Cruisen in Stilettos

The summer has flown by and I'm long overdue for an update. I left a very toxic job situation early this year. It honestly sucked the life out of me physically and mentally for several years, and it has taken me a minute to regain my footing (even in a new wonderful supportive position with a company I love) to feel like 'me' again, both in and out of the saddle. I've chosen to change my point of view and focus on the positive, rather than the closed doors (owning and riding horses in this area is baffling at times) but I'm going to make the best of things where they are at, and get back on the horse, figuratively and literally. Porsche is improving in leaps and bounds; she continues to gain muscle and strength in the right places as she improves her posture and self-carriage. Celeste, whose Balance Through Movement Method has been life-changing, is doing a clinic in my area next month - so I signed Porsche up, and am looking forward to our 1:1 to specifically tailor the method to Porsche's specific needs. I'm ready to be a sponge and soak it all in.  Tesla and I are getting back into the swing of things: I re-introduced clicker training (she used to be scared of the click) and honestly with her it is all about slowing down, and encouraging her to offer other behaviours (she always thinks she is right) without squashing her willingness to try.   I'm working on my strength and improving my hands: I nabbed a Correct Connect 3-in-1 Breastplate, as I mostly rode neck-reining and want to make sure I'm not catching her face when she uses her big girl gaits O-O. It's a great tool: doesn't restrict the horse, but remind me of where my hands are (and can double as an OH SHIT strap if needed :D               Sunburnt model, but listening     I'm working in the Schleese Eagle (LOVE this saddle) as it is the best fit for both of us atm, but I needed non-dressage pads, and taking the input that my riding outfit looked like a clown (from a dear friend) - I decided I at least needed to be a coordinated clown, and picked up a few saddle pads that would go with my bright Annies breeches: matchy-matchy is the new black, right?     even bought the ear bonnet - who am I? Tesla also has what might be a sarcoid on her upper leg - so we are checking that out with the Vet in October (vet appts here are like 2 months out: crazy!) it's a first for me, so a little freaked out; all the jingles that it is nothing or minimal would be appreciated!... [Read more]

Sometimes the best way to capture progress is in photos. I've been working through the Pillars with Porsche since March, and she is wrapping up her ulcer treatment: no longer reactive to ulcer points and a long, slow wean off of meds. Mid-Feb 2022: I changed two things: I added Omeprezole in the AM (still continuing Gut X at night) and started her on the Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 exercises to strengthen her thoracic sling.     May 18, 2022: We still have work to do, but I cannot believe the change when I see it in pictures. She has shoulders!! I see some abs working too ;) Her overall posture is improving, and I see her standing square 90% of the time. She is back to her sweet, lovable self: in addition I added some "big girl pants" training to help her cope with change (like switching pastures): if she cannot stop pacing, then I give her a "job' and let her stand tied until the hamster comes back on the wheel: this usually helps her slow down and realize life isn't so bad :). Excited to see what she looks like in another 6 months! (looking at you, topline and chubs!)... [Read more]

