Wednesday, July 27, 2016

July with Mezza...

We can now ride with the log. Around and around we go....

 One of the plus' of ground driving!


Here is the video link--there is a big void of action at the beginning, so scroll at least a third of the way. My appologies!     https://youtu.be/gUoT9KmpJSw

This month has sped by so quickly. I have been riding Mezza in the heifer pen, and out at the equestrian center. We have gotten somewhere with the log (OK, it is really a branch--check out our video). We have also been spending time hand walking on the trail in the open space--near the traffic, crossing the road, and up along the canal. She handles that beautifully.

She is not upset by all the goings-on at the local shows, but we did spend quite a bit of time on focusing and refocusing on our latest ride there. Not skittish, just plenty curious about everything going on and was plenty happy to leave the trail group to go check (other) things out. Well, we are not ready for Golden Gate Canyon yet (check out that butterfly and you'll be at the bottom of a gorge)!

Checking out the logs on the trail

Monday, July 4, 2016

Saying Goodbye to Scout...


On Friday, July 1st, I took Scout up to the trailer, where I groomed him, and as it threatened rain, handed him off to my friend, Janice (who along with her husband, Mark, owns the property where I board Scout), and she took him up to graze him while I quickly brushed down Mezza and gave her a short graze time before putting them both back, as it started raining on all of us.
I headed on an errand, then home. An hour after I'd left, Janice called me--Scout was down, colicking. The vet arrived to give him an exam and tube him--he also gave him IV fluids. His rectal exam concerned Dr. Finley, who warned me that surgery might be his only avenue of recovery, as his intestines seemed displaced. Even though he had been up and perky (and farting) after the initial visit, later that evening he had bloated up tight with gas. On the 2nd emergency vet visit I had Scout put down, as surgery was not an option for us.
Below is my FaceBook post to Scout, I owe him so much, and miss him greatly. It has been very helpful working with Mezza during this time.


In loving memory of Scout, March 1995-July1, 2016. 
Scout was put down due to colic. He has been a wonderful teacher to me for the past 11 years. A BLM Mustang, originally bound for CSU's NFL joint program, he became my equine partner in April, 2005. Because of him, I continued my education in equine studies at Front Range Community College, and learned a great deal about insulin resistance, laminitis, and arthritis. Along the way I've met many wonderful horsemen, and have gotten to know many wonderful vets, farriers and equine industry care givers. For all of you, thank you. For Scout, I will never forget you.
Photos (next 2 below) by Jill Hinderberger




Scout before his last ride, June 26, 2016