Five O'Clock Somewhere

Every Equine LLC - foul weather equine apparel

2011-09-22T15:10:00.000-07:00

My good friend, Jeannie, made a beautiful custom fly sheet for Mazzy. It fits perfectly, and is exactly what I was looking for..shoulder gusset, leg straps, tail guard, stretchy breathable material. The quality is better than any other fly sheet I have ever had, and I have had MANY. Our barn is over run with flies, so Mazzy lives in a flysheet whenever there are flies.

EVERY EQUINE LLC was established in 2007 to help the equestrian that wants to ride, even when the weather doesn’t want to cooperate. All of their products are MADE IN USA and only made from the finest quality materials, to ensure that your mount stays as comfortable as possible in inclement weather! This is the only patented Quarter Sheet and saddle pad combination of its kind. I think it is a very cool idea, and would definetly get one if it was cold enough in southern California to need one. I remember the days of riding with quarter sheets or riding with a cooler on my horse out to the ring and back. She even makes a water resistent quarter sheet.

From ponies, to horses, to large warmbloods, EVERY EQUINE LLC has products that will fit your equine partner – and will make it easier for you to ride, compete, train, and show in foul weather. EVERY EQUINE’s sheets offer two options for storing when not in use: 1)conveniently roll up and attach via Velcro straps when the sheet is no longer needed OR 2) detach from straps on pad and store Quarter Sheet. Great for trail rides or at horse shows!

“It is so important to keep the back muscles warm during exercise, especially in the winter months. This quarter sheet accomplishes that and also has the unique quality of being able to easily detach from the saddle for winter time showing! My horses don’t go out for work in cold weather without it!” Callan Solem, Callan Solem Show Stables – Chester Springs, PA

Please support my friend, Jeannie, and order up one of her great products! Would make a wonderful Christmas gift!

Owner: Jeannie Mattioni

(609) 230-6182

email: info@everyequinellc.com

Middleburg

2011-09-09T16:30:00.000-07:00

Middleburg is home to some of the finest horse country found anywhere in the world. I had the pleasure of visiting my best friend there a couple of weeks ago. All those rolling green hills framed by the impressive backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains are so beautiful.

Low stone walls gracefully wind through pristine fields that stretch to the horizon.

Picturesque farms provide tranquil settings for some of the finest horses in the country.

There are so many beautiful farms in the Middleburg area.

My friend, Jenn Tirrell, trains out of Locochee (pronounced like "Locust Shade"). It doesn't get much nicer than this!

We drove around the area and passed the famous show grounds of the Upperville Colt and Horse Show, the oldest horse show in the United States, first held in 1853. The show takes place beneath the oaks at Grafton Farm, just a few minutes from downtown Middleburg.

The bronze War Horse by Tessa Pullan memorializes the 1.5 million horses and mules who died of injuries or disease or were wounded in both the Confederate and Union Armies during the Civil War, located at the National Sporting Library and Museum, Middleburg.

Paul Mellon's Rokeby Stables, home of some of the finest race horses in the world. Rokeby's 4,000 or so acres was established in the 1940s by Mellon who purchased his first racehorse in 1933. The stone fences that are lined and topped with timbers are a signature of Rokeby. The estate even had its own private airstrip. Mellon passed away in 1999. Mellon is believed to be the only owner to capture the Kentucky Derby (Sea Hero '93), Epsom Derby (Mill Reef '71) and Prix de l'Arch de Triomphe (also Mill Reef '71). A statue of Mill Reef stands in the center of the courtyard of the broodmare barns. Rokeby bred Key to the Mint, Quadrangle, Arts and Letters and Fort Marcy, who became back to back Horse of the Year winners in '69 and '70.

Heronwood Farm was an outstanding Thoroughbred breeding operation for over 15 years. The farm ecompasses nearly one square mile of pristine rolling countryside. Heronwood now boards horses, has a successful polo team and is home to a colorful herd of Haucaya Alpacas

Newstead Farm owned by Bertram and Diana Firestone. The stable has been completely restored and now boasts 62 stalls. The couple has been breeding and racing Thoroughbreds throughout the U.S. and Europe for 30 years. They've added show horse training facilities for their top level hunters and jumpers.

