tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71874267965839477812012-02-03T14:21:22.769-05:00Musings about horses, things related to horses and other things that are interesting... to me.SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.comBlogger3301100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-80033271417847242262012-02-03T11:23:00.002-05:002012-02-03T11:29:39.826-05:00

Um, I was shopping for a slightly longer set of spurs when I came across these pictured above. Okay, I get the concept and like the idea but I immediately started giggling to myself as I really looked at the picture. Do you see what I see? I almost want those even more for the Freudian aspect of them, LOL!If you think your trainer will let you get away with sporting these, go for it here at Big

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-88919122573123156762012-02-01T10:33:00.002-05:002012-02-01T10:35:38.064-05:00

Just scrolling through my blog this AM and noticed I've been at this for 6 years! Really? Wow. I'm not the most consistent blogger for sure but I'm still here. And thanks to all who still stop by to see if I'm around. :)

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-88295961999178079262012-01-01T21:17:00.002-05:002012-01-01T21:22:39.423-05:00

Actually have decided on setting goals for Joey and I for 2012: 1) Get my horse trailer road worthy again.2) Compete with Joey at a horse show. (planning on the english pleasure trail horse classes)3) Ride in at least one hunter pace.4) Ride as a capper with our local hunt at least once.5) Win one prize with Joey - doesn't matter what it's for or what placing.Seems very attainable. Will certainly

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-32581363221168907702011-12-31T21:34:00.002-05:002011-12-31T21:39:49.076-05:00

Looks like he's smiling, doesn't it?Joey and I had a quiet trail ride on this last day of 2011. He was the super pony he always is. Looking forward to our adventures in 2012. Of all the things that happened to me this year, Joey was one of the best.Here's hoping your New Year is shiny and bright! :)

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-54040241023258388032011-12-28T08:47:00.004-05:002011-12-28T08:56:15.761-05:00

Have you seen it? I went with the family on the day after Christmas to see War Horse. I enjoyed it very much and yes, I did cry but I think the play was more emotionally moving for me. My children did get upset at how the horses were treated when they were in the hands of the Germans and I had to keep telling them to focus on Joey, that he was the hero and it would be alright. Even so, they

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-32744635633485686732011-12-05T13:43:00.003-05:002011-12-05T13:48:29.119-05:00

I've heard all kinds of stories and seen it many times where horses give their owners and/or riders a hard time when it comes to bridling them and getting the bit in their mouth. I don't recall ever having a problem with it myself for any of the horses I've owned over the years. I would have to say they all handled the procedure with a polite indifference at best.However, I've never had a horse

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-38800515281824342172011-11-10T21:45:00.002-05:002011-11-10T21:48:33.142-05:00

The Perfect Horse isn't necessarily stunningly beautiful;In fact, he's probably gotten a few scars and dings from life.He's probably been hurt but lived through it, been scared butovercome it, and ready to teach his rider to do the same.The Perfect Horse is not just arena-ridden. Hewill let you feel what it's like to gallop into the ocean waves,chase a neighbor's cows, or play tag on

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-54384811135270649642011-09-22T10:42:00.003-04:002011-09-22T11:06:31.808-04:00

This has been one of those weeks. So many things piling up in the week's schedule and Joey is the one on the back burner. I did get to work with him this past Tuesday evening and took a short walk/trot ride in the indoor arena. It was our first time riding in the indoor after dark. Our arena is one of those Cover-All type buildings. I was ready for anything. One thing that I was glad for was that

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-1503862943351175172011-09-19T12:33:00.003-04:002011-09-19T12:41:12.616-04:00

Yesterday I fulfilled a promise to a friend to help her out at one of the horse shows she organizes. My schedule was open and I worked as a desk person. I basically took open checks and cash, handled entries and post entries, passed out show numbers and freed up the woman who handles all the important stuff involving record keeping and such to focus on getting everything entered on her laptop as

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-24955309737365083162011-09-15T16:50:00.004-04:002011-09-15T17:06:51.731-04:00

Yes, that's a picture of Joey's bit. I don't take enough pictures and figured it would be nice to start off with a photo. So this was the first thing I could think of. Besides, I love that he goes very nicely in such a soft, gentle snaffle.So it is over a month gone by and Joey is a lovely horse. Whenever someone asks me "How's it going?" or "How's he doing?" my answer is always. "Great, and the

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-73956179497424194432011-09-11T22:59:00.004-04:002011-09-11T23:34:11.695-04:00

I was the lucky winner of fellow horse blogger "On The Bit's" Absorbine UltraShield EX Continuous Spray giveaway contest. You can read about the contest and look for my submission here: Absorbine Giveaway! New UltraShield EX Continuous Spray and this post announces me as the winner: And the winner is…I was happy to have won, first because it's always fun to win a prize and second because now that

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-75483303758394234492011-08-30T10:35:00.002-04:002011-08-30T10:44:37.165-04:00

It was nerve wracking to go through that storm. I didn't sleep at all that entire night. I have several very big old trees around my home and nervous didn't even begin to describe how I was feeling. Once I started hearing about the tornado watches and warnings I was a mess. But the good news is we never lost power, all the big trees stayed firmly in their places and my family and Joey were safe

