A Much Belated Post

I wrote comments in response to your last post that vanished into the internet-sphere. Apparently, I have to be more careful in making sure they publish! Sorry about that. You must think we've fallen off the side of the earth.
Darr is doing well. We haven't been riding him, but we do check in on him when we are at the barn and I understand that he has been getting exercised by a few different people under Erin's guidance.

Quick news:
* Erin reports that she's had a few different riders try him out to see who might be a good fit, possibly for a lease. She has one girl in mind, who is college age, I believe. She said that she would try to get a hold of you to discuss a possible lease (that was on the weekend, actually).
* He's had his feet done again.
* He tore one of his blankets and we're going to have a seamstress friend look at it for repair. Sebastian used to tear his, too, so we're used to this! .
* His leather halter was temporarily lost in the paddock. The piece on the underside (analagous to the throat latch) has gone MIA. We'll take a look at Greenhawk to see if we can find a replacement piece.

That's it for now. We'll aim to report here more regularly.

Any Updates?

How are things going at Top of the Hill?  I hope Sarah has recovered from her flu, its causing some havoc this year I hear.

Catching Up... a few posts behind

We are behind in our Darr posts! It’s been a busy time with work, school , Christmas parties, shopping and traveling to the States.  Sarah rode Darr on Monday, December 17th – walk, trot and canter. We were working around a lesson, so there was a lot of stop-and-go, but she got a couple solid canters in, consisting of a few laps each.  On Wednesday, December 19^th, we had an excellent lesson with Erin.  We worked on trotting, including small circles at 3, 6, 9 and 12 on the clock, and a few laps of controlled canter (as opposed to more “open canter” that Sarah tends toward in our training rides. We had a good chat with Erin at the end of the lesson about bits, and controlling Darr since he is so strong and wanting to go fast (and if he were jumping, to probably go BIG).  Jenny, this is a great time for you to jump into the conversation with Erin.

We also handed over the reins to Erin, in terms of Darr’s exercise while we are in Florida. We figured that she is the best judge of who in the barn is a suitable rider for Darr, so she will look after arranging that in our absence. She knows that Jenny is coming on the 24^th and that Victoria may visit, too.

We will be missing riding while we are away! Happy holidays to everyone. Pleased keep us posted J 

Boots!

So good news, I have located my Boogaloo boots for Darr which are great boots and easy to use, so I will leave them at the barn when I go on the 24th!

Any recent news?

It is a winter wonderland here so we will make our way carefully home after work today.  Yay for Christmas holidays!

Christmas Eve Day Ride?

I am wondering if Darr might be available to be ridden on the 24th, maybe midmorning - midafternoon? 

We are heading straight to Parry Sound for next weekend, and then will be en route to Hawkestone Monday morning.  We drive quite close to the barn so I was thinking I could come to the barn and ride on my way.

Do you know if Erin is around at all over Christmas? 

A quick Training Note

In today's news, just a short update:

* Sarah rode Darr on Monday evening - the usual walk, trot, canter. Still light on the canter - a few individual laps in each direction - and he is still raring to go :)

* Sarah had a light ride tonight and we chatted with Erin about bits, lunging, draw reins and the like, as well as plans over Christmas. We'll keep you posted on those fronts.

* We are looking forward to building up his cantering time gradually (despite his protests otherwise; he's apparently building up his fitness by getting some galloping exercise in the paddock :) ).

* Darr's fitness appears to be excellent, judging by his respiratory health and lack of sweating (I re-read the article you sent about Reconditionging Your Horse After Lay-Up, to see what we should be looking for).

* Erin's description of Darr is "that's a lot of horse". She is referring, of course, to his obvious athletecism.  Me, I just think he is extremely cute and worthy of many treats.

A Visit from Victoria

Today we were delighted to welcome Victoria and Richard to Top of the Hill for a visit with Darrington. Victoria had a walk-trot-canter session with Darr, with many pats, many carrots and a few ginger snap cookies. No wonder he is such a happy guy. 