Monahan Katie Inc Stable / Plain Bay

Llangollen Estate stable

Canaan Ranch at Bolinvar

Rocana Farm

Stonleigh Farm, training base for show jumping Olympic gold medalist Joe Fargis

the most beautful indoor

Hickory Tree Farm - In the early 1920’s, the owner of Hickory Tree Stables, well known horseman William Ziegler, Jr., heir to the Royal Baking Powder fortune, hired wellknown architect William Lawrence Bottomley to design the Georgian style barns, outbuildings, and training track. Mr. Ziegler’s race horse stable operation was very successful, as was the subsequent farms owner, the well-known sportswoman Eleanor Sears of Boston.

The historic town of Middlburg is just as charming and beautiful as the gorgeous farms that surround it.

First show over fences

2011-08-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

We are getting there. I'm not sure where "there" is, or even if I'll know when I'm there, but progress is happening. No blogging lately because I just haven't had the time! But here is an update on my mare Mazzy. She is progressing great! She now has a few shows under her belt. Last weekend was my first time showing her over fences. She was great. The first time I had actually jumped a legitimate course on her was the day before the show. That is enough practice, right?

Mazzy has alot of great qualities. She is very sweet, and has a good work ethic. She is a pretty quick learner and wants to do the right thing. She has a great mellow personality, and not much phases her. New jumps aren't a problem, and she isn't spooky. My wish for her becoming something great is starting to become a reality. I'm really happy how she is turning out so far. We have come a long way since the day she was born! Showing her over fences for the first time is a pretty big deal for me.

At the show Mazzy was really good, she did exactly what I told her, however, I told her to go a bit too fast. Her stride is quite a bit bigger than I am used to, so going at the correct pace for her large stride feels very slow to me. Nerves of showing her for the first time added to this. At home I can monitor her stride better, but I got a little frozen in the ring and made it down the lines way too easy. In my equitation class, there was a bending line (first one I had ever done on her) and I left a stride out. Oops. It was supposed to be 8 and it was right there in seven for me. I should have broken the line up more. It wasn't bad, just not the plan.

There was a little hunter derby at the end of the day, and she marched around all the natural obstacles like a pro. The course included a trot jump, getting mail from a mailbox, and we had to hand gallop the last jump. Fun, fun!

Horse Show Fashion - Boots

2011-08-05T10:01:00.000-07:00

There are mixed reviews for almost all custom made boots. Basically, your custom boots are only as good as the person who measures you. I can find people who love and hate about every boot out there. Luckily, there are so many options available today. The current trends are a fitted ankle, zippers, elastic gussets, and a spanish top (this cut is higher on the outside of the leg for an elegant, elongated look without raising height at the back of the knee for comfort and function). I think I'd like a bit of snake skin around the top, same color so it is only noticable up close.

Vogel's - I remember getting fitted for my first pair of Vogel's. It was a momentus occassion. At the time they were the only boots to get. Harold Vogel married my dad's cousin, so I got fitted in his son Dean's home, who now runs the company. Although we are relatives, there was no discount (haha), but the boots were worth whatever I paid for them and they lasted me for years and years. I eventually outgrew them and got another pair, which I still have and wear. They are classic. Uncompromising attention to detail and exceptional wearability are the hallmarks of E. Vogel boots. Over the years, Vogel equestrian boots have become internationally renowned. E. Vogel has been selected repeatedly as bootmaker for the US Olympic Teams, as well as for the finest equestrian athletes worldwide. Among the many notable medal-winners who sport E. Vogel riding boots are Bill Steinkraus (first U.S. gold medalist equestrian), Rodney Jenkins, Greg Best, Melanie Smith, Joe Fargis and George Morris.

Dehner's: Since 1875, the Dehner Company has been working non-stop to provide the finest quality riding boots and leather products available. Not only have they succeeded in creating a global following, but the Dehner Company continues to build every boot and shoe by hand, just as was done over a century ago. I've owned thier paddock boots in the past, but not thier field boots. I haven't heard much about these lately. They don't seem too popular anymore.

Der Dau - Made by hand in the United States. I have heard nothing but good things about these boots. I had a pair of thier paddock boots, but the elastic stretched out and the leather was really stiff, but they weren't custom.

I saw someone wearing these around the horse show last weekend, and couldn't help but stare. Not my taste.

