New year and freezing rain

Happy new year!  It's been a busy year and I'm sure the next year will be too but we are better prepared and know what to expect...plus heavy equipment purchases this spring will assist greatly!

I write this as the freezing rain and sleet begin to pour outside with hope for snow to come later making my Sunday morning work commute potentially crazy as we won't have much melting until Monday.  NC is not known for their winter weather preparedness but then again, they don't get much snow.  I groomed my very muddy ponies and got them set to wear their blankets to protect them from the freezing rain.

I tend to be conservative with my blanketing now, unlike when I first got Dani.  I think nature makes them well prepared for the weather and since they always have access to shelter they tend to take care of themselves.  Generally if it's cold I'll tend to throw them a little more hay.  If it's rainy but not too cold their coats have ways of shedding the moisture quite well.

Even snow is no biggie really but freezing rain, sleet and ice.  I would rather keep them dry and warm when it's really icky like that.  I also have to restrict them to the barn yard and shire since there is an area that is deeper mud and will freeze hard, I don't need a twisted ankle in a frozen hoof hole.

Staying warm and relaxing with the hubby and critters.  Wish I could have the ponies on the sofa too!

Chances Blanket

Chances blanket was a little short on him and didn't have any insulation.  It could still be used as a rain sheet perhaps.  We decided that after the first snow storm we needed a better blanket for the boy.  I love Horseware Ireland.  Dani has a Rambo duo with several different thicknesses of liners and a hood.  That's a bit of an overkill for the southeast.

We decided to find blanket that was around 100 gram fill as a base for Chance.  If needed we can always get a liner as well.  We found an Amigo on sale that was 100 grams and 1200 denier exterior.  It's a really nice blanket and compatible with the liners too.  Currently I have Dani in her size 72 (100 gram) with liners 100 grams and 300 grams of the same size.  Chance is a size 69 and I'll buy a 100 gram liner for him to make his blanket a 200 if ever needed.  I doubt I'll need a 300 liner for him since that would end up being a total of 400 grams of fill and a very toasty horse!

He also looks really cute in his blanket and the coloring matches Dani's but with just a different trim color.  What a cute pony boy!

Snowpacalypse???

This weekend in Colorado there is supposed to be a large amount of snow.  The Emergency Operations Centers are on alert. Sadly I probably won't be able to see my pony this weekend.  I ran out after work on Friday to give her a hug and kiss.  I'm really missing her since last weekend with a pulled neck and snowy weather again reduced my pony time.

When I got out to the barn the skies were clearing from a flurry that had occurred that evening.  The sun was out and setting so it was actually pretty beautiful though cold.  Dani was looking good and cute in her blanket.  The barn owner was blanketing everyone in order to avoid having to chase horses around in the middle of blustery winds.

Beyjo is the arabian gelding that is now hanging out with Dani.  They like each other but the Arab tends to be bossy and mean about food.  Not sure if he is the boss horse but Dani steers clear of his heels at feeding time.  He's a cute little bay but very skittish.  His owners don't work with him that much.  I felt bad one day since he had a huge tornado knot in his silky black mane.  I got some of my Manely Long Hair product and worked it out for about 30 minutes.  Today I saw it's nice and silky.  This product is great!

Dani and Beyjo get fed last since the older mare, silky a cute palomino is 30 and needs enough time to get her food in her belly.  She is fed in the pen at the front of the pasture while Dani and Beyjo look sad and half starved.  She's just wasting away isn't she?

I gave her a few treats and just hung out with her while she watched N bring alfalfa to the chickens and no hay to her.  Eventually when Silky was pretty full Dani and Beyjo got their food.  

As the sun set and the wind picked up a little it was getting time to head home.  We should be getting the bulk of the storm between Saturday and Sunday.  Drat.  At least the time change is coming and I may be able to start getting riding in during the week after work.

