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 Posted: Sat Jun 30, 2007 3:49 pm
sad sad
Not such great news...
Riley is currently off work. He has a very bad chipped hoof, I worked him lightly on Friday and it did chip more after the ride. The farrier has been contacted, so we'll see what he says. Things should be fixed up soon.
His feet are looking in need of a trim now, so thats why it probably chipped so easily. He ususally has excellent feet. This is the first time I've ever seen him with a chip, and I may have only owned him for a short time, but I've known him since he was 4 years old, back when he'd been sold to my coach becuase he was "Out of control" and with work he's a well mannered horse. I have never seen him with a chip in his hooves, and I've never seen one this bad.
The farrier had been out a couple weeks before hand for the other horses, but said Riley's feet looked good and didn't need trimmed... so he never trimmed them. I think they got long, and chipped when out in the pasture and then it got worse and worse from there.
Though I must say, he did very well when I rode Friday, we kept it short with a bit of trotting. He was a bit pushy on the ground, so I had to be firm - but he only wanted to see the new puppy that was with me. My family purchased a new puppy (A west highland white terrier) earlier that morning, and Riley was interested in him! lol they touched nose to nose...
Anywho... here are some pictures of the chipped hoof and then what they should look like:
Chipped hoof
Chipped hoof 2
Chipped hoof - view from the bottom
Un-chipped hoof
Normal feet
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Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 1:52 pm
Thats not good and I'm sorry to hear that about Riley's feet, sad I'm glad he did very well when you rode him on Friday. Awww your new puppy and Riley touched each other nose to nose? thats so cute! 4laugh By the way I must see those pictures.
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Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2007 8:02 am
Sorry I have not been around!! I have been sooo busy...
Okay, so much has been happening...
The next door neighbours got a small herd of alpaca's and none of the horses like them. Their right by the roundpen and their a big pain! I took Riley to the roundpen a few days ago to work on canter leads, but he was too focused on the alpaca's.
He was snorting, tail and head high, running around and nearly ran me over a few times. So, I got him out of there and decided I would try again under the help of my trainer.
A few day later (Yesterday) we took him to the roundpen and he was very emotional about it. He bolted, bucked, a couple mini rears... and ran around like mad some more. My trainer and I tag teamed it, and a few hours later he was settled.
Then I saw the most amazing thing ever, my trainer rode Riley around bridle-less. Walk, trot and canter. Now, I dare not try that yet lol, Riley and I aren't quite there yet as a team.
He's been doing really well, his hoof was trimmed and is looking a lot better. Because of weather (thunderstorms) and car trouble, I havn't been out frequently the last couple weeks and so we've taken a couple steps back. He's testing me again because I can't be consistant and get it into his mind.
I heard some words I'd never thought I'd hear from my trainer. "You've definaty got the idea, I think your ready to ride out back." WOOOOOT! TRAIL RIDE!
Oh, and I decided on a few things Riley and I can get into...
- Team penning
- Trail Riding
- English Equitation
- English Pleasure
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Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2007 10:45 pm
It's ok, I understand and I'm sorry to hear that about Riley and the Alpacas along with his behavior and YAY!! I'm so happy for you!!! by the way goodluck on the list of stuff you can do with Riley.^^
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Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2007 10:19 am
Well, at the moment, I can't even trot my horse so we won't be doing much lol.
Today I finally got out, managed to get the saddle on him and took him out to the roundpen. We did an hour or so work in there, he was having trouble focusing because of the alpaca's. Anyway, when he was finally focused on me, I took him to the outdoor arena.
Now, I have NEVER needed a leg up before. Even for the really tall horses, I seem to manage because I'm too determined. But I needed a leg up t get on my 15hh gelding... o.O
Here's the reason... I don't jump as often as I use to, or as high because I have issues with my spine and tailbone. It bothers me to jump anything 2'3" and up... and it bothers me to ride hard for very long period of time. (No exnensive jogging, cantering or jumping.)
Well, the last few days its been beyond what I can take. When I walk, lay down, sit, stand... no matter what I do or what position I am in - there is pain through my lower back and tailbone.
When I went to the barn today I walked Riley around because he was warm from the roundpen work and I wanted him to have a break and catch his breath before we did anything else.