Parlanti - Handmade in Italy, Parlanti is a family business with over 50 years in the fashionable footwear and boot business. Gorgeous boots but expensive, I think around $1850. I would love a pair of these!!!

Flag on the top of the boot leg

Swarovski crystal on the top of the boot-leg.

Tucci - Fine italian calfskin leather, used inside and out, virtually molds to your leg. Tucci offers over 20 styles of boots. Their innovative approach and advanced technology create a very sleek, comfortable feel with superior quality. Included in all Tucci boots are full-length zipper, swagger tab with Swarovski crystal embellishment, if desired; spur rests, top and bottom zipper covers, toe cap, rubber sole and personalization on boots and complimentary boot bags. About $2000

Sergio Grasso: The Sergio Grasso riding boots are designed and manufactured in Italy. They also sell and off the rack model that looks nice.

F.lli Fabbri - F.lli Fabbri Field boots come in many styles and options. Top quality Italian calf T-Grip on inside available Many colors and tops available Hand made in Italy. Many famous riders wear these McLain Ward, Anne Kursinski, Chris Kappler

Wilson & Davidson - I don't know anything about these, but they look nice. Made in Chile. Virginia Double-Leather Field Boot - The double-leather field boot is a variation on our traditional Virginia field boot. It features an extra, inlaid piece of leather that runs along the zipper down to the ankle and then wraps around the lacing. Shown in black, it may be of any color (non-standard colors by request). Also shown with visible welt.

Alberto Fasciani - The shoes are handmade in a small factory in northern Italy and they are worn by the British Royal family. His collections include the signature tailor-made riding boots as well as fashionable mens and womens shoes that fuse traditional Italian craftsmanship with impeccable aristocratic sensibilities. A few of my friends have these and like them alot.

Beautiful boots with mixed reviews:

La Mundial - made in Ecuador since 1906, offer the long, slender styling and glove-like fit (with virtually no break-in time) that we have come to expect from custom tall boots – at a fraction of the price. Custom tall boots start at $600. It seems as though it is hit or miss with these boots. If they are measured and made to fit property, people love them, however there seems to be ALOT of boots that arrive and do not fit and the customer service is poor. Here is a thread about them from The Chronicle of the Horse Forum.

Ayora/Las Casa des las Botas - I've heard/read more bad things about the customer service and boots that don't fit than good things, but if by chance your boots do fit, they are really pretty. It sounds as if there is a problem with the fit, they will not fix them or refund your money. My trainer has a pair and they are beautiful! They will customize any color or pattern you want. Ordering these is a gamble for sure. $450

Off the Rack:

Ariat Monacos - I have a pair of these and I love them, however, they do not hold up well. I hardly wear them and I've already worn a hole in the calf. Everyone else I know that has these has had the same problem. They are really soft and comfortable but the quality is pretty poor. I also have the Monoco half chaps and paddock boots and they hold up much better and I love them. The boots are about $900.

Treadstep DaVinci - Italian calfskin leather with full grain leather lining, and a specialist high performance Vibram outsole. The full length rear zip is supported by a flexible spine which maintains the height and elegant long line of the boot. The da Vinci sports a classic European top line, side spur rests and zip guard. They look really nice and are about $500.

Treadstone Grand Torino - These look pretty nice and I think you can find them for under $300!

Beval Puissance - Looking for a custom look and fit without the wait? Bevals now has the answer!! The Puissance boot incorporates an innovative stretch panel design with a full-length zipper. Made from the finest French calf leather with meticulous attention to detail. Built on wooden boot trees to create a lovely shaped calf while molding perfectly around the foot as well! Available in three heights with a variety of calf widths and shoe sizes for a custom fit directly out of the box! $850

DeNiro Ottaviano - All DeNiro Boots are made with grain calfskin leather inside and out. Every boot undergoes the unique Water Resistant Advanced Treatment (WRAT) for the leather sole as well as the outside leather. The treated leather still retains it's breathability, allowing sweat to escape, while preventing outside water from seeping in. Activated Carbon Insoles have a natural antibacterial action, while the mid-sole is made of natural leather and has a high sweat absorbent power keeping your feet clean and dry. Vibram anti-slip outer soles keep your feet secure in the stirrups, even in the worst weather. Rear zipper is made and guaranteed by YKK. Made in Italy. $669.95 at SmartPak

Horse Show Fashion - Jackets

2011-05-25T00:19:00.000-07:00

Hunt coats have come a long way from the traditional green or navy pinstripe garments that dominated the showring throughout the '80's. Technical fabrics are very popular, offering better movement, breathability, weather protection, and stain resistance.

