Getting it Right~

 We went to Victoria today - to try out all the little changes that Cassandra suggested in my tack.  First, we moved the breast collar attachments from the D's on the saddle - lower - to the stirrup hangers.  That moved the "V" of the collar lower on Farah's neck.  I unsnapped the attachment to the saddle - to give Farah more room when she's grazing.

Fancy pad!  :-)

The SaddleRight pad we're borrowing from Cassandra is at least ten-years old.  The color has faded, but the padding is still in perfect condition.  Only 1/2" thick - it fits Jackie's requirement of a thin pad for the Stonewall.  I have an endurance style on order & hope it arrives before we leave.  With a wool felt bottom, it doesn't slip & the saddle stays put on the suede leather top.  Time will tell, but I'm liking it a lot so far.

Mt. Baldy -

It was a chilly, gray overcast day - but the kind of weather I love for riding.  Just cool enough to keep the bugs down.  Wearing a vest again seemed strange after the warm, record-breaking mid-80's of last week.

Looking back down the mountain~

We also tried raising the bit one notch.  Farah's canines haven't erupted, but they were close enough to the bit I decided to raise it.  Taking away any chance it was hitting.  She was not chomping on the bit at all today.  I also moved the reins from the bottom ring, to the middle one on the Mylar.  Maybe not for competition but it seemed just fine today.

Salmonberries!  Fresh Fruit!

The Salmonberries were ripe!  After the last two days of rain, they were so fresh & yummy!  It seems early - I know I've made jam in June other years.  It was one of my dad's favorites!

Farah in the Deep Dark Woods~

Before Cassandra's visit, someone told me that a good trainer is one that sets a goal for you.  We were in the tack room, Cassandra walked over to the Mikmar Loose Ring Snaffle Sandra had me buy for Farah while she was in training.  Putting it in her hand, Cassandra looked at me & said; "This is our goal - for you to be able to ride her in this, no matter what you're doing."  I was caught totally off-guard & my face must have shown it :-) As her words sunk in, I realized it would be a goal to suit us perfectly!  If we get to that point - we'll have arrived in more ways than one!  Thank you, Cassandra!

Making Changes~

What can I say about a good team?!  I am so lucky to have the best farrier around - one who's open to listening to my concerns.  Now, I've found that second person, Cassandra - with her experience on the track & various performance disciplines - who rounds out our team approach.  Willing to work toward my goal of keeping Farah sound & fit as the years go by.

I've had a feeling for a while that there were some things that could be changed with Farah's shoeing.  After riding with Cassandra on Wed., she mentioned that she had some ideas for Farah's hind feet that might improve the efficiency of her movement.  Her approach of physiological problem-solving rang a bell with me.  She also incorporates a holistic method that includes the latest research, tools & techniques that apply to performance horses.  Someone who looks for the origin of the behavioral characteristics that I've found challenging as Farah & I have continued to rack up the miles. 

The rear view~

Going with what's been working is always the smart thing to do, but I've never liked the way Farah will drag her toes on a steep downhill.  I thought it had something to do with her conformation, breeding, etc.  When Justin arrived today - I introduced him to Cassandra, who was kind enough to come over & explain first hand what changes she wanted to make.  The most noticeable you can see in the above photo.

Farah yawns :-)

 Justin pulled shoes, did the trim, then dropped the inside of the rear hooves - this moved the angle of the rear feet out about 7 degrees.  The difference in Farah was obvious - we could see her relax before our eyes.  After all the miles we've traveled,  Cassandra was impressed with how clean & tight Farah's legs are.

After the trim~

There's more to do with the front too, but with a ride hopefully coming up - none of us wanted to make too many changes yet.  The small ones that were made - looked great.  Cassandra explained that over time, the hooves will change shape, not necessarily toward pretty - but more in the direction of the natural way the hoof capsule wants to grow.  These changes will take several shoeing cycles to implement.  Over that time, it will be interesting to see if this improves Farah's attitude under saddle as Cassandra expects - since it will make it easier for her to use herself efficiently. 

We finished the afternoon with some body work - Farah yawned & enjoyed all the attention :-)  Please check out Cassandra's web site for more information on the services she provides.  Cassandra Snyder~

Invited to Ride~

Michael, Samantha & Ruth

Cassandra & I had been attempting to meet for a couple weeks.  I've been on restriction - since my eye surgery & with these sunshine days - I wanted nothing more than to ride.  (One day early?  Has to be OK!)  Cassandra was coming this way to meet & trail ride with two young clients.  After checking with them, I was invited along!  I was driving up 59th slowly - looking for the driveway to the farm where we planned to meet - when I saw someone riding along the side of the road.   Introducing ourselves - Ruth said;  "You must be one of the people I'm riding with today!"

Ruth & her Arab ~

Sure enough - we were both heading to the same place!  Michael welcomed us & directed me to a spot to park that would be out of the way.  With a background in Rodeo - he explained that there would be big rigs coming & going all day.  Soon, Samantha pulled in - she boards her off-the-track Thoroughbred at the farm.