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-50687521574906645532011-08-26T14:43:00.003-04:002011-08-26T16:50:03.891-04:00

I am not handling this whole hurricane Irene situation so well. I'm probably not well prepared. I'm looking cross-eyed at 3 big trees around my house and hoping they stay where they are and don't decide to give up the ghost and crush my home. I'm worried about Joey. They want to move him from the big old barn he's in to the smaller shed row barn behind it because they are worried about the roof

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-70310511193082806322011-08-22T19:32:00.002-04:002011-08-22T19:36:14.258-04:00

So glad to be home. Had a whirlwind weekend with my family in Lancaster, PA. I love it down in Amish country. The children had fun as always and though yesterday's weather was a beast, today was a beautiful day. Would have been a lovely day for riding! ;) Hope Joey was a good boy and he and the girl Stacie that my trainer suggested I have ride him for me while I was away had fun together. I

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-1131856057032071402011-08-18T14:19:00.002-04:002011-08-18T14:29:43.708-04:00

Have been swamped at work and my new schedule of traveling to the stable to work with Joey. But all is Good and Well so far. Joey is sweet and kind. He's been the same horse every time I have worked with him. No surprises and so steady. I'm working on his balance and strengthening at the walk and trot in order to improve his canter depart, which can get rushed until you get him to soften his head

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-30898671437594864042011-08-08T14:12:00.002-04:002011-08-08T14:31:47.425-04:00

This is Journey's End, or Joey as is his pet name. Joey is the name of the horse in the book and play "War Horse". I feel like I've been on a similar journey that the boy in the story was on to find his beloved horse. I've been through an emotional and physical battle of sorts and I finally found my horse. He's a gelding just shy of 16.2 hands tall. He's somewhere around 6-7 years old. He's

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-8226816124613316142011-08-07T18:54:00.002-04:002011-08-07T18:55:15.263-04:00

And that is what I've named him. :)Pictures will be up soon!

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-34987605715713334252011-08-02T15:53:00.003-04:002011-08-02T16:02:22.467-04:00

Horse passed the vetting yesterday. He passed for the general exam, hoof testing and all flexion tests. He passed on the X-ray pulled of a bump on one ankle. He passed his metabolic blood test and I am waiting for the pre-purchase drug test result (taken as a precaution, my trainer and the vet feels there should be nothing of concern there). Price of horse is firm, I either accept or I don't.Last

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-34206353370740752712011-07-29T13:45:00.001-04:002011-07-29T13:47:03.032-04:00

I rode the horse again last night. It was much, much better. My nerves were more under control. My trainer stayed around for me in case I needed the assist but I did it all independently. I even mounted by myself at the mounting block!Again, horse was a gentleman. All I wanted to do was walk and trot and that's what we did for a half hour. I was tired after that but he never put a foot wrong the

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-5981111656889242512011-07-28T14:34:00.003-04:002011-07-28T17:02:10.037-04:00

In the past week I have ridden a horse, again. Twice. With my knee brace on and my heart in my throat. I have never felt so scared on a horse before. All my years of riding especially those spent with my hot,hot,hot thoroughbred mare have taught me how to ride calm while I'm freaking inside so the ride looks good to those watching but I wish I felt that way.What horse have I ridden? This is a

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-26484457492651990952011-07-08T14:23:00.011-04:002011-07-29T13:57:22.206-04:00

I just got an email that the Libertyville Saddle Shop in Libertyville, IL is going out of business. They are closing up shop and liquidating their inventory. Here is the ad: Libertyville Saddle Shop store closingI'm kind of bummed about this. I always liked that shop. I've never been to the actual store but I enjoyed their catalog and have ordered many items from them in the past. At one time I

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-91534626382730089412011-06-29T13:47:00.002-04:002011-06-29T13:51:11.881-04:00

Occasionally I torment myself and look at horses for sale. I saw the ad for this fellow today. I actually started to get teary eyed. He is just so handsome and I love the look in his eye. Maybe too short for me but I so wish I could try riding him."Risk"Somebody take this black beauty home. He looks like he will be a winner.

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-21366538320224500002011-06-20T13:29:00.000-04:002011-06-20T13:31:08.611-04:00

"quod me nutrit me destruit"

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-67988563776437723492011-06-07T16:34:00.000-04:002011-06-07T16:35:36.993-04:00

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-55408534280766892542011-05-28T15:48:00.003-04:002011-05-28T15:55:34.283-04:00

I get tired of trying to be positive. I miss horses. I miss riding. I feel like a huge part of my existence has been simply ripped away and left in its' place is a huge gaping hole of depression. Every sunny day makes me feel bitter and sad because it's wasted on me. What I loved to do is fucking gone.I have a family I have to function for so I suck it up and exist. But just existing sucks.