Pikeur

Animo

The Alessandro Albanese collection is both made and designed in Italy. It's distinctive and refined elegance makes each item unique. The clothes are made in precious yarns and natural fibres; it gives both men and women the luxury of complete freedom tracing each curve and movement with elasticity and subtle glamour. In the Alessandro Albanese "Competition Collection", each garment is created by hand on a "made to measure" basis using traditional artisan methods, making each garment unique!

Alessandro Albanese Technolight Show Jacket

Alessandro Albanese Custom Wool Jacket

Animo is an exceptionally fashionable, functional and innovative equestrian clothing line. Thanks to the composition of the fabric, Animo offers outstanding elasticity, hygroscopic power to absorb water and anti-static properties. Animo keeps the equestrian athlete cool, comfortable and beautiful - all at the same time. All Animo clothing is made in Italy and is machine washable.

Animo Show Jacket Lei softshell. Fitted cut, top quality softshell. Breathable, dirt repellent and wrinkle free.

Gersemi - Gersemi is the equestrian fashion brand that has a passion for style, quality and function. With a modern Scandinavian design and a mythological Nordic heritage Gersemi has an international appeal for women who love fashion. The Idun show jacket is in a highly technical stretch fabric that is perfect for the competition ring. Featuring a suede look contrast collar it has modern front zip pockets fitted into the seams and a slim silhouette. This jacket is wind and water resistant, and machine washable.

Gersemi Show Jacket

Stable Cloth - Launched in 2005, as Saltare Equestrian Apparel, Stable Cloth continues to deliver the finest in hand-tailored equestrian apparel.

Navy with light blue and tan pinstripe, navy velvet collar, light blue collar piping and periwinkle floral lining with gold buttons.

GPA - A really technical, breathable competition jacket made using Nano-Sphere technology from Schoeller. This technology ensures that the jacket is water repellent, dirt resistant and eco-friendly. Water and substances such as ketchup and oil simply run off the fabric. Naturally self cleaning fabric however, it is still fully machine washable. A very tailored fit with 4 buttons, zip on cuffs with zipper pockets and 2 rear vents. This is an extremely modern twist to Show Jumping jackets and is very popular.

GPA Ladies Italian Tech Trophy Show Jacket

Grand Prix - Grand Prix riding jackets are proudly made in Canada. They have been developing riding jackets constantly for more than 25 years. With input from some of the world's best riders, the expertise of expert custom tailors, and developments in materials and construction techniques, Grand Prix continues to be great fitting, functional and beautiful riding jackets. They are currently utilizing such innovations as water and wrinkle resistant wool fabrics, soft shell fabrics and stretch breathable linings.

The Grand Prix sport Show Coats also benefit JustWorld International! A portion of every Grand Prix soft shell show coat is donated to JustWorld to help children living in extreme poverty!

Custom Grand Prix Original Classic Sport Show Coat. The Classic Sport is made in exceptionally lightweight, water-resistant and breathable soft shell Schoeller.

Marigold - Marigolds trademark of quality can be experienced in their fine hunt coat collection which provides and ideal combination of classic designs and an elegance that a contemporary equestrian can enjoy.

Black Coat with pink piping.

Winning Couture

Allon Fine Equestian Ladies Four Button Two Vent Hunt Coat. A fine hunt coat, elegantly tailored, and crafted of a superior stretch wool/cashmere blend.

Reserve Champion!

2011-05-08T11:51:00.000-07:00

Mazzy competed over fences for the first time yesterday. She was such a good girl!!! When she arrived at the show she was calm as can be. I rode her around a little while my trainer was schooling some of the other horses. The warm up ring was crazy with people jumping all over the place, and horses coming at us from every direction. It didn't seem to phase her. She really has a great mind. My trainer then got on Mazzy to school her over a few jumps and at first she was preoccupied with all that was going on, but after a few jumps she settled in, and focused. She did an unjudged warm up round before her division, and jumped around great. Her next two rounds were also really good. I am so happy she jumped around, got all her lead changes, and performed very respectfully. For her first show I couldn't be happier, considering how green she is. I rode her in the hack and she was pretty tired by then and I broke, oops not enough leg when going past the gate. It was a big day for her. She ended up Reserve Champion! Yeah, Mazzy!