Trying a different saddle pad~

Shortly after - Cassandra arrived, making the drive down from Anderson Arena/Snowy Mountain Stables near Mt. Vernon.  Her ride today was a beautiful half Arab, half Friesian.  She also brought a SaddleRight saddle pad for me to try.  My Woolback is just too thick under the Stonewall & Jackie recommends a thin pad.  This one has good reviews, is made in the USA & only 1/2" thick.  It was nice to mount up without the saddle slipping.

Farah makes friends~

I am sorry to admit that I don't remember the horses names - but as you can see - Farah was totally enamored of Cassandra's gelding.  While the two girls galloped away - Cassandra & I took it a bit easier, her boy was barefoot & Farah had started the ride galloping in place.

Ruth, Cassandra & Samantha - adjusting her saddle~

I was amazed that Farah was willing to stay with her new friend & watch the other two horses take off!  We all really had a fun time - the girls would double back to check on us & we got a chance to swap stories :-)

Whitehorse - Three Fingers~

Farah kept me too busy to take many photos.  She gets out so seldom with others - especially a group going fast!  It was almost funny to see how surprised she was.  The day was plenty warm enough for me - the horses all worked up a good sweat in no time.  As I told Cassandra, nothing like seeing the gold girl in action to get an idea of what areas we need to work on :-)

Farah watching as we get our photo taken :-)

We had several interesting moments - it was fun watching how an experienced horsewoman & retired jockey deals with a horse that wants to take off.  I'm sure that if he'd had shoes, we'd have given the girls a run for their money :-)

Our ride route~

It's a small world - Cassandra had purchased a horse from Charles - we ended the day with a tour of Dean's farm.  Swapping more stories & admiring the most beautiful horse farm in the state.  Going our separate ways - now friends & planning more riding!

Farah is Ten!

Returning to Camp - Quincy Trip~

It's almost impossible for me to believe today is Farah's tenth birthday!  Five-years since we brought her home (Post) to be my retirement ride.   The year I turned 60, Farah was five.  You can do the math - but if our luck & health hold, I'll be 75 the year she turns 20.

Farah at Ancient Lakes

Riding this mare is the thrill of a lifetime.  Every ride, every stride I appreciate her magnificent style.  She has brought miles & miles of joy to my life.  Each morning when I walk up to the barn & see those gold eyes looking at me - I smile.  Every time I saddle her up - I smile.

Heading out with our friends~

 What I've wanted for her from the very beginning, is to build her to be a well-rounded mare.  One that can do it all, from trail riding with friends, to an occasional endurance ride & anything in-between.  I don't think being fit enough to compete at endurance - should exclude the laid-back quality of a good ride with BCH friends.  Each time we are included in one of these rides, my admiration & respect for the people & the horses they ride, grows.

For her birthday present, I've scheduled an evaluation from a trainer who has a solid background in the thoroughbred racing industry.  My go-to place thanks to Dean's mentoring. :-)  I'm looking forward to getting some new insights & perspectives.  In making life as good as I can for her, I'm investing in our future together.  Working on our partnership, allowing it the room to grow & expand.  Steps to continue the learning process that should stand us in good stead - over the upcoming years of our next decade together!

Putting the Pedal Down~

Thimbleberry

Back to the bit.  Trainers always get a laugh out of riders who try to solve their own horse related issues.  I've never claimed to be a trainer, but I am a rider.  Dean taught me that a rider rides - every stride.  It's the on-going search for that perfect sweet spot, between a horse & rider - that I find fascinating & challenging!

We were only a mile out when a bike came around the corner.  Farah stopped so suddenly that my thumb nail was broken to the quick, on the pommel.  Next - a woman running with a loose dog.  We'd gone right back to the trot & all she got was a nasty shake of Farah's neck in the dogs direction :-)

Fast Trail - everything growing!

The bugs were out in force today.  When the sun burned through the clouds, the humidity went right up.  I think the two of us probably breathed & ate our share of flying insects.

Whitehorse, Three Fingers & Pilchuck

We galloped all the way to the top.  Farah took one deep breath & we turned on the trail to the Monument.  She grazed & I made phone calls.  Yes, surgery was on, no it was off.  More phone calls, more paperwork - yes - it's on again. 

Farah in her bit~

I needed the exercise as much as Farah did.  I do actually think that she's so fit now - it takes more to get her edge off.  I know it takes more - to do the same for me.

False Lilly-of-the-Valley

The blooms of the natives are now all whites.  The Salmonberry bushes are setting their berries!  Soon - we'll have plenty of fruit to eat on the trail!

Morning Dove

I was on foot, walking down the big hill, when this beautiful Dove flew up in front of us & perched in a near by tree.  She sat while I got the camera out & took the photo.  A good omen, I do believe.  Once we were at the bottom, we turned back.  Farah was ready & leaped into a gallop, asking to go faster, faster & since we'd seen no one - I let her go.

Trails open!

At the intersection she really poured it - on to the crest of the final hill.  Another deep breath - she turned onto the trail at a trot - so nice to be able to ride the trails again!  They are so dry for so early in the year.  Soon we were back at the trailer, both of us feeling a whole lot better!