It isn't easy to post these photos, but I really wanted to share what I've learned and the changes I've seen in Porsche (still a work in progress, but we are on an upward swing!)   This photo was taking early December and the wheels were coming off her bus.  I want to cry when I see this photo, she honestly looks a WRECK. Porsche was getting 12+ hours of pasture time, all the free choice quality hay she could eat, was on GutX, balanced supplements and rice bran mash at night. Her feet looked great, she was moving pretty well, was up-to-date on everything (worming, teeth, etc.) and she was completely MISERABLE. She was pacing the fence lines non-stop, was picking fights with Tesla all the time, and her attitude towards me was nasty: My mind was boggled - she was getting the best care she had ever gotten in her life....and it honestly crossed my mind if she had something catastrophic going on... This photo was taken mid-February: I changed two things: I added Omeprezole in the AM (still continuing Gut X at night) and started her on the Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 exercises to strengthen her thoracic sling (as per Celeste's advice in the Travelling Horse Witch master Class.  https://www.wildmagicllc.com/thoracic-sling.  Porsche's attitude has taken a 180 degree turn: she is soft and relaxed and HAPPY.  There is still more work to be done, but she is putting on muscle in the correct places, is able to relax her under-neck and start to use her body correctly: I catch her in square correct posture out in the pasture more and more often. I am 100% sure she was suffering from total thoracic sling collapse and had painful nerve impingement and was acting out on that pain. Correct muscle building is allowing her to lift her own shoulders and stop the painful nerve pain. <3 A relaxed happy pony using her thoracic sling correctly on her own <3 I am so thankful and grateful that I was able to find the missing piece of the puzzle - hindsight is 20-20, but in retrospect, I think she has always struggled with this (versus Tesla - who has always had a beautifully developed shoulder and posture) it is a vicious cycle, nerve pain --> stress -->ulcers --> poor posture --> bad front feet : it was a lightbulb moment for me, and while I wish I had known all of this sooner - I'm glad I know it now <3... [Read more]

A beautiful warm day turned into an unexpected snowstorm and I suddenly had two appaloosas on my hands :)               I got them tucked in the barn ASAP to dry off with snacks ;)... [Read more]

I'm seeing improvements with Porsche and honestly my heart is so relieved. I switched pastures for the girls (Tesla is in A, and Porsche in B), and for reasons that I utterly cannot fathom, Porsche is much happier. Her pacing the dividing (pink) line reduced significantly. With the increasingly lovely weather,  I started hanging full haynets on the dividing fencing: this tricks Porsche into eating more (cause hay is always better is Tesla is eating it, right? LOL). Her weight is finally starting to creep up, but I still noticed some reactivity to ulcer points, to I ordered some Omeprezole from Abler to add to the mix and help get her comfortable ASAP. (PSA: The little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies make EXCELLENT "pill pockets" for the discerning equine palate).       I am working through the the 3 pillars (as per Celeste) and I'm finally seeing some correct muscling in that stubborn dip in front of her withers. I'm seeing a better posture overall in the pasture,  more square (like how Tesla stands) and less often making a V-shape with her front legs when grazing. Her attitude has improved too: she is much more soft and willing and generally seems to be enjoying life again. <3... [Read more]

I've been adulting like mad this year: so this is way later than I had planned (oops!)   I participated in the 2021 Blogger gift exchange this year, and received a lovely package in the mail from Amy over at Quantum Chrome. I hadn't caught her blog before, so it was wonderful to meet a fellow horse lover (and Scientist --> bacteria for the win, y'all), and I'm excited to follow along on her adventures with Gwyn (who is THE CUTEST EVER!)   Rockin' the purple!    It was packed full of goodies, starting with this fabulous fiery unicorn card and the sweetest well-wishes inside. I am a sucker for beautiful stationary - definitely will keep an eye out for a frame for this beauty. Purple Excelsior to match the purple-rocking pony: 100% The stud muffins were definitely heartily approved by both Tesla and Porsche: I actually think that it is a near tie between these and the Little Debbie oatmeal creme pies for the top shelf treat spot <3    Some fiery socks (for riding my fiery unicorns ;) that will be perfect for this summer, an equestrian themed COVID mask (safety first!) and the cutest wine cork pony ornament:   and as if that wasn't enough goodies, there was also this Tesla portrait hand soap dispenser that I can't wait to put on my desk!  Thank you so much Amy for such a thoughtful Christmas gift - it was such a bright spot in a legit crazy year!... [Read more]