As I left Dani was munching away at her hay and Silky was off by her hay tub near the run-in shed.  All ponies seemed content.  I'm glad Dani is here.  When I can't ride she still has lots of room to run and ponies to play with.  Still I await the day when she can be in my back yard. 

Here's hoping next weekend is more riding friendly! 

Snow, Fuzz and Poop

Now that's a title!!  LOL.  We are in for another freezing week.  There was a small respite on Sunday with nice weather but the ground was covered in snow and I wasn't comfortable with riding in it.  Some are braver than I!  Today was a good day to rearrange my tack area.  My SmartPaks contain broke, therefore I'd purchased a set of plastic drawers (yippee, more space for stuff!).  The top drawer will have my SmartPaks.  It was also "warm" enough to spot clean Dani's blanket.  She had poop smears and mud smears in various places.  SO I scrubbed with just water and hosed off those spots.  

The sun was warm enough to dry it within a very short time considering the temperature.  The sun was also doing a number on the snowy roof.  When clumps with icicles fell off the back side they scrapped against the metal siding.  It freaked me out a couple times will mucking and sweeping in the stall.  Later when I brought Dani in for a quick groom, hoof picking and blanketing that same freaky sound startled us both.  She jumped and then looked at me all panicky.  I'd jumped too but immediately stroked her and calmed her down.  Not that she was that scared.  Her spooks so far have been "jump to a stop and stare".

Now onto another random topic, hair.  It's early February and yes, Dani is beginning to shed her long fuzzies.  February, March and some of April tend to be the snowy months in Colorado.  Guess that's why I have a good Rambo blanket with many layering options.  After grooming her the chestnut fuzz covered me.  It was warm enough out I didn't wear my Carhartt so instead used a light shell.  Oh well, it needed to be laundered anyways!

Dani's mane is doing the same thing it did last year, she's getting the short little mane hairs on her off side.  Last year they grew and eventually flipped to her near side.  It's interesting.  I know she looses hairs and continuously grows more just like any other mammal, including us.  It's just odd that a large section grows out like this.  Hmm...she has a nice thick mane that I love so the more hairs the merrier right?  Guess I'll have to keep that upbeat attitude as shedding season comes into full swing.

The Snow Melt-eth

Ponies love the snow!  Dani likes to roll, and roll in snow.  I don't think it matters what she rolls in, as long as it's soft.  My girl loves to dig through the snow for bits of grass.  She also loves to find scraps of hay bits left near other boarders pen.  As long as she is not eating their hay I don't chase her off; though one day she was eating David's hay and I had a heck of a time getting her away.  I made sure the tarp was good and secure.  What a pest!  She gets her whiskers all covered in flakes from digging in the snow, it's so cute.  I can only seem to get a picture with her head up if I have her haltered.  Otherwise....dig, dig, dig in that snow.

Things are starting to warm up now!  It was 35 today!  I went to the barn early in the morning to de-robe my girl and let her roll in the arena.  Horses much prefer being naked to wearing a blanket.  At least Dani has a nice comfy blanket so when she has to wear one it's tolerable (thank you hubby!)

Humans tend not to like the cold either.  I'm cold natured; I'd rather have cooler temperatures but below 30 degrees even I think it's a bit chilly. This subzero stuff was pretty miserable.

The next few days should be warmer still and here's hoping that the arena melts and it's ride worthy weather on Saturday!  I will want to do some groundwork first before we do under saddle work.  The last time I rode was short and sweet but feels like ages ago!  We trotted and had fun and worked on opening a gate from the saddle (coordination I lack and then throwing a pony in the mix makes it even more challenging)  We did alright though but lets just say I would have let out the entire herd of cattle!

Then my silly little mare and I went through the noodles....first time under saddle!  Sweet!  No issues!  I see some people barrel through those things at the trot or canter but the ones at KCRC have hard metal washers holding them on, that would hurt!  I think a good ol' walk is fine unless there is another curtain made of all soft material to work with.  I'm very happy that she didn't have an issue "going alone".