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-33210521969829587622011-05-12T11:19:00.000-04:002011-05-13T16:20:56.311-04:00

This is what I'm going through right now. I am lost. I have no horse. I can't ride and don't know for how long before I can even try and even then, what horse do I attempt to get on? Excellent article for all who know what having a passion for horses truly means.A Passion For Horses Supersedes Sanity | The Chronicle of the Horse

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-41377318798373244262011-05-09T12:44:00.005-04:002011-05-09T16:12:46.841-04:00

Day 7 - Your favorite ribbon won at a show and why.My favorite ribbon? Wow, another one I have a hard time answering. A few moments come to mind, though; - Winning the "slow turtle" award for having the slowest time on a hunter pace. (but having a great time being the best loser) - A 3rd place ribbon won at the Hampton Classic Horse Show in a class with 39 other riders. - 3 blue ribbons and the

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-25505612125733303822011-05-06T12:15:00.006-04:002011-05-06T18:19:41.008-04:00

Day 6 - All the tack and riding clothes you have (brand/color/other details)I have been through 40 years worth of equipment. I have also sold a lot of things and added a lot of things over that time. The collection would change as my tastes and needs changed. I could never list it all. Without digging into the farthest reaches of my closets and tack trunks, I'll give the best of it.Saddles -

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-5992860253584710872011-05-04T16:22:00.003-04:002011-05-04T16:28:55.401-04:00

Day 5 - Your first fall.Honestly, I don't exactly remember my first fall. I may have taken a tumble off the white pony I first rode when I took lunge line lessons in the very beginning as a 6 year old, but I can't describe it and I'm almost unsure it happened.The next incidence where I hit the dirt is clearer, it happened in a riding lesson when I was about 8 years old. I was riding a big, draft

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-10647744507499378332011-05-03T17:51:00.006-04:002011-05-04T16:28:37.695-04:00

Remember I said I had a goal last week that by Friday I'd be riding the exercise bike during my physical therapy session? Well, the therapist put me back on the bike on Monday and with the seat way up high I managed to gingerly get the full rotation of my right knee! It hurt, I had to compensate and we used no resistance but I did it! By this past Friday I was riding the bike at a comfortable

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-30915637051522723382011-05-01T19:38:00.002-04:002011-05-01T19:43:20.646-04:00

I came across this today. This is funny, but sad because it is often true. Oh, and if that's what she's charging for board, I wanna board there, too!

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-18409474298062776532011-04-29T10:21:00.001-04:002011-04-29T10:24:28.450-04:00

Okay, I'm not all caught up in Royal wedding fever but I did want to check out Kate's dress. Loved that it was an Alexander McQueen, one of my favorite designers. When watching the snippet of video I saw this!SO, how many of the horse folks in the audience caught this one?

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-67667540233644787232011-04-25T14:42:00.006-04:002011-05-04T16:27:50.762-04:00

Day 3 - Favorite Horse (own/lease/ride) with description about the relationship.Well, that's easy. My favorite horse is Monty, the horse that I started this blog for and who was my everything. He was not the first horse or the only horse I ever owned but he was the one who was the most versatile and who had the most comfortable connection with me. Monty was a Warmblood/TB cross. He came from

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-38699082878103986052011-04-24T11:36:00.006-04:002011-05-04T16:27:21.708-04:00

Happy Easter wishes to all!Day 02 - The last time you rode a horse and what you did
.I'm not going to count the actual last time I "rode" a horse, as it was just after mounting and ended with unfortunate results. That's not a "ride" as I see it.The last time I rode a horse was when I came to care for and ride dear, sweet Ruby. That's him and me in the picture above. If you are just catching up

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-34443124232479130242011-04-21T11:52:00.007-04:002011-05-04T16:26:55.444-04:00

Today my knee is a bit sore and all the fluid we moved yesterday has moved right back in but I can bend it 90 degrees to the floor now and it's already getting easier to use the stairs.I am a big fan of good physical therapy. It made me a believer 10 years ago when my wrist was broken from getting kicked by a friend's horse. I will favor an injury until a doctor gives me the green light to do

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-29852333500178876292011-04-20T11:42:00.006-04:002011-04-29T10:28:20.918-04:00

I begin Physical Therapy this afternoon to start my right knee back to being a willing partner to the left one. Yesterday was my visit with the Orthopedic Surgeon and I liked his demeanor very much. I also like that we have common ground as his young daughter rides horses! He immediately got me out of the knee immobilizer brace and into a flexible brace, the kind with the opening for my kneecap

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-3395454590105349832011-04-18T12:23:00.004-04:002011-04-18T14:22:36.997-04:00

Tomorrow morning I go see an orthopedic surgeon for another opinion who is both on my insurance plan and who's been recommended by a few people. I'm hoping he can give me some more detailed and encouraging information with how to proceed in rehabbing this knee. On Wednesday I start physical therapy and truthfully, I'm really looking forward to it. I was really happy when I found out that the

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-83484739652264146722011-04-12T15:33:00.002-04:002011-04-12T15:59:18.342-04:00

I am sitting here trying to work, with my stupid knee brace encased leg causing me to shift into ever increasingly uncomfortable contortions. I didn't deserve this injury. I am not reckless, stupid or untrained. I am well aware of what my limitations are at 45 years old. And I got handed another screwing by fate. I am also depressed, angry and sad because I am 45 f'ing years old. When you break

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-63703320249579290982011-04-11T11:26:00.003-04:002011-04-11T12:02:10.848-04:00

I want to thank everyone who has been thinking of me and supporting me in my dream to find a good horse since my best horse Monty died. I have recently been handed a very difficult twist of fate and as I recover from this injury, I will be unable to ride or work around horses for awhile. I don't know what my future holds as far as riding goes and I guess if I thought I wanted a quiet horse before

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-21464772314538648452011-04-03T12:05:00.002-04:002011-04-03T12:06:44.522-04:00

Circumstances have changed. I will not be keeping this horse. She is being returned to the seller. Not really up to talking about it at this time.