This Fall the wheels came off one of the Sportscars: the Porsche. She started brawls with Tesla in the pasture to the point they could not be turned out safely together, and I had to separate them (thank goodness no-one was seriously injured!) She did not take the change well: and began pacing the fenceline. It was horrifying: she was up-to-date on everything, had free choice hay, and appropriate supplements, and she looked a wreck. Shiny as all get-out, bright-eyed and spunky, and was as lean as if she had just stepped off the track. I added Magnesium and a Raspberry Tea Leaf - which helped but still.... I had been following TC's amazing journey over at A Enter Spooking, how his topline and way of going have been completely transformed and when Megan mentioned a virtual class with Celeste from the Traveling Horse Witch, I wanted to learn more. And as I watched the livestream video, pieces of the puzzle started to click into place for me. I realized Porsche has a completely dysfunctional thoracic sling. and my guess is that it's gotten to the point that it's causing some nerve impingement/pain. Circled the area that shows the tell-tale thoracic sling muscle wasting....even from a few years back...yikes! So we started some basic recommended exercises to soften, and increase shoulder mobility and Porsche was so defensive and protective of her body: she shut down and basically gave me the middle finger to all my asks. And honestly, it broke my heart, that she could have gotten to such a state of distrust.  But today, we had a breakthrough. She realized that she could do the things I was asking, and that her body felt better: she relaxed and started to allow me access to her shoulders, and gave big releases/licking/chewing: she even let me "groom" her shoulder (something she had never enjoyed before) I am so excited to have finally found some answers, with an action plan and am looking forward to helping Porsche to feel more comfortable and happy.... [Read more]

Love that when this pony is now "stuck" (even in a wardrobe malfunction ) that she will wait for me to rescue her. It has taken a looooong time and alot of work building trust and desensitizing to ALL the things, and giving her coping mechanisms to handle situations (clicker target training for the WIN!) to get here, but boy, does it feel good! (no blanket liners were harmed in the making of this video lol) Looking forward to all that 2022 has in store!!... [Read more]

A mini Tesla pendant in blackened sterling silver from the ever talented David Neale   Looking forward to 2022 and wishing y'all health, happiness and horses :)... [Read more]

We are having record breaking cold temps in our area this week: so keeping an extra eye on the girls.      All-you-can-eat hay buffets, blankets + liners, and hot mashes at night (Tesla will basically drink it - and I'm getting Porsche there too ;) with electrolytes: so far everyone is doing well and both are happy to come up into the barn for the night (read: meeting/waiting for me at the gate, lol)... [Read more]

Thanks to Anxiety at A for this blog hop! Spooky or Steady: I appreciate a steady eddy (and the work that it takes to get a more reactive/spooky horse there!) Matchy Matchy or Mismatched Oh man, I am honestly mostly mismatched - I love all the pretty colours and then practicality usually wins out and I go for black, grey or reflective/hi-vis :D (or what's on sale honestly: if things fit myself or the horses well, then the colour doesn't matter as much... Tall boots or Half chaps Half chaps (I keep saving my "nice" boots ..... but honestly, what for?!? I need to wear the BOOTS.) Indoor or outdoor I've been at places that have both....a covered is such a luxury: my goal for next year is to convert part of the pasture to a usable outdoor arena. Bay or chestnut A good horse is never a bad colour, right? Liver chestnut....drool.... and a bright mahogany bay is always classy (hi, Porsche!); I prefer minimal white or full-on crazy paint!  But Benchmark Sporthorses had this Bootylicious Chestnut mare, Island Vibe, that I LOVED, red-head and all!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HBuK5QJxw8&t=185s       Hard shell boots or sport medicine boots? I don't really use boots, I have a reflective pair for safety and polo wraps for extra support if/when needed. Free Board for a Year or 20k for a shopping spree? I'd go for the shopping spree: A horse-size training cart/harness, some training/lessons and the rest in savings for the next prospect. Long or short mane or roached mane? Leaning towards the banged mane and tail look lately: even if they are grubby out in the field, if tail tops are groomed and a nice crisp tail trim,  they look pretty sharp ;) If the horse has a great topline, the roach only shows it off more: I also like those Andalusian//Lusitanos with the big thick double braids: Tesla doesn't grow a super thick mane - but grows a nice tail: Porsche is the exact opposite LOL) Lazy or hot horse? Hot is OK but with a brain and sense of self preservation please. I test rode one horse that was literally dead to aids and that was no fun. Private barn or a boarding barn? A private barn can be more work, but there is def more flexibility. I've had some wonderful boarding experiences, and some nightmares.... Create your dream barn or own your dream horse? Both are in-progress ;) Roman nose or dished face? I'd take either. Ride an Olympic-level horse or take a lesson with an Olympian? I'd love a lesson with Uta Graf Own a miniature horse or a donkey? A miniature pony that could baby-sit Porsche and pull a cart/perform tricks would be super fun. Maybe someday :)... [Read more]