It was interesting for us to hear first-hand about Victoria's experiences with Darr over the last three years, what life is like at her home stable and Darr's hunter and jumper career. It was a treat for Sarah to see how Darr looks from the ground, too, with a rider who is so familiar with him.  Certainly there is an obvious bond between Darr and Victoria; he was even perkier than usual (granted, there were lots of carrots involved, and we certainly support carrots). Victoria shared several great pix of Darr that she had on her phone and we especially loved a picture of Darr rolling on his back, all four legs in the air.

We're using the same French-link bit that Victoria does. We asked how she managed his "restless" moments, when he really wants to go, go, go. Victoria noted that a little lunging and lots of cantering time worked well for her with Darr. So, we've decided that perhaps the solution to his excitement lately his isn't a different bit, but simply more time cantering as soon as he is he's ready. Certainly Sarah's had good luck "riding the sillies" out of horses in the past in order to find a calmer place, and  accordingly, that's the philosophy we're going to work with for the time being.

Darr's grain was Purina Elite while he was with Victoria. I see from the Purina site that Elite is the feed line intended for equine athletes (horses, not people), so we'll discuss that with Erin, particularly as Darr begins doing more work in the new year and months ahead. We learned that he is quite fond of Tim's apple cider, as well as slightly overcooked ginger snaps. Also, we need to keep an eye on Darr during especially hot weather in the summer in order to minimize the effects of heat stress. There were many other little notes, too many to mention here, but it was certainly was both a helpful and pleasant visit.

We certainly hope that Victoria will be able to make return visits over the Christmas Break, despite the rather long drive.

Anthophobia - Fear of Flowers

Yesterday was kind of a busy day, but we did manage to get out to see Darr, albeit a little late. Lindsay had a cheer competition, and we accidentally left the key to my locker in the van, so we had to wait until they got home to go ride. In the meantime, we got a combination lock (finally!) so that this wouldn't happen again. Anyways, Dad and I went out to see Darr, and he was good as usual when tacking up, although, when I got on and we started walking, he seemed a little jittery. He didn't spook, but he would look at these flower boxes by the jumps like they were rattlesnakes, and he wouldn't go into one of the corners that had some jumps and boxes tucked into it. Other than that, he was good, although he did get all hyper when we did a bit of canter. We'll be seeing Victoria soon, so another post will be coming shortly :)

A Lesson in Saying "Whoa"

My first lesson on Darr! He was very good as usual, but got hyper as soon as we started cantering. He didn’t want to stop! Erin actually suggested we might need a stronger bit on him because he didn’t respond for very long to “stop”. Nevertheless, he was a good boy and we did a bit of canter work and that went well. He also got his feet done today, so he’s feeling good. After the lesson, he befriended the barn cat who decided to go to sleep in his hay. After vigorous sniffing, the cat finally ran away (Darr’s a curious guy!). We fed him lots of treats and his mud fever is going away. His leg also seems to be doing well, as we’ve been icing it lots and it hasn’t felt abnormally hot or hard or anything.

That is all for today!

A Small Leap into Canter

Leaping a little ahead of the schedule:  on Erin’s advice, Darr had a short canter yesterday (about 2 laps in each direction) during his usual walk/trot workout. Erin feels that Darr could do even more, but we didn’t want to stray too far from the original plan. Given where Darr is at at in terms of accumulated trotting time and fitness, this seemed an appropriate tweek (looking for that balance between your planning aned Erin's view from the ground). Judging by Darr's enthusiasm, he was ready to go. There was no heat coming from his tendon afterward - we check by hand - nor swelling or any sign of ill-effect. Sarah iced his leg as usual.  He continues to move well; no signs of stiffness, either.

 

Erin reports that Darr is tearing up the fields playing with his paddock buddies, galloping and the usual goings-on.

