rituals

I am realizing that the weather seems to be affecting my moods more and more every year. For the past two weeks, it has been cloudy, damp, rainy, and just crappy out. I have had to drag myself to the barn. Once I am there, I feel better, but getting there is a struggle. I thought I was having a rough September, but it spilled into October and I foresee November not being any better. But such is life. 

I went to the barn over the weekend and as soon as I grabbed all my stuff, it started to rain. So I put it all away and went to chill with Shyloh under the trees. Once again, she was covered in burrs, so I de-burred her. She had some on her ears, which she was not happy about. I actually had to put her in a hold to get them out, which resulted in a pissed off pony and me being shook about. 

But yesterday, the sun came out! And it was glorious. It was just what I needed. I love the ritual of being with my pony. Pulling up to the barn, getting my grooming supplies out of my locker, putting them in our area, then going to get Shy is so simple, yet so comforting. Once I get her, we walk side by side to our area where I give Shy her food and start the grooming process. I de-burr, brush brush brush, and pick feet. By this time, I have forgotten all my troubles and I feel like a new person. And Shy is just so perfect for me. 

Then I tack Shy up. I love that she makes everything so easy for me. She never fights tack and stands beautifully. Yesterday, since it was so nice out, I decided to line drive her through the woods. Maybe we would run into some turkeys to chase. 

It was the most wonderful line drive ever. We shuffled through the woods, crunching the leaves under our feet and walking over branches. 

Shy had a beautiful forward walk. She was not bothered by the noises of the leaves or the branches touching her. Sometimes, we didn't even see the sticks on the ground until they were stepped on, snapped, or rolled upward to touch legs or belly. Shy didn't bat an eye at this. I think we may have unlocked the key with an open bridle. 

I was thinking while we were line driving how awesome it would be if Shy (and myself) were this calm and collected with a cart and how much fun we would have. Maybe one day we can revisit this. 

I hope the sun can stay out. It doesn't have to be warm, just not cloudy. Also, my pony is incredibly fat. Ugh!She doesn't even eat that much! I think we need to add more work to our ritual. I like a chunky horse going into winter, but this is getting out of control. 

burrs

Burrs. . . I hate them. But Shyloh seems to love them. She is a burr magnet. 

Perhaps this is why. . .

Or this. . .

Ugh! All I know is that I spend the better part of our time together picking out burrs. Big burrs in her tail and little bit of feather. Teeny tiny burrs on her legs, stomach, sides, neck, chest, ears, under her chin, and nose. Clusters of burrs in her mane and forelock. And those tiny burrs, yeah, they are about the same size as ticks. 

I think she sleeps in them!

I don't even know how she gets them here.

Not only are the burrs everywhere, but they have become partially hidden by her hair as Shy begins to turn into a woolly mammoth for winter. So I have to untangle and pull the burrs out of her hair. It doesn't look like much, but they are small and have to be pulled one at a time. Luckily, Shy is very tolerant of the constant plucking of the burrs, except for the clumps by her ears.

Shy is totally okay with looking like a feral horse.

Shy's forelock has about three strands of long hair left, the rest is a fluff from being pulled out by the burrs. It is a sad, sad forelock for a Haflinger. Her mane is a twist of nastiness. And the tail. . .the tail that collects the large burrs, which then clump together and intertwine hairs and create a cluster of a mess is just awful. I cannot wait for the bugs to go away so I can put that tail up for winter.

Ugh

More ugh!

So sad!

Why?

So many tiny burrs hidden throughout.

The burrs stick to her halter and to me. I have even found them in my hoodie pocket. 

But the mane and forelock. . . I am beginning to think it would be easier to roach and start over. Yes? No? Maybe so?

*All these photos where taken on different days.

swamp monster

We have been getting torrential downpours all week, with the occasional tornado warning thrown in for fun. Jaime braved the rain, hail, wind, and warnings to make sure the horses were safe and stayed in the barn until it was over. Poor King Leonitus (new paint horse) didn't know what was going on as hail pelted him. He thought Jaime was doing it and she had a hell of a time getting him inside. 

Kyle's new horse

When I got to the barn later in the week, I was in for a surprise. . .

First, all the horses were hanging out in the barn listening to the soft rock radio station while Reba was munching hay from the hay loft. The thing about drafts is that not much is out of their reach.

She makes it look easy

Second, I no longer had a horse, I had a swamp monster! 

filth

Shyloh was covered in mud, her tail was disgusting, and she looked downright awful. I set to work, fruitless as it was since she was being turned out back into the swamp and she decided to be in mad heat again.

I hosed her leg, mainly to get the mud off the one leg and re-clean her wounds  underneath, but while I was at it I got all four legs. Then I washed her tail, braided it, and bagged it. That problem is solved. The wounds from the shit fork fight seem to be healing well. Shy had two more small cuts on her, one on each side of her near her hips. Kinda looked like she tried to squeeze through something and her hips got caught. 

I also noticed something else. . .