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-37485661133142619722011-03-31T13:58:00.003-04:002011-03-31T14:13:05.681-04:00

Little Bear the mare arrived after 9:30PM last night. I raced to get there ahead of the trailer when I got the call that she had crossed the Throgs Neck Bridge. She showed up riding in style in a big 6 horse gooseneck from the horse shipper my trainer connected me with. The shipper was a great lady and she praised Little Bear for her calmness and good manners. LB stepped slowly off the trailer

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-15101933880338247612011-03-30T12:36:00.002-04:002011-03-30T12:39:44.753-04:00

She's coming.Today.I'm freaking out. Scared. Thrilled. Hopeful.I took this chance, please let this be wonderful.Welcome "Little Bear".

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-21555046480792212272011-03-24T11:18:00.004-04:002011-03-24T16:02:34.188-04:00

After my post yesterday mentioning the play WarHorse, I went back and I found my blog post from almost 2 years ago when I first heard about this production. Reposting it here with links (which hopefully still work) to keep everyone up to date!SolitaireMare's blog post about WarHorse

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-39457260818557564382011-03-23T12:12:00.002-04:002011-03-23T12:24:08.204-04:00

I had the pleasure of seeing WarHorse a week ago on the first night of previews of it's run on Broadway at Lincoln Center. If you love animals and in particular if you love horses you can't help but be moved by this drama. The music is beautiful and stirring and the equine puppetry is more breathtaking in person. It was a full house and I had gotten great orchestra seats. We were sitting close to

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-67099517144124176692011-03-14T12:19:00.003-04:002011-03-14T16:48:31.986-04:00

This weekend had the potential for yet another depressing blog post. On Saturday, my labrador puppy was hit and killed by a car when he escaped our fenced back yard. The poor goofy guy never made it to his first birthday, which is this upcoming Wednesday. My husband was devastated and I can tell he's still feeling very bad. My kids are sad and asking too many questions. My parents are upset.I'm

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-64401595904270067112011-02-18T13:32:00.001-05:002011-02-18T13:34:13.661-05:00

The end of another week and it's time for my children's riding lessons. However, one of them is having a sticky point in his riding. Two weeks ago the pony he was riding in his lesson got a little spooky. Though my son wasn't hurt and in fact did a good job of controlling the pony and getting him to settle down, he did get a little rattled by it and has now insisted on going back on the lunge

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-5812427538342615532011-02-15T12:59:00.004-05:002011-02-15T15:44:04.768-05:00

At the moment I respectfully passed on the rescue/rehoming horse. I met the horse. He was very sweet and walked right up to me and nuzzled me as if he'd known me his whole life. I met his owner and the woman handling the adoption. I couldn't try riding the horse because of all the ice and snow in her paddock but she was willing to send the horse out on trial to see if we were a good match.Sounds

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-19482226750352182212011-02-14T09:06:00.002-05:002011-02-14T09:08:18.009-05:00

If you are lucky enough to have a horse to love, give him or her a hug for Valentine's Day. And another hug from me. Rescue/rehoming horse may or may not be the thing for me. Not sure I'm settled with the details of the situation. The search may go on...

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-38465126521775665422011-02-12T13:35:00.002-05:002011-02-12T13:39:26.084-05:00

Looking into a rehoming/rescue horse. Don't have much time to write about it now but working on having him for a trial period to see if we "click" and he may come to be with me. He's a nine year old 16.3 hands tall chestnut thoroughbred.

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-46817318821359252572011-01-16T19:21:00.003-05:002011-01-16T21:46:13.293-05:00

I went to see the horse that I hoped would be "the one". Piled the whole family in the Explorer, took the almost 3 hr. drive to get there and met the owner. She was very nice and we got right to business. She answered my questions about the horse as she tacked up and brought her in the indoor. Then she rode her for me first. This mare is cute in a super-chunky kind of way. She looks like she

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-80860780390534607792011-01-14T12:24:00.011-05:002011-01-14T13:03:07.427-05:00

Ever in my heart, always on my mind. Two years ago today, Monty crossed the Rainbow Bridge. In memory, here are some pictures of my sweet boy and I in some of our happiest moments that I haven't shared before. Above is us at our first horse show in May of 1999.This is in the Adult Amateur Hunters flat class at that show. All I did that day was the one flat class, LOL!And the results were great,

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-57584221596919330922011-01-06T11:55:00.003-05:002011-01-06T12:50:43.957-05:00

January is not my favorite month. Mostly because I have a lot of travel for business in this month and it makes everything feel rushed and hectic and I don't like leaving my family. But also because there's an anniversary in the middle of the month that is especially hard to deal with. Two years ago I was in Las Vegas for business when I got that phone call that Monty was not doing well. And two