Porsche did not handle the fall to winter transition well this year: partly because I split the pasture, and it took her awhile to adjust to the "new normal" (tantrums even when another horse is in their line of sight the ENTIRE TIME?!?).... I discovered the squeeze of hay that was delivered was not the best quality and had it replaced asap, but long story short, she dropped a ton of weight (I literally watched her walk it off *shakes fist* despite being on pasture, balanced supplements, up to date on dental/worming and getting free choice hay: she was shiny and sassy as all get out, and never finished her flakes....sigh..... I also switched up the barn stall arrangement: Tesla was getting very territorial in the front stall, so much so I was honestly worried she was going to reach out and try and bite when I led Porsche past (despite my yelling at her "NO" in my mean voice.  She would put her teeth on the stall divider instead - Yikes!                                  actual faces Tesla has made at Porsche (courtesy of Leonardo Da Vinci) The new stall arrangement is working out much better: Tesla is in the slightly bigger stall so she has a bit more room, and Porsche feels "special" up front. No more teefs thus far! I had good success with 100x Equine Gut X previously - so I put Porsche back on it: along with a scoop of rice bran at night (typically does not make her fizzy: I make it into a slurry - I checked with the company and they said it can be part of a liquid mash)). I had forgotten how amazing the GutX is: she is 100% eating and finishing all her hay and starting to pack on some pounds (finally!. She must be feeling GooooOOOOooooD cause now she is challenging everyone: she tried to start something over the fence with Tesla earlier in the day and then refused to let me pick out her back feet (threatening to bite and or kick kind of don't touch me: not acceptable behaviour ever). It was super snowy and slick but the gravel driveway was clear so we did a bunch or groundwork/backing up and tried again she still was like "DO NOT TOUCH ME". I left her tied to the hitching post for 10 minutes or so while I did other things (a time-out usually works on her) and still I got a hard no. I finally had to enlist help and have someone hold her and then she had no problem and was on best behaviour.   When I looked back through old posts, I saw that she was a fire breathing dragon in Dec/Jan 2019 so I wonder how much of this is weather related as well: this was our first really cold snap of the winter thus far....SO I'm thrilled the GutX is helping her be a better eater, even if that means she is full of herself for a bit, and I'll have to keep asserting that I'm the Boss Mare around here....                  Shoulda grabbed this Alpha Mare vintage belt when I had the chance.....maybe my next project? ;)... [Read more]

When Tesla's tail began to drag on the ground this year, and mud/snow season on the horizon; she needed a trim.....but I decided to give her a sportier british racing bob (to just below the hocks) and use her tail hair to make a tassel that I could enjoy while I've have the girls for hopefully years to come yet. I did the same with Porsche (albeit her tail wasn't dragging on the ground #thickmanethintail)   I scoured the internet for inspiration:       brass hardware - yes please!      Silk wrapped?  Yep loving the pops of colour!  Like the balance of the loop with the length here too..      also liked the thought of being able to wear one as a charm....but maybe wire wrapped?     These are from Golden Pony Workshop, which are beautifully done (she can also make one with your horse's hair by request for ~135 + shipping)              but with the holiday break coming up, I decided to try my own hand at one. I grabbed some practice hair from Hitching Post Supply Co (Beautiful quality - 10/10 would recommend!)      and am waiting on some tire silk for wrapping (comes in 171 colours!)   fingers crossed something turns out well ;)... [Read more]

