Rebirth

Life happened, and for a while, this blog didn't.

After Buckley's injury, I was both frustrated and sad, while at the same time concentrating on really taking dressage lessons for the first time in more years than I like to admit. Cayenne and Angie made a lot of progress--Cay was finally actually cantering under saddle like a big girl instead of flopping about like a fish.

Buckley himself was a bit depressed and cranky, as he his not a happy camper when he cannot work. He got his first mohawk though, which I have since decided is the best look on him. His mane just never lays flat, no matter how much I goo, braid or brush/not brush it.

Our old man had his bratty moments, including stampeding off with buckets for berry picking flapping at his sides. Hadn't seen him move that in years.

Late summer and early fall brought some shockers. I was laid off (ok, not a huge shocker), and then another horse from Jay's past returned. Cashmere is a draftX mare who is trained to 2nd level dressage, now in her late twenties. Sadly, she returned to us thin, dirty and depressed. The first night she was home she laid down to roll and almost couldn't get up. We have spent the winter and spring feeding her up, loving on her and working her back into light work. Her feet are back to a normal size and she has probably gained nearly 200lbs. A few days ago, Jay galloped her on the track and she tried to take off with him, the silly git.

Thus, we start spring with five horses. Cayenne and Angie are going well at Intro/Training level dressage. Cay even went to her first regular open show and didn't make an idiot of herself! Buckley is still battling bouts of intermittent lameness, so the vet will be out soon to take yet another look at him. We worry that it might be habitual at this point?

We have also entered the ranks of those desperately seeking saddle, or rather, a saddle that FITS the shark mare. We have had 3 out so far, the most recent is a KN Symphonie. Finger crossing!!

Finally, Zeus' time with us is probably growing short. We're feeding him as much as he will eat and he just can't get ahead. We are trying to love on him as much as possible.

Whew! I've updated!