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-77534813383897103472011-01-01T10:19:00.002-05:002011-01-01T10:31:15.804-05:00

2009 sucked. 2010 sucked some more. Just praying I don't pull a hat trick of suckiness.But there was a bright spot yesterday. Both of my boys jumped a cross rail for the first time in their riding lessons yesterday. I will never forget the look of surprise on their faces the first time the pony hopped over the cross rail, then the huge grin of sheer joy when they realized that they finally got

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-73704901472634565212010-12-27T14:07:00.002-05:002010-12-27T14:26:40.078-05:00

Another Christmas is over. Hope yours was a merry one. Yesterday I turned to my husband and sighed that I just realized it was the first Christmas in 35 years that I didn't have a horse to call my own. I didn't ask for or want any stable or riding gear. No need. Felt weird. Hope it doesn't become "the new normal".So we've been gifted with a generous dumping of snow. The kids are psyched about

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-33739637248812790822010-12-14T13:28:00.005-05:002010-12-14T13:54:54.379-05:00

RANT WARNING: This is not a "sunshine and butterflies" post. How do you find a horse when your budget is minimal? (and by minimal, I mean 5k or less)I've been looking and trying horses. All I hear is, "in this economy there are lots of horses needing homes" and "you can find a decent horse for a low price" and "Thoroughbreds are a dime a dozen these days".Really?Really?Oh yes, there are lots of

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-12167706919608452232010-12-13T12:28:00.002-05:002010-12-13T12:33:49.597-05:00

My favorite days of the week are Thursday, Friday and Saturday. They are the days I get to ride and spend time with Ruby. You don't realize what a luxury owning your own horse is until you only get a certain 3 days to spend with the one you half board. Now, even if the weather is freezing or raining or if I'm feeling unwell, I HAVE to go or I miss whatever time I get to ride. This is not

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-45900571884689990302010-11-29T08:45:00.003-05:002010-11-29T09:12:49.098-05:00

Dear Santa, Remember all those times when I was little how I always asked for a horse? Remember how I promised I'd take good care of it and would love it forever? In your vast wisdom of how children work, you always saw to it that I received one or two beautiful Breyer horses, knowing they were the most I could handle at that age. You know what, Santa, I kept my promise. I still have those

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-24818941567499722192010-11-24T12:34:00.003-05:002010-11-24T12:46:52.505-05:00

Okay, yes, I'm thankful for the typical things. My family, my health, my job, my friends, etc. As far as the horses go, I'm still thankful for my passion for them. My memories are filled with some of my greatest moments of joy from having horses in my life. Unfortunately, that love comes with a dark, painful side, of which I have been "blessed" with far too much lately, in my own opinion.So, be

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-78957091690521957302010-11-12T10:49:00.006-05:002010-11-12T22:51:11.718-05:00

A day late but still worth checking out. I came across this site awhile ago and thought the monument was lovely. Animals in War Memorial The web page is an interesting read and gives information about all the animals who served their countries in conflict. This painting of "Goodbye Old Man" by Fortunino Matania is one of my bittersweet favorites. This is the accompanying poem from the same page

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-21815531334810436822010-11-11T23:24:00.003-05:002010-11-11T23:48:54.805-05:00

I'm at the barn grooming Ruby before saddling up. Another boarder is also tacking up and getting ready for her lesson. We're having polite conversation as she's also a student of my trainer and she's going on about her lesson and the show she's going to this weekend. Then she asks me about Ruby. Seems his owner comes to the barn at odd hours because of her schedule so the only person most of the

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-43362075379507247452010-11-10T14:04:00.004-05:002010-11-10T14:14:52.613-05:00

That's what I Googled. I want to gather up the little handful of ribbons Monty and I earned in our time together and have something meaningful done with them. I think I have enough for a pillow but will need to search thoroughly to be sure. Has anyone reading this had a pillow made from their horse show ribbons? Who crafted it for you? Were you happy with the end result? What was the approximate

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-62174661201524679202010-11-02T11:56:00.003-04:002010-11-02T12:41:07.221-04:00

Still half-boarding Ruby. Going into my 4th month as a half boarder. I ride my 3 days a week and I live for my Thursday, Friday and Saturdays at the stable. How fast do horses form friendships? Within a month, as soon as he heard my voice when I walked into the barn and talked with people, he'd pop his head out over the dutch door and nicker a greeting! I suppose my generosity with treats doesn't

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-80657441415267523632010-10-19T12:42:00.005-04:002010-10-19T12:49:29.415-04:00

Just wandered through some of my old posts this morning. In a perfect world, This is what I would be doing at this time of year...A Good Horse: Picture Proof from Hunter Pace: "Okay, I couldn't wait to post so here's one of the proofs from the photographer. The photo is © Leslie Wilson, Photographer. I will order co..."I miss my friend Monty so much...