Hives! Shy has never had hives before. I am going to keep an eye on it, but they don't seem to bother her, although when I scratched her she did seem to enjoy it. They are on both sides of her, too. And since I was cleaning her up and our first show is next weekend, I decided to clip her face. She makes it really hard because she tries to eat the clippers when I do her lips. I think it tickles.

Whisker free

After all my work, I turned her back out into the swamp. Good thing we have awesome drainage so as soon as the rain stops the pastures will dry back up!

slightly dirty pony gets clean

This week I attended a work conference in my favorite place, Traverse City. 

The bay

So, Shyloh was on her own for a while (with Jaime's help of course).  Shy wasted no time getting herself nice and dirty for me, which I find odd. . . Until recently, Shy is a pretty clean horse. She is not a mud roller and won't nap in mud or poop. But lately, she has had mud on her back, neck, face. . .places where I usually don't find mud on her. 

Not a lot, but more than usual. I still consider myself lucky that this is the worst.

But I cleaned her up all nice and pretty. And since I had time and the weather was nice-ish, I washed her tail to get it ready for the clinic this weekend. I also used the Trophy Line Mane-ly Long conditioner and polisher I bought at Equine Affaire. That stuff is great! 

Modeling

Since it had been all winter that Shy has not had running water on her, she acted like it was hot lava running out of the hose to burn her, which consisted of trying to run quickly step away from the water's reach. She quickly realized that it wasn't going to hurt her and behaved herself so I could wash the mud off of her legs before I started on the tail. Horses. . .

What is this? Why are you washing my tail?? Show season!!!

I brought Shy back to the round pen and made her look pretty and fussed over her for a bit. I think she secretly likes that.

Even put in a ribbon

Then I tied a lead rope to her halter and hopped up on her. Well, actually, she kept walking to the mounting block, I swear she was saying let's go for a ride! We putzed around the round pen. I laid over her neck and Shy took a little snooze. Then we walked around some more. She kept pointing herself to the door, I think she wanted to go out. Maybe soon, pony, maybe soon. 

Pointing out

It must have been when I was laying on her that I picked up a tick. Yes, they are back. Ugh. Me and Jaime released the chickens hoping that they will gobble some up and leave less for us to worry about. Whitney Houston continues to grow! 

Good chicken, all signs are pointing towards hen!

And the Bantams that Jaime has have started laying mini eggs!

This weekend will be busy with the clinic and raffle. Fun times ahead!

spring is in the air!

I have a very sassy, springy pony! 

What other smells are in that fresh, spring air?

After being stuck in traffic for 2 hours trying to get down to the barn tonight, Shy was less than snuggly. In fact, she was down right trying to avoid me!

I took the shedding blade to her and gave her a good grooming. I expected her to be much muddier since Jaime sent me this video during the week. Quality isn't great, but you can kind of see Shy zooming about.

But, Shy was relatively mud free. This pony has the ability to stay so clean! I love it! And I may be bragging just a little. . . She has no qualms about walking through mud or puddles, but she won't lay or roll in them. Good pony.

After that, I took miss sassafrass for a walk in the back fields. We hadn't been back there in a while and I want to get Shy comfortable before we start riding back there. She was totally fine and was still trying to find soybeans. Her and those beans!

Digging for beans

It was nice to walk in fresh mud so I could see Shy's hoof prints. She was tracking up really nice, back prints right in the front prints. Now that bitter cold, snow, and wind are gone, we battle the mud. 

I took Shy to the round pen and made her move around. She was being so sassy! I didn't have my lunge whip, so I used a branch (well, more of a twig, it was shorter than my forearm) and Shy started moving out. . .and tossing that head.

I had no purpose to making her lunge for a few minutes, just to get her to move, but not too fast because the ground was wet. Then we just hung out and did nothing. I didn't want to ride because I tweaked my neck sleeping funny, but I am hoping to ride this weekend. 

monday musings by shyloh #110

It is so so brr cold! Good thing me and the minions have ample hair to keep us warm! 

Allie brought us all in the barn for a Shyloh and minion spa day! I love spa days.  Well, Allie grooms me every time she visits, but spa days are special. I get extra grooming and treats!

Hee hee

First I get a curry combing. It's like a massage all over. Then a get a double brushing, once with a stiff brush and once with a soft brush. Allie spent a long time with my feather cause they had frozen mud on them. Gotta keep those clean to prevent ouchies.  After that, an extra soft brush cleans off my face and my mustache. Next it is time for my mane to be brushed, it has gotten tangly from all the wind and rain. And finally, my hooves get picked out! That's my most favorite part. I am so good, I pick up all my feet and hold them out. Ahhhh, a spa is only complete with a treat and a hay snack. 

They have no idea of the awesomeness they are in store for.

Allie went on to the minions next. They were super dirty because 1, they are boys and 2, they like to be mud rollers. Gunny likes to drag his face on the ground, must be a hinny thing. Meatball and Dexter like to roll in the mud and had muddy backs and faces. 