The neighbours across the street have two ancient retired geldings. One is a 30+ yr old paint, and a little Arabian whose age is a mystery (he was old when they got him!)   Cute old houdinis   Last weekend, they escaped (for the 2 or 3rd time this year). I only realized they were out because I heard Tesla thundering in the pasture and peeked out to see  resulting chaos. These two boys were trampling through front yards (where young kids were hanging lights - YIKES!). I ran down to help, but the father and daughter were already on it, and there was some heated words about the halters not being on the gate, so I let them handle it, and made sure my own ponies weren't doing anything too silly in the pasture. I have halters hanging everywhere just in case the girls were to escape: I have some in the barn next to stalls, on all the pasture gates, all except the main property gate, and I realized how much of a PANIC INDUCED RUN it would take to retrieve current hanging halters if needed, so I straightaway went and ordered some matching lead ropes from Riding Warehouse to go with my Orange and Yellow Bio-rope Biothane Halters from Two Horse Tack. That way the next time any ponies go on a joy ride, there are eyeball blinding safety halters within reach (seriously, you can't miss them ;)     "Emergency Halters were hung on the front gate with care in hopes that loose ponies soon wouldn't be there. " A note on the bio-rope halters: Super impressed with how these have held up: still as bright as new even tho' they are mostly hanging outside. I like that you can use them as a spare under a regular halter when trailering, and they will break: the rope is only rated to 300lbs of pressure. Super easy to slip in a pocket of keep in a car or anywhere you might have loose horses, and the thin rope gives you a bit of leverage for naughtiness if needed.... [Read more]

I ordered my hay early this year from my hay guy. 40 bales of an alfalfa mix, mostly orchard grass.    I went through a few of the grassy bales, no problem, but when opened up some of the alfalfa mix, they looked dodgy and then I saw this:     I gave my hay guy a call. and luckily he still had some orchard grass, so he swapped out all the bales (and the bad ones).  When he lifted them up onto the truck to take the unopened bales away he mentioned they were so heavy and he knew what the issue was (probably the hay was a bit damp when baled). The new grass stuff is beautiful - I think I'll probably stick with alfalfa pellets if I want to add a bit extra for Porsche moving forward. But I still had 3+ moldy open bales that needed disposal, and we don't have a cow or goat, so to keep the mold from spreading/being a fire hazard, I lit a bonfire.     Bye Bye Bad Hay     Tesla's mind was BLOWN: she kept calling to me as I carried out the flakes, and was 100% confused what I was doing with the FOOD...       Finis... [Read more]

A Blaze visible even at 4pm sunsets     Finally hung my equestrian travel first aid kit, and filled it with goodies (bandages (cough, cough diapers and maxi pads are in a different bag ;) The idiom "Make hay while the sun shines: is something I've definitely embraced living here: the weather can change on a dime, so if you can do it, you gotta!... [Read more]

The feed room and tack room both got a glow up! Loving the black doors with the shiny brass, just such a classic vibe. I ordered these last month from Haltertags.com and they are such high quality: I ordered the tack trunk plate, and it is the perfect size for a door. 100% recommend (and it looks like if you order by Dec. 1st you can still get it by Christmas ;)  and support a mom-n-pop shop too!     also, they threw in a little surprise bonus saddle plate with my order, so sweet <3... [Read more]

Can't share a pasture, but willingly choose to share a hay net with a 6ft fence separation....    (there is another full haynet just out of frame)     ...Horses.. :D... [Read more]