The video I shot with my little point and shoot camera came out terrible (see blurry screen shot above), so I ordered her rounds from the videographer. I also ordered a few shots from the photographer, after all it was her jumping debut!

Belly Spots

2011-05-06T10:55:00.000-07:00

Horses may have isolated body spots that are not large or numerous enough to qualify them as an Appaloosa, Pinto or Paint. Such markings are usually simply called "body spots," sometimes identified by location, i.e. "belly spot," "flank spot," etc. When this type of isolated spotting occurs, it is sometimes the action of the sabino gene.

When I am refering to belly spots, I am not talking about Birdcatcher spots, which are small white spots, usually between 1 mm and 1 inch (25.4 mm) in diameter. In contrast, belly spots are big splashes of white. By the way, I am a fan of them!

Here is an interesting thesis about belly spot heredity:
http://stud.epsilon.slu.se/515/

The more I researched the more confused I got, regarding the heredity of belly spots. From what I could gather, they are not heritable necessarily. The interesting thing with the Overo patterns - sabino, splash, frame, dw - is there are zero guarantees of color production even if the genetics are there. Exceptions are homozygous forms of sabino and splash, where appreciable color is almost guaranteed, at least with SB1 and Splash.

Here a some horses with belly spots:
Hilife (Valhalla Farm) - ATA Approved Trakehner Stallion, By Martini Pg*E* out of Henna by Hilarious.

Tacord: 2000 KWPN Chestnut 17.2hh (Concorde x Goodtimes x Damiro x Aktion) Stands at Klondike Victory Farm

You can see his belly spot really good from behind!

Selle Francais super star FURIOSO II. FURIOSO II won his 100 day test, and has been incredibly influential to the Oldenburg breed. Based on money earned by offspring, FURIOSO II was the top producing stallion in Germany from 1979-89. In 1990 he was the top producer of dressage horses. During his lifetime, he produced over 200 state premium mares and over 70 approved sons, including VOLTAIRE and FOR PLEASURE, and the Grand Prix dressage stallion COCKTAIL.

And one of my favorite horses, Punkt:

Crazy4PonyTails Horsehair Bracelets

2011-05-03T11:13:00.000-07:00

So that I could always carry a piece of Kylie with me, I had a bracelet made from her tail hair. I had it intertwined with Mazzy's, so they are both with me always!

I had mine made by Lisa Austin of Crazy4PonyTails. She did a beautiful job! I really love it!

I especially like the horseshoe end caps and beads that she uses, and she makes them herself!

I also ordered one for my friend out of her horse's tail hair. She was there for me and Kylie, not just when the barn manger left her alone with my colicking horse, but also on the night the angels took Kylie to heaven. I don't know how I would have survived either night without her.

The turnaround time was super speedy, and she called me to let me know the hair arrived safely and to finalize exactly what I wanted.

She also makes, earrings, necklaces, and key chains.

You can contact Lisa at crazy4ponytails@yahoo.com or 804-307-7635. She is also on Facebook.

Lisa and Scooter

Mazzy goes to the Foxfield Horse Show

2011-04-27T12:56:00.000-07:00

I took Mazzy on a field trip this weekend. We loaded up early on Saturday to meet some barn mates and my trainer at a horse show. I figured the the new environment would be a good experience for her. She was perfectly behaved with no preparation (no lunging, etc.). I just unloaded, tacked up and got on. She didn't seem phased at all by the new surroundings, which according to some people are very spooky. I actually do know of some horses that do not tolerate that horse show. I rode her around the warm up arena and also got into one of the rings during a break. The timing couldn't have worked out any better. I was very proud of how good Mazzy was. Next horse show, she may actually compete! The facility hosts a few horse shows throughout the year and my favorite medal final which I have competed in a few times in the past. Hopefully I will return one day to compete in the medal finals with Mazzy. Although I had been to this facility several times before, I just learned that the original Robin Hood movie, starring Errol Flynn, was filmed on the property years ago, and a portion of the grounds is still referred to as “Sherwood Forest.”