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-53614065270502825142010-10-14T12:31:00.002-04:002010-10-14T12:39:05.670-04:00

So, we took the chance. I couldn't bring myself to make the call and my husband called with our agreed upon lowball offer for the red horse. The woman didn't take it. My husband left it that if she can't find a buyer in the range she wants, to reconsider and know the horse will be going to a good home. I'm okay with that. At least I know where I stand and can close the door here. So I continue to

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-46387111435832024632010-09-16T16:01:00.002-04:002010-09-16T16:21:09.011-04:00

I want that red horse. His asking price has come down since I tried him out. I have been tempted to make an offer and see if she accepts it. I did like what I felt when riding him. But I'm actually scared she will say, "yes".Why? For one, he's in PA, not close by. It's not like I can try him once more before I commit to buy without a road trip and stay over. I don't know any vets in PA who could

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-22203663624191708592010-09-08T14:27:00.003-04:002010-09-08T14:37:54.139-04:00

Who collected model horses as a kid? Who still collects them but only talks about it among others with the same obsession? My model horses were my #1 playthings as a kid. I still have a vast reservoir of Breyer beauties that occasionally descend from my attic to be given to my kids or to be sold on Ebay for needed cash. So I enjoy checking out the Breyer blogs. I have always held the best

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-85761670325462519912010-09-01T08:36:00.003-04:002010-09-01T08:59:03.315-04:00

I've been riding as often as I can this past month. Below are pictures of the horse I've been half-boarding at the stable where my riding coach teaches from. The girl who owns this horse is great and we have a good rapport in texting our riding schedule out each week, LOL. The big bay is the horse I nicknamed "Ruby". He's about 19 years old and is a "been there, jumped that" old show horse. He's

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-90427415249398614922010-08-30T14:24:00.003-04:002010-09-02T15:27:42.632-04:00

From the Tackoftheday.com website. Worth sharing, as I too am an "older" horse woman:Some RIDING RULES for the, ahem, Older Horse Woman: • We DO NOT need to show up with our hair combed, makeup on and wearing a clean shirt.• Moaning, groaning and complaining about aching muscles is perfectly acceptable, as is taking Motrin (or something stronger) prior to a ride.• Helping someone on or off the

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-34815904507485403612010-08-25T16:28:00.003-04:002010-08-25T16:32:53.081-04:00

Just found my new favorite blog - Foxhunter's Guide. If you have ever hunted or know someone who does, you might find this a fun read! Here's an exerpt that should make you chuckle:You Might Be A Foxhunter If…1. You’ve ever been charged with riding while intoxicated.2. You’ve ever been pulled over on your way to the hunt ball and been asked if the circus is in town.3. You’ve ever mucked out a

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-48915402793204175942010-07-28T18:16:00.005-04:002010-07-28T19:48:03.528-04:00

"But O, how bitter a thing it is to look into happiness through another man's eyes." - William Shakespeare - beautifully said by the bard.Every morning on the way to work I drive past the riding stable down the street from the vet's barn where I was boarding at. And every day I see riders working with their horses in the morning. And every day I am reminded of what I seem unable to have. And it

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-32790236390011734612010-07-25T18:58:00.003-04:002010-07-25T19:25:56.513-04:00

I was given several offers of horses to ride after Rugby was gone. The woman at my barn with several lesson horses offered me her old show horse Petey and I've ridden him twice already. She offered him to me as a free lease but I'm not quite sure if I want to do that. Free lease means I'm responsible for full board and shoes and since I've been wrecked with vet bills from Rugby, she agreed I

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-21661098164769667532010-07-18T19:16:00.004-04:002010-07-18T19:39:10.633-04:00

The horse blogging community is just an amazing bunch of people. To all those folks, old friends and new, who took the time to stop by my page and share your kind words of care and concern, I say, "Thank you, from the bottom of my heart". You have helped me face this and move through it.Surprisingly, I feel okay today. I guess you could say I feel "lighter" as if the huge burden of Rugby's health

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-2040171097452841392010-07-17T23:37:00.003-04:002010-07-18T09:02:09.583-04:00

Rugby 2004 - 2010There is a painted angel who galloped through the gates of heaven today to run free in green fields and wait for the day we meet again. R.I.P, my Big Guy, Rugby.

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-83367654695157074972010-07-16T23:03:00.005-04:002010-07-17T08:09:06.141-04:00

After Monty, I promised my children that if Rugby became so sick that he couldn't be made well, that they would get to see him and say goodbye beforehand. So tonight we headed over to the grocery store for a bag of baby peeled carrots and went to see him. Rugby was still managing to stand and eating but so very thin and unsteady on his hind end. He seemed happy to see us and came over at the

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-34920261767356712392010-07-16T14:25:00.003-04:002010-07-16T14:59:20.561-04:00

Rugby hasn't much strength left. Last night when I went to see him, he was standing in the stall, looking out his window, staring out into the grassy place in the yard. When I said his name he turned to look at me and nickered. I was shocked, he hadn't done that in a long time. I put on his fly mask and halter and took him out to graze. He walked to the grass with a purpose and was eating

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-66424065286880401332010-07-15T12:11:00.002-04:002010-07-15T12:37:26.998-04:00

I know I should probably just have him put down. But Rugby is still here. Yes, they did administer Banamine yesterday afternoon and when I got to the barn last night, he was standing, walked out of his stall with me and down to the grass and hand grazed happily for about 40 minutes. But then when I put him back in the stall, he stood and I could see by the way he became very quiet with his ears