So what are the big plans for this coming balmy weather??  Well, a good thorough grooming/scratching of Dani and file work on her hooves.  I'll round the hooves, trim some of the frog flaps I've noticed and apply some hoof oil.  Then of course riding, some groundwork and major pen cleaning.  I want to get as many small bits of manure I may have missed with everything turning frozen solid the past week; jackhammer should be on my Christmas Horse Needs Wishlist.  Then I want to check the water tank.  It's pretty good, just topped it off.  I did a good clean before the winter weather hit so I may just need to do a bit of straining and siphoning.  Exciting huh?  I'd rather be at the barn doing work than cleaning my house!  

Hope you all are staying warm.  I know that cold front was moving across the U.S. to the east so....um....sorry bout that!  You'll survive!!

Cold and colder

It's been darn cold in Colorado!  Negative 12 at night, single digits during the day.  Usually Colorado has pretty mild winters in my opinion.  We'll get cold spells and snow but then plenty of days in the 30-40's...even in the 50's!  I've had to drive into work on the slick icy roads while friends that work in schools have had several snow days....Grrr!

Dani doesn't mind the snow so much.  I think I the blanket has been good because of the wind and the sudden drop in temperatures.  David has been blanketing his mares but other horses at KCRC aren't blanketed.  I wonder if I'm just over protective.....  She hasn't been sweating under the blanket so that's fine.  With her blanket and under blanket she has about 400 grams of warmth.  That's the Rambo Duo.  I'm getting a new under layer soon, one that is only 100 grams so I can blanket her at 100, 200 or 400.  I don't think I'll need anything else....those blanket weights will cover us for most temperatures.  

I've only blanketed Dani one other time this year so far, it was right before Thanksgiving I think.  Snowy and windy....I would have liked to have used a lighter weight but didn't have the 100 under blanket yet.  She's been doing great though.  Much more fuzzy than she was last year.  I'm letting her fetlocks grow out of course, she gets little feathers in the winter.

I haven't been able to ride or work her much since I don't feel it's safe with the ground as it is.  While cleaning and feeding I've let her out for some turn out.  She's had some naked time too so she can roll in the snow some and I can check her blanket isn't rubbing.  Thank goodness static guard doesn't freeze.  I was going to spray a light mist of the coat conditioner on her and the inside of her blanket to reduce the static but that was frozen solid!!

Winter always has it's challenges.  The frozen manure or poopsicles are harder to find in the ground and harder to get up.  Urination freezes and can make clumps too so sometimes I feel like what I toss in the wheel barrow isn't necessarily what I really mean to throw away.  I do the best I can to get the hard, round poop balls out of her pen so my lady doesn't twist her ankle.  So I don't twist mine for that matter!

My water heater and filter is working well and keeping the ice off the water.  I've been adding salt to her supplements to make sure she drinks enough water.  Seems to be doing her good as her water level is going down like it usually does each day, perhaps a little less.

It's supposed to warm up later this week.  I'm so looking forward to that and I'm sure Dani will love having the blanket off for a while.  I'm definitely missing the indoor arena now but who knows.  I may have still been a wuss and not ridden even with access to the inside riding area.  At least the days will start getting longer here in a bit, December 21st!!  I want to get back in the saddle and work on more trotting.  I've been having so much fun!  Last time was right after Thanksgiving I think...feels so long ago.  Snow makes time pass slower, I truly believe that!

Serene Sunday

Snug as a bug in a rug...I mean horse in a rug.

Sleepy, sleepy....

Wish she could curl up like this on the couch with Steve, the dogs and me!!

 

Stay warm!!

I'm Wrapping Her in Bubble Wrap!