The only mishap was when I was picking out her feet she stepped on my toe. I had to lance the nail when I got home to release the intense pressure the trapped blood was causing, and just in time for sandal weather I will be loosing my nail.

Since I did not take any photos, below is a clip from when I showed Kylie there.

Stable Spotlight: Shope Reno Wharton Architecture

2011-04-21T15:30:00.000-07:00

I haven't done a Stable Spotlight in a long time. These are some of my favorites by the architect firm Shope Reno Wharton.

They are nationally recognized for their shingle style residences; golf clubhouses, and equestrian facilities. The barns this firm designs are exquisite buildings! These barns are definetly some of the most beautiful I have ever seen!

Twynn River Farms, Mahwah, New Jersey

Crosiadore Farm, Trappe, MD

Quaker Valley Farm, Pawling, NY - 14-14'x14' stalls

North Salem, NY - 9- 14' x 14' stalls, 2 wash stalls, tack, feed, utility, laundry and 1-bedroom apartment.

Birch Hill Farm, Richmond, MA - a fourteen stall barn connected by a 230 foot covered arcade to an indoor dressage ring on 190 acres

Red Butte Ranch, Aspen, CO

New York Equestrian Facility

Stanfordville, NY

Mazzy Jumping

2011-04-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

Here is some video from my lesson on Saturday. We have alot to work on, but I am really happy with Mazzy's progress. I am still trying to figure out her stride, and how to help her jump better out of a deeper distance. My trainer has been working on her adjustability and teaching her that sinking deeper into the tack and taking a feel of her mouth means shorten her stride and rock back. We have also been working on her cantering away from the jumps, which she has been doing really good the past week or so. Previously, she would either land in the trot or almost come to a complete halt after a jump. She still does this if I pat her, or tell her she is a good girl. I try to practicle patting her on the neck while cantering, which sounds really easy, but it feels like patting my head and rubbing my belly because as soon as you pat her she wants to walk.

Results of Kylie's necropsy and Mazzy is jumping

2011-04-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

Since I have Mazzy to take care of and ride, I am forced to go to the barn. I don't know if it would be quite that easy to go there if I did not have something to focus on other than Kylie's empty stall. I am greatful for everyone at the barn that has been respectful of me not wanting to talk about it, or even acknowlege it for that matter. When the subject has come up, I can't fight back the tears. Last weekend Kylie's first vet came to the barn to visit some friends. I was very sad when I had to switch vets, because we both loved her and she had know Kylie since the beginning when she did her pre-purchase exam, but she no longer practices due to raising her family. I have seen her regularly over the years since she has kept her horses at Kylie's barn. Anyway, she expressed her condolences and of course, I had a major breakdown. So many memories.

I did find out the results of Kylie's necropsy. There were a few things the vets thought they might find that was causing her to be so sick after the colic surgery and not recovery normally. What they did find was that at the point where the colon was resectioned, the opening had decreased from the initial six inches to two inches after surgery. So the food wasn't passing through very easily causing alot of pain. This may have been caused because she had a lot of reflux and could not eat for days and days after surgery. Since 95% of her large colon was removed, there was not enough left to repair it. It does give me a bit of comfort knowing there was nothing that a second surgery could have done for her.

Mazzy has been coming along really, really well. For the past few weeks, I have had great lessons on her! Last week I jumped my first line with her, including a 2'9" oxer, so exciting! My trainer has been doing such a great job with her. Mazzy was on a plateu of learning for quite a while, but it seems as though she is on the upswing of things. Her lead changes are coming so easily. Her jumping corrordination is improving. She is cantering away from the jumps instead of coming to almost a dead halt after landing. She is holding herself up alot better, instead of relying on the rider. I don't feel like I have to direct her every single step of the way (only every other, haha). And most importantly she seems to really be enjoying what she is doing. Just over the past few weeks I have felt a such a huge change in her.

It is so hard to see a beloved friend go

2011-03-29T22:39:00.000-07:00

Animals and their love stay in our souls, once we've let them in. And we are better for it, more complete, more whole, more compassionate, and often transformed. Loving this much, we also know the searing pain of losing them.

