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Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Happy St Patrick's Day!

Few people know the history, but many celebrate it!

St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was born in Wales somewhere around AD 385. His real name was Maewyn. Until he was 16, he considered himself to be a pagan and was sold into slavery by a group of Irish marauders that raided his village and during his time in captivity he became closer to God.

Six years later he escaped from slavery and went to a monastery in Gaul where he studied under St. Germain for twelve years. It was during this training that he realised that it was his calling to convert the Irish pagans to Christianity and his wishes were to return to Ireland.

However, his superiors appointed St. Palladius who transferred to Scotland two years later. Patrick was then appointed as second bishop to Ireland. He was quite successful at converting many pagans, which upset the Celtic Druids and he was arrested several times but manged to escape each time.

He travelled across Ireland, establishing schools, churches and monasteries across the country which would help him in converting the Irish to Christianity. His mission lasted some thirty years, after which he retired to County Down.

He died on 17th March in AD 461 and this day has since been commemorated as St. Patrick’s Day.

There is a great deal of Irish folklore surrounding St.Patrick’s Day including the belief that he raised people from the dead and also gave a sermon from a hilltop to drive all snakes out of Ireland, although there were no native species.

Shamrock aka TrefoilThe shamrock is a traditional icon of St.Patrick’s Day because it tells how Patrick used the three-leaved shamrock to explain how the Trinity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit could exist as separate parts of the same being. His followers took to wearing a shamrock in celebration.

The St. Patrick’s Day custom came to America in 1737. That was the first year St. Patrick’s Day was publicly celebrated in Boston.

Today, St.Patrick’s Day is celebrated with large parades, the wearing of the green and drinking beer.

Go raibh tú daibhir i mí-áidh
Agus saibhir i mbeannachtaí
Go mall ag déanamh namhaid, go luath a déanamh carad,
Ach saibhir nó daibhir, go mall nó go luath,
Nach raibh ach áthas agat
Ón lá seo amach.

Translated:
May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings,
Slow to make enemies,
quick to make friends,
But rich or poor, quick or slow,
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Kylie & Mazzy enjoying the sun

The last couple of days have been BEAUTIFUL! Sunny, clear...short sleeve weather!


This giant white bird (egret?) is a resident at the barn. The horses don't particularly like him, especially as he glides around with his six foot wing span. I'm not sure if he is looking for a mate, but lately he has been alot closer then normal. Usually he stays around the outskirts, but yesterday he was in the middle of the ring while I was been riding, and a few days ago he was walking in between the turnouts while horses we out. There was lots of snorting.

Both girls got baths.


Mazzy playing
video

Friday, March 12, 2010

Leather CPR Shoe & Boot Polish Review

I had the opportunity to review Leather CPR Shoe & Boot Polish. It restores shine to leather shoes and boots. I tried it out today on my riding boots...

As you can see they were terribly dirty. Yikes!

Instructions
Apply polish sparingly using a clean, soft sponge, which by the way is included in the jar. Do not wipe off.

Wow! It did an awesome job! What a huge difference in just a couple of minutes. I really love this product and have been looking for something quick and easy to clean off my boots with. It smells good and is super easy to use.


Features and Benefits

  • Shines and renews leather shoes and boots
  • Polish dries in seconds for instant results
  • No buffing required
  • Available in neutral and black
  • Permanent dye in black polish restores appearance of damaged black leather
  • Leaves no greasy residue
  • 100% satisfaction money back guarantee
Suggested Retail Prices
The manufacturer suggested retail price for neutral and black Leather CPR Shoe & Boot Polish is $8.95 for a 4-ounce jar.

Availability
Leather CPR Shoe & Boot Polish in neutral and black is available nationwide at Ace Hardware, Bed Bath & Beyond, Do-it-Best, Smart & Final, True Value Hardware, Walgreen's and fine tack and farm supply stores or online at http://www.leathercpr.com.