And after Porsche tried to usurp Tesla as the reining Boss Lady in the Pasture for the umpteenth time, I finally was fed up with teeth marks and heart-attacks and decided to just go ahead and split the pasture.  I was kinda planning on turning the area nearest to the road into an arena anyways, so this just gave me the extra push to get it done, while the weather is still decent, and by opening up the round pen, and adding an extra gate  I had enough panels to cover it. I put t-post alternating between each panel, so it is rock solid: no way they could push it over. It's been two days in, and I have to say that I think both girls prefer this routine. I know there is alot of research/opinions that horses need physical contact with other horses, but honestly these two are not friends, I have never seen mutual grooming or even tail-to-head fly swatting .... the only time they touch each other is with their teeth! I wouldn't have thought their personalities were so polarizing: in all the horses we've had, we've never had this issue before....someone once told me when Porsche lived in a herd that she was always trying to sneakily move up the ranks...well, she's not so sneaky about it anymore LOL. So now the boundaries are clear, and the new routine seems to agree with everyone, and I can longe on a line with a cavesson, and work on getting that footing up to snuff. Always a work in progress :)... [Read more]

Got some big plans in the works: most likely a change of vocation and location...but too soon to say anything yet.     What are your favourite equestrian cities/areas in the US? I'm all ears!   I was able to track down some round poles and make some cavaletti! They are primer grey at the moment, until I figure out what fun colours I want to try :)  Pool Noodles make decent cavaletti cups in a pinch LOL - at least until I get the X's made. Tesla was a rock start working over them, AND I made her back over them as well even with the flags flapping in her face :)... [Read more]

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Formal birthday photos planned for the weekend...;)    This girl turned 11 today, and I gotta say that she is just starting to really bloom. She is maturing so beautifully, she is still sweet and cuddly, but is learning to navigate her emotions: I can give some "constructive criticism" and she doesn't take it personally: we can have a "moment' and then carry on like nothing happened: she can engage the curious rather than the reactive, and trust me that I'm not going to let anything bad happen (even if I make mistakes). I'm thrilled to see the unicorn I've always known is there starting to unfold: and I can't wait for how much fun we are going to have moving forward.                                              Happy Birthday Cruisen in Stilettos. Strut that stuff.... [Read more]

Love this print by Carson Ellis, and the proceeds go to the ACLU:... [Read more]

Our local tack shoppe ran a Mothers Day sale - so I got four new mats to trick out the hitching post. I gotta say, having a working setup makes everything so much easier! I planted some boxwoods in front and there are plans to put growing things all down the hill: it's gonna be splendid when it's done!            In other news, Porsche continues her roll on the struggle bus: while the pasture alternating is working well, when she is in the dry lot (within complete eyeshot of Tesla I might add) she paces non-stop so she is seriously racing fit. It is frustrating to watch her work herself up so. which obviously aggravates ulcers, burns off any weight gain, and is a self-perpetuating spiral. I have her back on the Gut-X ulcer treatment, so hopefully that will help. I worked her in the round pen yesterday and she was a disaster. She completely gave me the finger, would not down-transition and was running thru my whip when I asked her to switch directions - cause she is so fit - it took a good 30min of "if you don't listen, then you work really hard" (damn that good work ethic ;) I managed to find a good note to end it on. She looks super sound and is moving really well actually.  She got a bath and a Masterson Method session afterwards: she was reactive to tapping everywhere and even was bucking (!!) but by the end her eye was soft and she relaxed, and she seemed to have worked some things thru: she even seemed more at ease in the dry lot, so fingers crossed that this combination of supplements and relaxation techniques will help her feel 100%.... [Read more]

Well, swapping the girls in and out of the pasture round pen is a bust: and everyone is unhappy, and throwing tantrums or binge-eating, so I don't think this will be a viable option, except on weekends when I can swap them in and out every few hours or so.... so next most reasonable option is a share-time model between the barn dry-lot and the pasture: with Porsche out on pasture at night for 14hrs (girl can always use more groceries), and Tesla on pasture during the day for 8-10....fingers crossed!   "I got the whole pasture, to myself..." (also waiting for hair to grow back in....sigh   Daytime snoop, Nightime snacker       Post-pasture food coma: she was so full, she wasn't even interested in her supplements (!) so she got a manicure. The hitching post is coming along: baby boxwood planted in front: progress!... [Read more]