My thought is that one fine day we shall see them again, and that my dear, Kylie, just went on ahead.

Two wonderful friends sent me flowers last week. It was so unexpected to see them on my front porch and really made me smile. I was overwhelmed and so thankful for their thoughtfulness.

Over the weekend I got a call from the vet with the autopsy results and thankfully it revealed something that was a complication from the colic surgery and not something that they could have fixed in a second surgery. It actually did bring some piece of mind that truly there was nothing else that could have been done for her. I felt that the vet was sincere, when he expressed how bad he felt that he was not able to save her.

It is hard to go to the barn and see her empty stall, but I am thankful I have her daughter, Mazzy to bring me happiness and help fill the void Kylie has left.

After a week off of riding due to rain, I had three great rides in a row with Mazzy on Saturday, Sunday and yesterday. She is on the upswing right now and feeling better, stronger, and much easier every time I ride her.

In Loving Memory

2011-03-23T21:20:00.000-07:00

They say some horses leave hoofprints on our hearts, I, however say only a few are actually capable of sailing away with them.

The pain and loss I feel right now feels unbearable. The only comfort I have is knowing she is in a better place.

Somewhere, somehow in time's own space

There must be some sweet pastured place

Where streams sing on and tall trees grow

A Paradise where horses go

With all my love to you I send

I know Great Horses live again

Kylie came to me wrapped in what dreams are made of. Her beautiful soul made my world a better place.

Thank you, Kylie, for being the horse of my dreams, I miss you more than words can say. Forever and always in my heart, my love; until we meet again.

The Rainbow Bridge For Horses
Author Unknown

By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,
is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.
Where the friends of man and woman do run,
when their time on earth is over and done.

For here, between this world and the next,
is a place where beloved creatures find rest.
On this golden land, they wait and they play,
til The Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.

No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,
for here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.
Their limbs are restored, their health renewed.
Their bodies have healed with strength imbued.

They trot through the grass without even a care,
til one day they whinny and sniff at the air.
All ears prick forward, eyes sharp and alert.
Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the herd.

For just at that second, there's no room for remorse.
As they see each other...one person...one horse.
So they run to each other, these friends from long past
The time of their parting is over at last.

The sadness they felt while they were apart
has turned to joy once more in each heart.
They nuzzle with a love that will last forever.
And then, side-by-side, they cross over...together.

A better day

2011-03-20T14:47:00.000-07:00

When I went today to see Kylie, she was definetly more herself. And she was HUNGRY. I welcomed the spoiled behavior of pawing for treats or attention when normally it drives me crazy. She is back on the IV drip of Lidocain for pain, which is a step back, but I am happy it is keeping her comfortable.

I took her for a walk and was so happy and content to just be with her. I wish I wasn't so emotionally attached so that I could make clearer decisions, but after being in a relationship for 11 years, there is an attachment that clouds everything. I want what is best for her not just today, but for her future. She deserves a great quality of life, and I am trying to take that into account when making all of these difficult decisions.

I had a long talk with the vet today (it seems like he is there 24 hours a day, seven days a week!) and is happy with how Kylie looks today, so he has backed off the pressure of giving her a second surgery. Thankfully! I learned some interesting things about ulcers and treatment that I did not know before. Kylie developed ulcers that she did not have when she first came in from all of the acid in her stomach. Hers are caused from fasting and all the medication. Horses evolved to graze, eating many small meals frequently. This way, the stomach is rarely empty and the stomach acid has less of a damaging effect. If horses do not eat frequently, the acid builds up and ulcers are more likely to develop. Research has found that an average horse can produce up to 16 gallons of acidic fluid every 24 hours. Thety started her on Zantec (ranitidine) on Friday, but it takes 24 to 48 hours to take effect. This is one possibility for her discomfort on Friday,

It's been well-documented that over 90% of race horses and over 60% of performance horses (hunter/jumpers, dressage, endurance and western) have ulcers. Even small changes in the routine of a recreational horse can cause ulcers in as little as five days. The signs of ulcers in horses include poor performance (often mistaken for musculoskeletal or back pain), behavioral issues (poor attitude, resistance, girthiness), colic and loss of weight or condition.