FREE SAMPLE AND PRIZE PACK GIVEAWAY

As a special thank you for reading this, CPR Cleaning Products is giving you the opportunity to receive your own free sample product. The sign-up form for a free sample can be found at http://www.leathercpr.com/specialoffer/.

Quantities of full-size product samples are limited.

You are also eligible to compete for one of five CPR Cleaning Prize Packs worth $50. Here is how it works:

1. Invite unlimited friends, family members, Twitter followers, blog readers and Facebook friends to receive their own free product sample by visiting http://www.leathercpr.com/special offer/.
2. CPR Cleaning Products will keep track of the number of referrals each participant solicits through the submission form on the sample page.
3. The five people who refer the most friends/family to sign up for a free sample by March 31, 2010 will be rewarded with a CPR Cleaning Products prize pack.

So go on over to http://www.leathercpr.com/special offer/ and request your free product! Don't forget to tell them I sent you!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Mazzy jumps a crossrail

Mazzy's training is coming along well. Some days are diamonds, some days are stones. She had several really good days in a row and my trainer popped her over a crossrail, she was completely unfazed. I almost wish she was a little more impressed with the jump, but I am happy she is so calm.

Every horse has one side that is better than the other, just like humans. For a horse, a preference for one side means that he can bend in that direction more easily, his balance is better when turning in that direction, he finds it easier to pick up that lead in canter, and he is just generally better at everything on his preferred side. Mazzy's is definitely the left, so I am constantly working on softening up her right side, and trying to build her strength so she can hold herself up that way.

video

Monday, March 1, 2010

March Birthstones: Aquamarine and Bloodstone

Ocean Drive Bracelet and Earring Set


The gemstone Aquamarine is the modern March birthstone as adopted by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912. It is also the birth stone for the Zodiac sign of Scorpio.

Shimmering Tide Bracelet

Folklore, Legend, and Healing Properties:
Since early times, aquamarine has been believed to endow the wearer with foresight, courage, and happiness. It is said to increase intelligence and make one youthful. As a healing stone, it is said to be effective as a treatment for anxiety and in the Middle Ages it was thought that aquamarine would reduce the effect of poisons.

A gift of Aquamarine symbolizes both safety and security, especially within long standing relationships. Some people even say that the Aquamarine reawakens love in a tired marriage, so if you want to bring back that spark in your partner's eyes, you might consider this gem as an anniversary gift!
Social Circle Necklace - Aquamarine with sterling silver circle & wire wrapped charms (chalcedony & jade)


An alternate birthstone for March is Bloodstone, a dark green opaque quartz flecked with red spots. The name Bloodstone derives from the legendary belief that the red coloration resulted from the blood of Christ spilling onto green jasper during the crucifixion. For this reason, too, the stone has been called "martyr's stone." Bloodstone is mined in India, Brazil, Uruguay, Australia, and the United States. Ideal for carving into cameos and beads, this stone symbolizes courage.



Bloodstone & Sterling Bracelet with 9ct Fine Madagascar Malachite & Sterling Toggle Clasp

Favorite Scents

Isn't it amazing how certain smells transport you to another time or place? Nothing is more memorable than smell.


I love the smell of rosemary. I can't pass my rosemary plant without rubbing it and getting that wonderful woody smell on my hands. Same with Lavender plants.
Ocean air. The scent of salt water at the beach.
The forest. Mmmmm nature...
Both Spiced Pumpkin and Christmas Cookie by Yankee Candle
baking bread is heavenly
the smell of an approaching or just finishing summer rain
Fresh coffee
Puppy breath
Horses (a clean barn full of them) I can't say if its the leather, the fresh shavings, or the hay or the mixture of it all. When I think of the smell I think of barns I've been to back east. Unfortunately, the barn where I keep my horses likes to spread around the manure. It stinks!

Fresh Laundry (clean sheets especially)

What's your favorite scent?