In this week’s lesson, we’re planning to talk draw reins.  So, we'll expect to have a further report on Wednesday PM, provided all the humans are healthy. There's been a vicious flu bug making the rounds.

 

 

 

Darr on the Brink of December

Sarry is feeling a bit under the weather , so I am taking Darr reporting duties. In today's news:

• Erin was unexpectedly away in Ottawa on Wednesday (!) so we weren't able to have our lesson time with her. No worries. The four of us had a lovely time riding (Darr and Sarah, Ginger and I) with the arena all to ourselves. We are hoping to spend some time with Erin soon, particularly Sarah can begin work with the draw reins and later on, lunging per your notes.
• We are staying on track with the program you sent - 3 sets of approx. 2 minute trot intervals and lots of varied walking -  spending about 40 minutes altogether in the arena.  Sarah is continuing with large circles and wide-curved serpentines.
• Darr continues to look healthy and happy, moving smoothly with no sign of stiffness.
• Ever since the chiro treatment, Darr has been extra energetic. From the first day, he has been alert and willing to go, but now he is raring to go. Sarah reported that he was verging on breaking into canter more than once, and she had to rein him back. This was while she was working a two-point at a brisk trot. Probably a good sign! Hey people! Let's get this show on the road!
• The bumps on his rear hoof are disappearing; we have been remiss on reporting on this front. Apparently the Hoof and Mane treatement works!
• Darr is most co-operative with the ice treatment, by the way. It doesn't seem to bother him in the least to have a giant ice bag strapped around his leg. Interesting, since he doesn't seem too fond of his boots.
• Your notes, Jenny, are superb. Very detailed and methodical, so thank you very much! Helpful both for us and in communicating your intentions to Erin, too.
• Darr likes to chew on his cross-ties.
• And, last but not least, here is a silly picture:

 

Where are the treats?

I can't say enough about his pleasant disposition. He is one of the quietest, friendliest. most curious horses we have ever had the pleasure of riding. Very sweet indeed! While I am no horse trainer, I have to assume that you and Victoria have treated him kindly and well.

Boots

So happy to hear he is back in action and feeling good!

I am thinking, why don't you ask Erin what she thinks about boot/leg protection?  I think you can certainly lose the back ones - I never liked that style and seems like he doesn't either!  Ana hated them.  And then for the front, Erin may have something, or some ideas, about what is best as he progresses. 

Trot'n'Roll

After a few days off, Darrington was ready to roll yesterday! He was good as usual when tacking up, but once I got on his back, he didn’t want to stop! Not that he was bad, just a little restless. It was a good ride, nonetheless. Although, afterwards, the little bugger decided to poop on my stuff. I guess it was payback for neglecting him for a few days. Anyways, we’ve decided not to use the polos yet (because my polo technique isn’t quite up to snuff) and I think we’re going to start leaving off his back boots as well if he doesn’t really need them. He did a lot of stomping yesterday, trying to get them off. That’s all for now, and hopefully we’ll be going to see him again today!

Darr's Moving Smoother Now

A quick update on Darr!  After three full days off post-chiro, Darr was moving beautifully today. No sign of stiffness. He was quite energetic, too, clearly wanting to work and to get moving. Not sure if the time off inspired his restlessness or the weather: first snowstorm of the season today. Well, snow, mini-hail, sleet and slush.

We rode for 25-30 minutes today, walking and trotting in keeping with his program to date. We haven't connected with Erin yet in person to hear a full report as to the chiro but we'll let you know as soon as we do. We are planning to spend a our lesson time with her this week to talk about Darr, his recovery program, draw reins, etc,. We'll take your notes, Jenny, and let that be our launch point, and we'll share Erin's view form the ground.

Sarah will be back soon with her own "from the saddle" report. 

Darr Taking a Post-Treatment Break

Darr has been enjoying a few days off from the ring after his chiro treatment on Wednesday. Sarah visited him on Wednesday, but she rode Andre the Gentle Giant for her lesson (Andre, who looks like he should be pulling the Budweiser wagon but moves with remarkable grace):

That's a lot of neck to brush!