It was a cold and blustery night...isn't that how it always starts? All day it had been blowing snow from the lovely storm Draco.  Yes now we name winter storms in the USA.  Apparently we are behind the game since Europe has been doing this forever.  Anyways, I wanted to check on Dani for hoof snowballs and to refill her supplement containers.  I have a week supply that I premix for the stable.  It's just a handful of the Purina Senior and a scoop of SmartPaks EZ Keeper Vitamins and Minerals.  Once a month she gets the 7 day purge with Sand Clear, I already did that this month and will have to film it since she makes a face like she’s eating peanut butter!  LOL.

Barn aisle had snow blown in from the wind

Nice ice free water, so far as I've noticed Dani is a good drinker!

Anyways WD-40 didn’t work as good as I had hoped it would.  There were still balls of snow compacted on her feet but when we are talking blizzard conditions and extremely cold temperatures I don’t know how avoidable the snowballs really are.  I started working away at them with the hoof pick.  Then I found a hammer as I read that you can use that to breakaway the ice.  It worked pretty easily and I had to reassure myself that farriers use hammers on hooves, I wasn't going to crack the horn!  I may need to purchase a little one to keep at the stable.  I finished her front feet first since they were the worst.

 

Snow pony

On flat hard ground this looks so extreme, in dirt and snow I'm
sure it's not as dramatic but still, Poor Pony!

I think the issue has been that I don’t get all the ice off when I WD-40, there are still remnants left. I wonder if a hair dryer would help melt it all away. I could get a cheap one and then get her used to the sound….ideas, ideas.

When I went back to her off side hind leg I noticed some blood on her white sock...OH NO! She lifted her leg up oddly and I felt around her ankle. No ouchie on her fetlock but above, on her inner thigh there were a couple wounds. What in the world????

Dangling from the back of her blanket was the butt strap bungee. It had broken apart at one of the snaps. The only thing I can imagine was that it got caught on something and when Dani pulled to get free it became very taunt. With it being a stretchy material it had quite the impact once it broke free. I’ve contacted Rambo to let them know, I might get a free replacement; it’s only $10 to replace the strap though. I’m just not sure I want the bungee again, it compounds an impact.  I'd prefer a more easily broken strap that has less of a chance injury my horse. The outer PVC covering was nice for cleaning it off but I can do that on any strap, hardware stores have lots of tubing that I could concoct something.

Uge. I cleaned her up with some wipes but was worried about doing too much cleaning and getting her wet. Frozen anything onto her skin would be a bad idea I thought with this weather and wind chill. I left a message for the vet to come the next day since I’m so new to this horse ownership thing I don’t want to take any chances. She was walking fine at least, didn't seem to be really bothered by her ouchie. I brought her into the indoor to walk her around and help to thaw the last bits of snow off her hooves. Then I WD-40’d her hooves again.

The vet came today, looked Dani over and said it was a puncture wound, he has her on Bute and antibiotics for the next 3 days to prevent infection and keep her moving around the pasture. He said keeping her stall bound would make the wound swell more. So Dani is out to pasture with an icky antibiotic taste in her mouth and I have the icky taste of yet another unexpected bill. I still haven’t been able to rebuild my savings!!

My poor little mare! She seriously needs heated boots and to be wrapped in bubble wrap! Or maybe a horse sized exercise ball?

Steve, Dani and Rambo

We had some pretty cold weather this weekend for this time of year; along with wind and some precipitation so we felt it good to blanket Dani, at least in just the outer part of the blanket that has 100 fill. 

 

 

I've been checking her daily to see that her leg is doing well having the big huge field to play in, so far so good....knock on wood!  We were running some errands so Steve and I swung by to check on Dani and make sure the blanket wasn't rubbing her since she would need to wear it one more night.

 

I had Steve put on the blanket, it'd been a while since he put a blanket on a horse so I reminded him of the order for putting on and taking off said blanket.  To put on one should always start with the front clips.  If the horse spooks they have less a chance of getting tangled with these being the only straps secured.

Then I had Steve do the "surcingles" that go below her belly.  I do the middle strap and then have the outside straps crossed over each other.  So the front outside strap would go under her belly and secure to the rear outside clip.  The rear outside strap would go under her belly and secure to the front outside clip.