Might I add the outdoor arena was flooded! or at least the bottom half, so we were walking through large, deep puddles - and no hesitation from Riley! heart but I give him rein to put his head down to investigate as he walked.
So about 10 minutes later, my back was killing me! with every stride Riley took I could feel - jabbing pain in my back, like I was being stabbed and crushed at the same time.
The Barn Owner, she was riding her horse Dakota (who's VERY green) in there with Riley, for experience, and he felt comfortable with Riley in there - so the big puddle wasn't so scary to Dakota anymore lol.
Anyway, her husband (Aka. My coach/trainer) was watching, and I stopped in the middle of the arena and slowly dismounted. It was a messy, painful dismount but I did it.
So, my coach asked me if he could ride Riley, and I thought for a moment and said yeah. I have no problems with him riding Riley, I trust him and it'll only do Riley good. So, I handed over the reins. I felt so bad that I couldn't even trot my own horse...
They've been taking Riley out on the trails, and doing some work with him. I plan on going for a trail ride (Walking only) either Thursday or Friday while the BO is on holidays, so she can show me the trails so I don't get lost.
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Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2007 3:35 pm
LOL just do your best.
Anyway I see and Dakota's rider came? thats good and so he's not afraid of the water? thats good. And soreness? ouch!
I'm glad she'll show you the Trails so you don't get lost.
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Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 8:24 pm
Yeah, Dakota saw Riley walk through with no problems and fallowed behind him. Though, Dakota tried to sniff it and inhaled some water xD
I got out to see Riley, I promised my little cousin a horse ride (He's not even 3 yet). He helped me brush Riley, and helped me saddle up. I hopped on Riley to make sure he wasn't going to buck or anything... my back was killing me! but I did it, I had missed riding so much - and Riley was such an angel, a little speedy and our circles were a little messy but that's because my timing for asking was a little off. So it wasn't the best day -shrug- lol
My little cousin didnt want to get up alone, he kept saying "But... but I might fall..." and he'd only go if I was on with him. I put his halter on and just attached my reins to that, because Riley has such a sensitive mouth and would get upset if he was to pull on the reins. I also had someone lead Riley, just incase something scared him - if he has someone on the ground walking beside him, chances are he won't bolt, just speed up his walk.
Riley was such a good boy about the extra weight, having two on his back instead of one. I stuck my helmet on him, because his mom looked like she was going to freak out about all this! lol. And ... my mom gave me a look, but I rode without a helmet (for the second time ever) bad me, I know - but I only have one and there wasn't any in the barn. Besides, I trust Riley, he'll take good care of me and I know he would never ever purposly throw someone off...
By the time we finished walking around, and it was time to go, my little cousin didn't want to get off lol. He threw a little temper tantrum and stared crying... Riley was pretty good about dealing with a screaming, crying little child. But the look on Riley's face... ohhh that poor horse...
It was something like this....
"Wha... Why's he crying? Did I do something wrong? Mommy, what did I do wrong? Did I hurt him? I'm sorry... -nuzzle child to comfort- Give me a treat?" lol it was so adorable... Riley looked so bad becuase this little child was crying because he didn't want to leave, and Riley thought he did something to hurt him.
So, I got my little cousin hooked on riding. There will be more times he comes to see and ride Riley with his big cousin (Me) and when he's old enough... he may want lesson - but most places won't take kids until their 5. So until then! he gets to ride Riley.
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Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 11:07 pm
LOL I see and awww thats so cute your little cousin brushes Riley along with saddling him up, I'm glad Riley won't buck on purpose along with him being a great horse, anyway I'd be upset if I had to get off a horse and Riley and awww Riley thought he did something wrong? silly horse and pretty soon your Cousin will have his chance to ride, it takes time to grow up.
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Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 8:36 pm
LOL! He's not even three and I have his mother teaching him the names of brushes and uses - is very easy terms/understandings - and trying to relate it to something he understands well... I took a parenting class in highschool so that's helped me know how to teach him.
Riley's a good boy. I know he'll take good care of my cousin Aiden. Get someone who knows how to ride, Riley will test you so bad. He won't buck, but he'll be speedy and try to run off with you xD... just to see what he can get away with.
I have an update - Well, its more of an update with a bit of a rant to it.