Sunday, February 28, 2010

New Stuff

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Horse Dentist

The horses had a visit from the horse dentist today.
Horses' teeth grow continuously until some time between the ages of 25 and 30. Horses in heavy work or horses that are stabled and fed concentrates will need more regular examination as this can cause them to chew differently affecting the way the teeth wear. Raised edges may appear along the edges of the molars; typically along the outside of the upper set and the inside of the lower set. When these "unground surfaces" get large the horse cannot rock his lower jaw laterally as he chews due to his teeth being locked between the opposing ridges. Thus the problem self propagates, the ridges slowly appear larger as they are no longer being worn down, and as the horse rubs these ridges when chewing, he's actually wearing down the sides of these ridges into sharp points. The frequency of floating a horse is variable and is related to the individual horse. I get mine done about twice a year.


Horses generally shed caps 2 1/2 to 5 1/2 years of age. Caps are baby teeth. Some shed them on their own, some need to be removed to allow the permanent teeth to come in easier. Between Horses erupt 44 permanent teeth and shed 24 baby teeth or "caps." You can greatly increase your horse's comfort and promote future good dental health by having the equine dentist pull adhering "caps" at the right time because sometimes the cap loosens and does not come off OR a cap breaks off leaving a hard piece located between the permanent tooth and the gum. Mazzy had to have two of her caps removed:


Kylie's teeth weren't in too bad of shape since they were just floated about 5 months ago. The dentist removed sharp edges and small hooks and ramps from the cheek teeth.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Blog Carnival: Snowflakes

AliciaMae of Crafts and Cooking chose snowflakes as a topic for the EtsyBloggers Street Team January carnival.

No snow here, just rain... but recently I was talking to one of my friends about horses and the snow, something my horses will likely never see. Good thing because Kylie shivers in the mornings if I take her blanket off to get her ready to ride and it is below 65. Since I grew up on the east coast, I had my fair share of dealing with the slippery ice, frigid temperatures, frozen water buckets, and deep snow. I worked at a barn during college and all the horses were turned out each morning all winter long in the snow. They seemed perfectly happy. I can't remember too many days that the weather stopped us from riding. When I was a kid I had "rain gear" for riding in the rain. A plastic hat cover, saddle cover, and poncho. Not here! People do not even like to ride when the ground is damp...may be slippery!

These are my dad's horses. They live in Vermont and they survive in quite a bit of snow.

Here are some horses in winter I found on Etsy.


Saturday, January 23, 2010

Hello Sun!

We finally got a break in the weather, but the rings are way too wet to ride. I have been handwalking the horses in between storms this week. Kylie has been fine, but this morning Mazzy didn't want to behave very well afer a week of being cooped up in her stall - silly and young. She had a few outbursts today while I was walking her due to some other even wilder horses setting her off. It was a crazy day at the barn with all the owners showing up to handwalk thier horses who have barely left thier stalls in a week. Luckily I got there early and avioded most of the commotion. As I was a leaving there was a horse that got loose from its owner. Not the most relaxing day.

Poor Kylie had another huge outbreak of hives. I just can't seem to get a handle on them, and have no idea what is causing them. The only thing left is her hay (unless it is airborne) since she is off everything else, her stall has changed (completely different shavings, and it is dry and clean), blankets & brushes washed. I started her back on the antihistamine Hydroxizine 2x/day.

Kylie looking out her stall door, wishing the rain would go away.

Backstroke in ring 1, anyone?

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Los Angeles Pounded by Heavy Rain; More on the Way


Let's build an ark! Forecasters said storms lasting through Friday could drop a total of 20 inches of rain on Southern California. Four winter storms are slamming into Southern California, dumping record rain on the Los Angeles area where only months before raging fires burned away mountainside ground cover. Today the second of the four storm system is sweeping across Southern California prompting power outages, mud flows and frustrating commutes. Even stronger storms, with heavy rain and powerful winds, are forecast to hit the region Wednesday and Thursday.

Still vulnerable to mudslides were residents in foothill areas torched by last year's Station fire. That 160,000-acre blaze destroyed about 80 homes in Los Angeles County. Scores of residents from those neighborhoods had been urged to evacuate. The evacuation orders were called because communities below wildfire-scarred mountains are at risk of debris flows and flash floods.