 

 This is just how I've learned to blanket a horse, I'm sure the belly straps can be done differently and there is no issue.  The main thing is that you want to make sure the blanket is snug but not restricting.  This blanket doesn't have back leg straps so we don't have to worry about those.  We just make sure her tail is over the "butt loop". 

 

What I like about the Rambo is the butt strap has a plastic sheath over it so you just have to wipe clean any manure that collects.  Very nice!!  Fancy butt strap or not, ponies always look sooo cute in their blankets!!

 

 

Rambo Blanket

 Steve and I headed to the barn on a busy Saturday.  The barn was having a horse show.  The road leading up to it and the "parking lot" was packed with cars and trailers.  Horses were coming and going in all directions.  Steve and I peaked into the indoor to see the Halloween costume class.  Some cute costumes, nothing really to write home about but it was still lots of fun.  A unicorn and his princess were standing in the aisle way, not sure why they weren't in the class. 

We went to get Dani.  When we brought her into the barn she was obviously nervous at all the motion and people.  She is used to a very quiet setting.  We found an empty stall and I led her in, well I tried to.  She balked.  People were moving up and down the aisle and behind her...hmm, I bet this has to do with some of the past experiences with trailering and having people forcefully get her into that tight space.  I'm sure that was a flashback.  Perhaps not but each time I tried to get her in the stall she balked and even backed a little.  With all those people around I didn't want anyone hurt and didn't feel this was the best time to force this issue so I led her outside, had Steve bring her to a quieter area of the parking lot, had him turn her around to face the commotion and went to get the grooming bag really quick.

I tidied her up just a bit since we were going to have her sized for a blanket.  We got the goobers out of her eyes.  One eye had more crusted on her fur, I'll have to keep an eye on that.  Her eye seemed fine but it just seemed like more than your normal goober.  Once she was reasonably presentable Steve and I brought her to the Pinnacle Horseware stand.  I talked to the gal about her board situation, pasture with a run in and that she wouldn't be clipped.  We tried on a couple blankets, Dani was a good girl having a stranger throw on the blanket.  I also have to mention the clothes and bagged items blowing in the breeze making a bit of sound and a lot of motion.  Dani was perfectly fine.  She looked down at the bags with blankets that were plopped near her, obviously she was terrified!  LOL.

We settled on a nice Rambo Duo blanket at 20% off.  Dani will mainly just need the outer blanket but the inner blanket will be great for those really cold winter nights when we know we are getting snow and wind.  The didn't have a nice green color for her but the dark blue still looks stunning on her....and she just looks all adorable with her little coat!  My husband said he'd pay for the blanket, early Christmas gift, since he knew I was saving up for the saddle too. LOVE HIM! 

After the blanket we walked Dani around near the outdoor ring to see the action and people and also walked her around a flag.....future post to come on that.  After the excitement we had to head back to the city since Steve had a lot of errands to run.  We watched her walk out to her field and find a spot on which to graze that was closer than her norm.  All the horses were closer in though.  I love that cute little Dani butt!

Back home the blanket will get a couple tags put on it before bringing it back to the stable.  Armani, our tuxedo, cat has approved of the blanket as you can see!!

I think she looks pretty cute in her blanket even though Rambo didn't have the hunter green in this style (green is kinda Dani's color!).  She'll most likely just have to wear it on windy or wet days, I want her to grow out her full winter coat since nature makes the best warmth.  This week I'm thinking she'll need the blanket since her winter coat has not fully come in yet, that's the problem with fall in Colorado, nice warm days and temperatures can plummet in the night. 

I'm going away to see my nephew but it's so hard leaving my pony!  I know Steve will be here Saturday and part of Sunday but still there will be several days when she won't have someone to keep a close eye on her.  I know the boarding farm will keep an eye on her but still, she's my baby!  Anyhow, I won't be posting for a week or so since I will be in Virginia...I'll miss you guys!