wrapped up by K on a daily basis to keep the mud and muck out of it while it heals. I hope to be back on my exercise program soon.
And now, for some hay.
~Polo
Monday, February 13, 2012
A Wrinkle in the Plan
Hi Everyone!
It has been a week of ups and downs for K and me. Last week started with the two of us sharing a lovely, quiet ride around the arena for the first time. On Thursday I had my feet trimmed by my fabulous farrier Jamie and then K and I spent some quality time hanging out together. She even gave my mane a makeover!
Friday wasn't so good. My right hind foot was hurting very badly and I didn't want to walk. K tried to help but I couldn't tell her what was wrong. Saturday morning light allowed K to see a weak spot in my hoof, which prompted a repeat of our summer bandaging routine. The padding felt good and makes walking on the frozen mud much more manageable so I've been leaving it on.
On Sunday K and I had a bit of a disagreement. This was the first time that K and I have worked together in the new facility without our friends being around. I was nervous and I'm afraid I didn't help K very much in her task of bandaging my sore foot. I just couldn't stand still!
Tonight we had a better night. Our group was together and my foot is feeling much better! I have an abscess. Yuck. The abscess broke through the skin at my coronary band, relieving the pressure within my hoof. K had me soak my foot in warm water and Betadine solution and then wrapped it up again to keep it clean.
Sadly, my relief from the abscess is overshadowed by the possibility that I may soon have to find a new home. K has not had any luck in securing a new job and has become increasingly concerned about her financial capacity to care for me and also for Sweepit. I love K and my friends and I really don't want to leave!
Dear readers, please help me help K! I have posted a link to K's LinkedIn profile, on which you can view K's resume and references. K is an energetic, creative marketing professional with a background in catalog circulation. She takes initiative, tackling projects as needed, such as prepping feed while my foot soaked. She is organized (you should see how neat my grooming and medical boxes are). She knows how to plan and manage a campaign and she excels at reporting on various points of data. K is also a fabulous scribe. She makes sure that my blogs are clearly written and are posted properly. She also has a great eye for photography. Finally, I think K is a good teacher. She does her best to make my lessons stress free and we always end our lessons on a positive note.
If you are hiring or know of a position to which K should apply, please let us know! You can send a message to K via LinkedIn or by posting a comment on my blog.
K's profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlycornelius
Many Thanks!
~Polo
It has been a week of ups and downs for K and me. Last week started with the two of us sharing a lovely, quiet ride around the arena for the first time. On Thursday I had my feet trimmed by my fabulous farrier Jamie and then K and I spent some quality time hanging out together. She even gave my mane a makeover!
Friday wasn't so good. My right hind foot was hurting very badly and I didn't want to walk. K tried to help but I couldn't tell her what was wrong. Saturday morning light allowed K to see a weak spot in my hoof, which prompted a repeat of our summer bandaging routine. The padding felt good and makes walking on the frozen mud much more manageable so I've been leaving it on.
On Sunday K and I had a bit of a disagreement. This was the first time that K and I have worked together in the new facility without our friends being around. I was nervous and I'm afraid I didn't help K very much in her task of bandaging my sore foot. I just couldn't stand still!
Tonight we had a better night. Our group was together and my foot is feeling much better! I have an abscess. Yuck. The abscess broke through the skin at my coronary band, relieving the pressure within my hoof. K had me soak my foot in warm water and Betadine solution and then wrapped it up again to keep it clean.
Sadly, my relief from the abscess is overshadowed by the possibility that I may soon have to find a new home. K has not had any luck in securing a new job and has become increasingly concerned about her financial capacity to care for me and also for Sweepit. I love K and my friends and I really don't want to leave!
Dear readers, please help me help K! I have posted a link to K's LinkedIn profile, on which you can view K's resume and references. K is an energetic, creative marketing professional with a background in catalog circulation. She takes initiative, tackling projects as needed, such as prepping feed while my foot soaked. She is organized (you should see how neat my grooming and medical boxes are). She knows how to plan and manage a campaign and she excels at reporting on various points of data. K is also a fabulous scribe. She makes sure that my blogs are clearly written and are posted properly. She also has a great eye for photography. Finally, I think K is a good teacher. She does her best to make my lessons stress free and we always end our lessons on a positive note.
If you are hiring or know of a position to which K should apply, please let us know! You can send a message to K via LinkedIn or by posting a comment on my blog.
K's profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlycornelius
Many Thanks!
~Polo
Sunday, February 5, 2012
More Strange Devices and Snacks
Happy Super Bowl Sunday Everyone!
My lunging lessons continued this weekend. R worked with me yesterday while K was helping out at Sweepit's barn. I worked on walking and trotting and building my confidence in moving out on my circle without a lead.
K was back today and she brought more equipment for me to try. She put a saddle pad on and then, instead of a saddle, she fitted me with something called a training surcingle. It's got a padded top side that fits over my back and sports all sorts of rings. This top part stays on with a girth-like piece that goes around my belly.
K had me walk and trot in each direction wearing the surcingle. I didn't find it too distracting. In fact, K said I was doing well. When we stopped, I thought I was getting off early for good behavior. But K had other ideas. Instead of early dismissal K added another level difficulty by introducing me to side reins.
The side reins run from one of the sets of rings to my bit. K attached just one side at first, on it's longest setting. She explained that the side reins are meant to help me stretch out my back and neck. K called it strengthening my top line. She had me walk my circles just a few times with the side reins on to get used to the lowered position of my neck. We ended on a good note, following up with some brushing and dinner!
Dinner consists of alfalfa pellets and grain soaked in water. I wasn't so sure about it at first so K sweetened the deal with a little Karo syrup. YUMMY! I get one scoop of alfalfa pellets and one scoop of my grain. This sounds like a lot, but I get this only in the evenings. The rest of the day I have grass and hay to munch on.
K and R were talking about human treats today. I hear there are special treats that are prepared for the Super Bowl. One of the more enticing treats they talked about is something called beer bread. I like the smell of beer, so I bet this beer bread stuff is pretty yummy. I wonder if K will bring me a sample.
~Polo
My lunging lessons continued this weekend. R worked with me yesterday while K was helping out at Sweepit's barn. I worked on walking and trotting and building my confidence in moving out on my circle without a lead.
K was back today and she brought more equipment for me to try. She put a saddle pad on and then, instead of a saddle, she fitted me with something called a training surcingle. It's got a padded top side that fits over my back and sports all sorts of rings. This top part stays on with a girth-like piece that goes around my belly.
K had me walk and trot in each direction wearing the surcingle. I didn't find it too distracting. In fact, K said I was doing well. When we stopped, I thought I was getting off early for good behavior. But K had other ideas. Instead of early dismissal K added another level difficulty by introducing me to side reins.
The side reins run from one of the sets of rings to my bit. K attached just one side at first, on it's longest setting. She explained that the side reins are meant to help me stretch out my back and neck. K called it strengthening my top line. She had me walk my circles just a few times with the side reins on to get used to the lowered position of my neck. We ended on a good note, following up with some brushing and dinner!
Dinner consists of alfalfa pellets and grain soaked in water. I wasn't so sure about it at first so K sweetened the deal with a little Karo syrup. YUMMY! I get one scoop of alfalfa pellets and one scoop of my grain. This sounds like a lot, but I get this only in the evenings. The rest of the day I have grass and hay to munch on.
K and R were talking about human treats today. I hear there are special treats that are prepared for the Super Bowl. One of the more enticing treats they talked about is something called beer bread. I like the smell of beer, so I bet this beer bread stuff is pretty yummy. I wonder if K will bring me a sample.
~Polo
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