Winds and rain also left many in the dark Monday. More than 53,000 customers have lost power because of the rain in Southern California with more than 23,000 customers STILL without power in southern California as of 10 p.m. Monday PT (1 a.m. Tuesday ET), according to Lois Bruce, spokeswoman for Southern California Edison.

People here really go crazy when it rains. LA's mayor warns residents not to go outside if they don't have to...don't leave the house? Are you serious? It is rain! The news doesn't help the situation, they've been covering the rain like a hurricane is coming. Since I grew up on the east coast this seems very funny to me. What would happen if it ever snowed in LA? Perish the thought, there would be mass hysteria. People here have ALOT of trouble driving in the rain, life would come to a complete hault I am sure.

Needless to say, with no indoor or covered arena I will not be riding for a while. The horses are all snug in thier dry warm stalls, however, I think they would rather be outside running around in the mud. Sorry, handwalking and saddlewalking the property only for a while. The rings have inches of standing water as well as the paddocks. Amazingly, yesterday there was a break in the rain, and I was able to get them both out to stretch thier legs. Mazzy didn't care much and was pleasant to walk, Kylie wanted to plow me over. Better get used to it girls, I think you may be in for a while.






Luckily, I am far from a mudslide prone area!

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Mazzy's progress & Kylie's hives

It is always something with horses isn't is?


Mazzy's football sized hematoma that required two vet visits (and no treatment) is gone. Still no explaination of what caused it, but at least it is gone. She is finally getting back into a productive work schedule now that my trainer is back from the busy year end showing schedule and all of the awards banquets and holidays are behind us. It is really nice to get on Mazzy after my trainer and feel a HUGE improvement. I guess if I didn't I wouldn't need the the help! Some days her trot is rhythmic and it feels fantastic. She is getting the hang of bending and softening and when she relaxes her neck and back it feels great! Her transitions are improving. Her canter is also coming along. I'm starting to be able to regulate it, a little bit, but it still feels disorganized and strung out. I am sure it will be years before she feels connected. I wish I kept a journal of Kylie's progression as a baby to compare. I do have alot of videos of her training which I am going to dig out one of these days.



"Your horse is telling you there's something wrong; the problem is, it's in Braille." Poor Kylie has hives, referred to as urticaria. Inflammation induced by allergens causes small veins to dilate and increase capillary permeability in the skin. “Fluid” leaks into surrounding tissues to form wheals or plaques of edema (fluid swelling). Hunting down the cause of hives is often a challenge. Because hypersensitivity reactions take weeks to months or even years to develop, a sudden onset of hives is not necessarily a result of a recent change; this makes it difficult to pin down the actual source of the problem. I did what I could to eliminate anything that could be causing it anyway. I dug out her stall just in case there was lurking bacteria (which I am sure there was plenty of) that was irritating her. I took her off all of her goodies (supplements) so she is just getting hay and beet pulp....blah. Washed all her clothes and pads, scrubbed her boots, cleaned my tack (which I should be doing anyways). The causes are limitless as I read in an article on thehorse.com:

Many different medications, such as antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or topical agents can be the culprit. Other causes range from a rapid change in temperature, stress, or an autoimmune disease. Santoro also noted that allergies can play a role as well; "a horse could be having an allergic reaction to food, flies, mosquitoes, or something in its environment." Of course, just as in humans, horses can have a seasonal reaction to pollen or molds.

This has been going on for a few weeks now. They have gotten so bad that I have had to give her Dexamethzone, because I am concerned about her airway closing up. Thankfully, the Dex clears them right up.....only to return again a few days later. Argh! She doesn't appear itchy or bothered by them which is good. The only other suspicious factor is that she is not the only horse at the barn who has developed them lately so it could be something in the hay. I have my fingers crossed that there are no hives left on her tonight, that will be four days hive free.