The supplies. . . and a cat

Meatball is always a little leery of being groomed. But Allie is patient and cleaned him right up. He even let her pick his feet. He is the most hairiest minion ever! So much fluff!  Also, Meatball is much heavier than he looks. I was trying to get him out of my way and he wouldn't move, so I stuck my head under his belly and tried to flip him. . .no go.  So then I just had to show him my butt and he got the idea to move. Ha!

Gunny actually enjoyed his grooming, which was quite surprising since he doesn't like to be touched all that much. His hair is much coarser than the other horses' hair. 

Dexter didn't seem to enjoy the extra grooming attention all that much. He tolerated it, but I think he prefers to be left alone. . .wild and free, like me. Unless food is involved. 

When we went back outside, I think we all forgot how chilly it was! The wind was howling! But Allie through us some hay to keep our bellies warm, so we were happy. I sure could go for more of these spa days!

Mmmmmm!

Seriously almost the cutest! That's why I sometimes have to be mean to him though, cause he is not cuter than me!

Let's hope they stay clean.

And, only a couple more days left of the Horze Hat Giveaway! Don't forget to enter!
~Shyloh

can't you smell that smell?

These past few days have been hotter than hot and I have't been to the barn because of class. I finally made it out today, but it was way to hot to do anything fun. I feel like such a boring horse owner. 

Reba and Clutch were the only sane horses that stayed around to be sprayed with the hose, the others ran away. Reba even played in the water trough!

I am trying a new fly spray concoction on Shyloh. And it smells awful. It is the Skin So Soft and white vinegar mix. So far, I have been unable to determine if it works any better than any of the store fly sprays, which don't really work all that well. All I know for sure is that it smells nasty. 

The smell of it surrounds her

Jaime got a hinny at the barn. A hinny is the opposite of a mule, it is the result of a male horse and a female donkey. I guess mules are made from the other way around. He is super cute. 

Gunny!

He is super cute with a soft eye. And I personally think he is part zebra.

He has zebra stripes on his legs.

Shy seems to like Gunny. They hung out together when me and Jaime were grooming them. 

He can make quite the noise, too!

Then we noticed that the horseflies were bugging him. So she got out her fly spray. And Gunny was not a happy hinny!

Up, down, and all around! He was not a fan of the spray.

After, he tried to roll it off of him. Hilarious! He rolls, then digs his head in the ground and scoots it forward. He is going to be a lot of fun!

Step one, lay down. . .

Step two, slide forward!

And even after multiple hand washings and a change of clothes, I still smell that pungent mix of fly spray. Ugh.

pony and the kids

Shyloh had her second lesson being a lead line pony. I think she really enjoys it. Lily and Tommy had a great time and got to learn some horse care routines.

First, I did a mini photo shoot with Shy while we waited. . . 

Blackberries! Shy spits out the red ones, they aren't ripe enough for her!

Flowing mane. . .

Then Shy got the royal treatment. She was groomed by both Tommy and Lily. They even wanted to stand on the crate so they could reach all of her! They worked hard under the watchful eye of Terry, their aunt. Terry is quite the stickler for a good grooming.

brush brush brush

Getting all the spots!

They both wanted to pick Shy's feet. Tommy was real good at it and interested in how to do it. I held Shy's hoof while they each had a turn. Before it was time to ride, though, we had to wait for the farrier. This is when Shy decided to test the kids and pull pull pull for the grass. Poor Tommy didn't let go of the rope and went for a run with Shy as she was pulling. I let him know if she does that again to let go, I don't want her dragging him! I got Shy off the grass and gave her back to Tommy. And she walked much better for him this time. 

Tommy walking Shy to were the farrier works

This is how we wait. . .

Finally, it was time for the highlight of the day. . .riding time! The kids were so excited to ride! Lily went first this time. I walked her around the property then took her in the arena.

Her mom, Alison, was teaching her proper riding. Lily really is good at it! She has a great balance! 

Eyes closed, hands out. Lily rocked it!

And I think Shy really likes her. . .

Shy has a really nice walk with Lily on her back. I even got Shy to trot a little bit with Lily! After a couple bumpy starts, Shy was able to ease into a nice trot. Lily even got to ride Shy with no one holding the lead line! And since she can't really turn Shy yet, I had Lily telling Shy gee and haw. . .which worked! Ha, I'll turn these kids into draft pony kids soon enough!

On their own!

Next up was Tommy. He was so happy to be up in the saddle! He gave Shy a giddy up and Shy scooted forward, but Tommy kept his balance like the cowboy he is. After that, Shy was back to her old self. She walked much slower with Tommy, she seemed to sense that Tommy did not have the balance that Lily had.

Cuties!

Once Tommy saw the barn kitties, all he wanted to do was hold the kitties. 

Once we were done, the kids helped me untack Shy and put her stuff away. Then Shy got her apples. Happy pony. Happy kids. Happy me.