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-60369575546186249632010-07-14T11:44:00.002-04:002010-07-14T11:53:32.648-04:00

So, as of today's phone conversation with my vet, I am at the fork in the road with two difficult choices. One fork is to have Rugby euthanized now, before he slips deeper into discomfort and suffers further. The other direction is to see if a woman my vet and I know and trust is comfortable having Rugby sent to her farm to live on pasture and see if living in the field on grass without the

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-73920976729071920342010-07-13T22:36:00.003-04:002010-07-13T22:44:41.458-04:00

Long day at work and with family today. My vet called today to tell me Rugby has been laying down for most of the day. He's quiet, but you can tell he's not feeling so great. At this point there isn't much else we can do. The vet strongly suggested we pull one more blood panel and see if we have some revelation, at the very least to help me decide what to do. So I said go ahead. My husband and I

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-72423121260435254062010-07-12T22:57:00.002-04:002010-07-12T23:12:04.970-04:00

I posted earlier today that it seemed Rugby had the worst behind him and he was slowly progressing toward getting better. Well, tonight I was hit with a call from the vet that he was down in his stall on his side. I went to see him and made him get up so I could walk him. Unfortunately he was showing some of the discomfort signs he'd exhibited in the past when his condition was really bad. The

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-89874097182423475372010-07-12T16:51:00.003-04:002010-07-12T18:03:28.534-04:00

Rugby is still here. He has been through hell and is slowly coming back. At the time I last posted it was pretty bad. I finally requested that my vet just give him antibiotics. This was a suggestion from one of the vets consulted on Rugby's case. My vet was hesitant to do it since he had no idea exactly what he was administering antibiotics for, as nothing definitive has shown up on any tests. My

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-12677644213259360682010-06-11T08:07:00.004-04:002010-06-11T08:26:25.883-04:00

I apologize for the lack of further updates. It has not been very good. Rugby is still alive but he is not well. The ultrasound showed no physical deformities or tumors. The ultrasound specialist is also an equine internist and she and my vet discussed his case and have called other vets about it. Nobody seems to have a definitive answer.Bloodwork is still not normal. Horse still has rounds of

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-40437440920286117332010-05-19T08:48:00.004-04:002010-05-19T09:05:20.058-04:00

"Horses are different from humans. We have to take responsibility for horses simply because they’re always in our care. They can’t get along without us. They’re forced to live in our world. That’s why the rules have changed: an adult horse in our world is still our responsibility. This doubles the burden for us humans. A human must be responsible for himself and for his horse. And when you

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-22314463650796009372010-05-12T08:56:00.003-04:002010-05-12T09:10:21.688-04:00

Rugby's situation keeps improving but I'm not relaxed about it yet. When I went to see him after work yesterday I was thrilled to find him back in his home stall and out of the medical barn. The I.V. port was out of his neck and he was as alert, standing up and bright as he was the day before. I took him out to graze for 5 minutes and he was devouring the grass with a good appetite. He's been

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-4336196029182096712010-05-10T15:29:00.003-04:002010-05-10T15:42:48.520-04:00

Rugby got through the night okay and his condition stayed the same from when I last checked on him yesterday. Vet is happy he's comfortable but everyone is baffled by what keeps making him so uncomfortable. He's staying in the medical barn and they are monitoring him and everything this horse ingests. We should have the results of his blood and stool samples by the end of today. When he's showing

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-78635422387374930722010-05-09T15:18:00.003-04:002010-05-09T15:25:27.133-04:00

Not a good Mother's Day. My kids have been laying on the love but my horse, Rugby is very sick again. He's in the medical barn now and the vet is watching him very carefully. He's not colicing in the usual sense of the condition but he's uncomfortable and it seems to be a continuing effect from the sickness that hit him for the last month. More bloodwork being done. I just want him to get well.

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-25890047361402966792010-04-30T13:11:00.003-04:002010-04-30T13:36:52.505-04:00

Rugby has been quite sick. For weeks. For 3 weeks he had the swelling along his belly and in his sheath and occasionally behind his jowls. Every day it looked different, some days it was so swollen that it was hard for me to keep patient and stay with the conservative approach of my vet. As if that wasn't bad enough, then the nasty diarrhea started (not to get too graphic... aww, hell why not -

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-56673557575318880202010-04-14T23:30:00.002-04:002010-04-14T23:37:26.510-04:00

So just as it seems my horse is sound, now he's sick. Not sure exactly what. Could be a reaction to one of his spring shots or something else. Poor boy has swelling along his tummy and sheath and today has diarrhea. Vet has been watching him and did blood work today. My poor sweet boy. I just came back from checking on him and he was laying down quietly in his stall and so were almost all the

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-50260379072145597282010-04-08T11:14:00.006-04:002010-04-08T11:41:31.526-04:00

Ah, spring. Time for a clean sweep. Toss out the old and the broken, donate the unused but still serviceable, Ebay the good stuff. It's cathartic to do this, sometimes even fun and often a relief. Clutter follows me like a shadow. Every time I do it though, I have some feelings of melancholy. Like this morning when my husband and I put my boys' battery operated 4-wheeler ride-ons to the curb for

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-11776053392992020152010-04-07T12:43:00.001-04:002010-04-07T12:44:36.403-04:00

This Saturday makes it two weeks that Rugby has been wearing his egg bar shoes. And he's sound. I have been stopping by the barn almost every day since then and have been regularly lunging him for 20-30 minutes mainly at the walk but with a few times around at the trot to his left and only once or twice around at the trot to the right (his sore side). And he's sound. If there's any head nod at

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-54820968560577495902010-04-05T09:05:00.004-04:002011-09-16T13:00:47.644-04:00

How did I miss this one!? Click the link below:The Updoc™ BitBe sure to click on all the sizes and colors available! I NEED one of these!!