My boyfriend has never been a horse person to the extent I am. This is something I have dedicated my life to, but he doesn't see things on the level I do. Which is oaky.
His mom was planning a trip down East, somewhere... Nova Scotia I think? and they're going camping, and to find this herd of wild horses. Now, he never told me this at first... but when I found out tonight from his mom - I gave him the look of like "Oh your so going... why didn't you tell me? your so dead! ... please bring me pictures/videos?"
His mom promised me if they found them, they would bring me pictures and videos. I'm all like heart I love you! lol so that's cool.
What's even better? After they left, I looked at my mom and asked... "Next summer, can we go? Its my dream to see horses in the wild, to see how they interact. Please?" AND GUESS WHAT! There is a goo possiblity that she and I will be taking this trip next summer!!!!
I am so excited, this has always been a dream of mine! I mean, I would love to go with my boyfriend and his family but its such short notice and I don't think his mom will let me.
However, I'm very excited... so I have to get maps etc. off them when they get back. They have a camp site booked with internet access, so my boyfriend will be able to e-mail me pictures/videos throughout the 2 weeks they're there... that's if they find these horses.
I also have a few life goals related to horses to post...
- Seeing the wild horses, watching them interact etc. (maybe next summer)
- Swiming with my horse (someday)
- riding bareback and bridle-less (working toward)
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Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 10:22 pm
LOL Thats good to hear and I'm glad you took a parenting class to learn all that, anyway I'm glad to hear Riley is a good boy and ooooo seeing wildhorses sounds so fun along with riding bareback amnd swimming with your horse.^^
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Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 3:06 pm
Busy busy busy...
I got a lesson on Riley and did learn a lot! discovered different ways of what works to fix our little problems. It was a good ride and if I can get the money, I'll have another.
Riley is still not over his alpaca issue. I don't think he ever will be. He freaks out if he's too close to him or if they're too close to him.
My mom got on Riley! yeah I convinced her but she was freaked out and thinks its too high up. *note to self, don't put her on anything taller then 15hh*
Ummmm OH! I went out this week when it was raining and the horses were all phsyco. Riley could have cared less about the rain but Eagle and Dakota were all like "EWWWW ... I'm gonna melt!"
I managed to get Riley in, and he lifted his back leg and tried to kick me! but he got scolded for that and then started kicking the floor. All because I was trying to brush out his tail. SO when I took him to the indoor arena, I just used my body language and voice to push him around at the walk and trot.
I could see out the door that Dakota and Eagle were going at it. Biting, bucking and rearing up at each other. rolleyes how fun it was to put Riley back out with those two acting up. Well, I managed... Eagle moved as I opened the gate but Dakota... he reared up at me and I yelled. Changed my body langauage and flicked the lead at him as he came down and he backed up.
Today I went out again, my mouth is soooo swollen. I had my wisdom teeth pulled yesterday. Anywho, I didn't bring Riley in because it was raindy again and I didn't have the use of my voice aid today. So I spent time in the pasture with him and Dakota *Eagle was out on a trail ride* they both came over to me heart then Riley licked my jeans, then my hand... then he tried to eat my hand. So I scratched his belly and rubbed him all over. Just hangin' out.
I did the same with Dakota, I was amazed he wasn't bothered by me rubbing his belly. He's come a loooong way since he first arrived and he's a lot more trusting toward people.
So before I left, I put my arms around Riley's neck to give him a hug and he curcled his neck around me. He hugged me back!!! AWW! heart he's such a good horse. He didn't walk away until I was out the gate and leaving. Dakota was too busy eating to give me a hug or say goodbye lol
Not sure when I'll be out next to see him, but it'll be a week or so before I accutally work him. My mouth is very sore and swollen and I have stitches in it where they took out the teeth. Which is why its soo bad. I'm alive though!
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Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2007 12:25 am
I'm glad you had fun and I hope your mom didn't get too scared when riding Riley, teehee silly Eagle and Dakota on the melt part and I'm sorry that they almost hurt you, hope you're allright and wisdom teeth? thats not good! I'm glad you survived and Riley gave you a hug back? awww how cute! I can't wait to rub and scratch my horse's belly too.
Teehee silly Dakota eating without hugging, LOL.
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