Sarah will be out to ride Darr on Saturday and we will have a full update!

Schedule for November 19-25

Hi Lisa and Sarah,

I am forgot to hit publish on my last post attempt!  Sorry for the radio silence on this end :)

Mainly I was just going to say that for this week, it would be great if you could incorporate 30 second - 1 minute trot intervals into his walking.  I am thinking three sets would be good, with a few minutes of walking in between.  And then as before, no tight circles or abrupt movements as much as possible.

That's not great news that he appears stiff - was it just in general, or with respect to one leg, or his hind end or something, did Erin say?  And did it get any better as he continued?  I am just wondering if it is possible that he is a little lazy, or perhaps not fully comfortable without shoes on, or if indeed he has done something to himself... Keep me posted on that, and if it keeps up and you have video capabilities, would you mind taking a short video of it?

Talk soon!  Hope Sarah's play tied up well and she had fun.

Week 2 Report

Unfortunately, my phone isn't 100% compatible with blogger, so a couple times it didn't save and it didn't post. So today I will quickly highlight the events of this week:

Wednesday: Finally, we have everything we need! We had a nice long stroll without the distraction of traffic around us, and he was lovely as usual :)

Thursday&Saturday: Nothing much to report today, just another good walk.

Sunday: First trot! Woo! Great fun :) Although, at one point, Erin observed  that he was moving a little stiffly. She suggested that something might've happened to him in the paddock. Other than that, he was good, and happy. He didn't seem to be favouring that leg at all, but we'll check further into that tomorrow.

Today's Update

Sarah walked with Darr for twenty minutes both yesterday and today. All is well. Next day out:  Saturday!

Mane, Tail and Ginger

For today's stable visit, we had the Mane 'n Tail Groom, in hand, as well as Darr's new 54" girth and Mane n' Tail Hoofmaker. Sarah used to always treat Sebastian's hoofs with this stuff to keep him hoofs healthy, so we thought Darr might benefit from the same treatment. Let us know your thoughts.

We were lucky enough to get out the barn earlier today, so had the arena to ourselves. That's a rare treat. The horse-riding hordes typically descend shortly after four o'clock. 

Here's a quick pic of Darr and his paddock buddies, Sydney and Reggie. As you can see in the photo, Darr managed to get his halter off his face and down his neck. Sarah adjusted it a notch (and cleaned it, again -- seems to be a mud magnet!)

Hi Mom!

I rode Darr briefly today after Sarah's work with him. I carefully walked one lap of the arena with him. I am quite sure that he immediately picked up on my novice rider status, but by half-way 'round I clued in to keep my leg on a little better and he actually picked up a working walk for me. Exciting! He was probably just indulging me because I gave him a thorough head scratch earlier. 

I will be riding another horse, though, as I have signed on to part-board Ginger, the veteran mare who I lesson on. That way, when Sarah comes out to ride Darr, I can walk and trot around on Ginger. It is a heck of a lot warmer than standing! And hopefully, I will develop a better riding seat.  We do expect to get out tomorrow, too, and then on Saturday. Looking forward to some trotting intervals next week.

These Boots Were Made for Walking

Another day, another ride! Despite the pouring rain, we went to see Darr today, and he was his usual good self. He didn't object too much when I kept him from his grain, and other than some head-swinging (he was very interested in the horse in the stall beside us who was intent on guarding his food) while I fumbled around with the bridle, he was a good boy. He was a little restless in the ring and I think he's about ready to start trotting soon, and we'll probably do some on Saturday. The arena was very crowded today, but he handled it like a pro.

In other news, he doesn't really seem to like his boots (he's been kicking at the back ones and rubbing at the front ones) and since i'm starting to get the hang of polo-wrapping, I think we'll switch to those. Tomorrow we'll be off to Greenhawk for some more shopping, and hopefully this time we'll get the right girth!