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-46775696111868311082010-03-29T17:50:00.003-04:002010-03-29T18:02:59.410-04:00

As of this past Saturday, Rugby now has a nifty pair of egg bar shoes on his front hoofers. He's a first in that department for me. I've never owned a horse that wore bar shoes of any kind. It was nice to work with my old farrier again. I'm reminded of just how good he is at his craft. I was also rather impressed when he took a look at Rugby's unshod feet and shook his head and said, "wow, his

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-31399834703367313842010-03-22T11:29:00.005-04:002010-03-26T10:30:38.744-04:00

Rugby will be wearing front shoes as of tomorrow. Based on his new X-rays and further discussion with my vet, we agree that front shoes are needed to give him support. The good news from the X-rays is that there is no change or problem involving navicular. But there is something there, however small, that my vet feels is an old injury to the coffin bone, possibly a healed fracture from Rugby's

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-8897689207177098202010-03-12T12:22:00.006-05:002010-03-12T14:33:05.943-05:00

I have been in contact with a representative of Troxel and she told me Troxel is very interested in exploring the recycling options for their product or at least for parts of their product! We will be working together to inform and update you as we learn what you can do if you wish to recycle helmets after damage or when no longer useful.I agree that even being able to recycle a part of the

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-27853048416699028562010-03-10T16:19:00.002-05:002010-03-10T16:23:34.261-05:00

Not good. I went to the barn last evening to do some groundwork with Rugby and he was unsound. I tried lunging him and he was short striding and seemed sore up front and it would come and go. He didn't want to do anything more than walk and when I asked him to jog just to see if it was worse he was especially aggravated when moving to the right. I stopped him and brought him back inside. I called

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-22855352546218585252010-03-09T14:52:00.003-05:002010-03-09T15:00:11.096-05:00

I've decided to research this further. After my post yesterday I continued to look around online about recycling safety headgear and it seems that bicyclists are the only ones that have any information of value at this time on this subject. I found a few topics about how to recycle old or damaged bicycle helmets. Please read about them at these links:Can I recycle my Bicycle Helmet?The Bicycle

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-16717945589805148162010-03-08T15:05:00.007-05:002010-03-08T15:23:03.373-05:00

So, with all the talk about helmets, due in part to Courtney King-Dye's unfortunate accident, I have a question that I can't find addressed anywhere. What do you do with a helmet that's ready to be discarded?Okay, the first answer is to throw it out, right? Well, maybe that's the correct answer but I want to know if anyone has another suggestion. Throwing it away doesn't seem very "green", does

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-27286281141151304712010-03-08T12:13:00.003-05:002010-03-08T12:19:28.651-05:00

Love this! Found on the L.I. Equine message board and decided to share here! Enjoy!MADNESS Why do I like horses? I reckon I must be mad. My mother wasn’t horsey And neither was my dad. But the madness hit me early And it hit me like a curse. And I’ve never gotten better In fact I’ve gotten worse. My stables are immaculate. My house is like a hovel. Last year for my birthday I got a brand new

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-35971885363221453302010-03-07T21:35:00.003-05:002010-03-07T21:57:12.411-05:00

As I write this, I am exhausted. I finally got my two wild children to bed and one is simply resisting to the point where I have to keep getting up and making sure he stays in his bed. They both have testing this week at school and I hate having to fight him but he needs his sleep. Dozing off during an exam when you are 6 years old does not bode well for your future!Today was just gorgeous here,

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-26173124780594159912010-02-22T22:24:00.002-05:002010-02-22T22:58:52.039-05:00

In my travels throughout the web researching the Micklem bridle and other bitless bridles, I somehow stumbled across this rather awesome page. Chris Armour's Help for Heroes page A huntsman named Chris Armour has a fund raising page set up to raise money for soldiers wounded in the conflict in the Middle East. He rode his horse on a hunt without a bridle to bring interest to the cause. If you go

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187426796583947781.post-36651916418562032392010-02-19T08:14:00.005-05:002011-09-16T13:01:00.334-04:00

I've been checking these out online for a while now and find them interesting. I found out very quickly that Rugby is not easy to fit to a bridle. Only one of Monty's bridles could be made to fit him and I've had to buy a new bridle in Oversize for a better fit. I now have an oversized flat leather hunt bridle and a black, raised leather flash nosed dressage bridle. I've been selling tack like

SolitaireMarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573053727692879169noreply@blogger.com7