The part I did not know was associated with the treatment of ulcers. I have had Kylie on ranitidine in the past due to a heavy show schedule and to prevent ulcers, but this vet told me that unless I administer it every 8 hours it does no good. I have also used GastroGard and given just one tube, which I have done during a show, and come to find out one dose does nothing . Good to know because it is expensive! GastroGard or UlcerGard (Omeprazole), requires three to five days to reach a steady level in the body; after the first dose, there is only 25% inhibition of the parietal cells (large oval cells of the gastric mucous membrane) that secrete gastric acid. So, for it to do any good, you have to start at least two to three days prior to stressful situations. Alternatively, you can use an H2 blocker, such as ranitidine, which inhibits parietal cells with the first dose, but this medication must be given three times per day for continued effect.

So basically to treat ulcers you can use ranitidine, which is much more cost effective, but must be given every eight hours for it to work OR GastroGard can be given only once a day for 30 days. Research showed that once treatment stopped, the ulcers came right back. That means you have to do more than just treat the existing ulcers, you have to create an environment in the stomach that makes it hard for ulcers to form. For the prevention of recurrence of gastric ulcers, continue treatment for a least an additional 4 weeks by administrating at the recommended daily maintenance dose.

Here are some diet and management tips to reduce the risk of ulcers in your horse:

■Provide pasture turnout--this is the best method of preventing ulcers!
■Provide constant access to hay—keeping hay in front of your horse is next best
■Provide hay frequently—if free-choice hay is not an option, feeding it four to six times a day is an acceptable substitute
■Use alfalfa hay—the protein and calcium in hay help reduce stomach acid
■Limit fasting periods—keeping food in the stomach at all times protects it from acid which causes ulcers
■Limit grain feeding—sweet feeds especially lead to heavy acid production
■Provide “down time”—heavy exercise is a risk factor for ulcers so include less intense work days and even rest days in your training and showing plan
■Reduce stress—allow social interaction with other horses and keep the feed, turnout, and exercise schedule as regular as possible
■Limit NSAIDS—anti-inflammatories like phenylbutazone have been linked to ulcers, so give the smallest amount necessary for the shortest time possible.

And she got some alfalfa leaves today! She was so happy!

A step back

2011-03-19T17:54:00.000-07:00

What a gloomy Saturday. Kylie has had a rough weekend so far. She doesn't feel well and they aren't sure why. So she is back off of all food and back on all the pain meds. So frustrating. I hope this is just a bump in the road. I spent a few hours with her Friday night. I took her for a walk when I got there and she seemed ok, but as soon as she got back to her stall she layed down and was acting colicky. She rolled and groaned and did not look comfortable. It was heartbreaking. They gave her a round of drugs to make her more comfortable, and they gave her visible relief. Then after they wore off she seemed ok. I groomed her for a couple of hours, and she definetly seemed to enjoy that. Every time I stopped she would take a step closer so I would continue.

This morning I went back and she seemed more comfortable, but she is back on all the pain killing drugs and back on the IV. The vet wants to do more surgery to see if he can find out what is wrong, but I do not want to put her through any more torture than she has already been through. I wish someone would tell me what the best thing to do for her is.

Day four after surgery

2011-03-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

I think I have been home for about 10 hours total, including sleep for the past 5 days. Of course, all of this has happened during the busy time at work, quarter end, so no chance for any time off there. And I still need to get Mazzy out the days my trainer doesn't ride her, so no break there, but I am still managing to make it out to the equine hospital each night, driving 125 miles a day to get it all done.

The reflux stopped, so Kylie was able to graze a little yesterday. I'm talking on grass as long as astroturf, so a very little. It went through but she has diarreah. I guess its good that at least it made it through. However, she was moved to the isolation barn because of risk of Salmonellosis. During a colic episode, your horse's immune system may become compromised and any bacteria or organism they carry in thier gut can no longer be controlled. The salmonella bacterium, in particular, which all horses carry, can flourish and cause severe diarrhea. Not sure if that is what is going on here, but if so, they don't want it to get any of the other horses to get sick.

She's looking brighter everyday. After I grazed her for a few minutes and took her for a walk, we went over to her new home in the isolation barn. I picked her out a stall that had a window so she could watch the baseball game. She was mezmorized. Her face was glued up against the window watching every play. She forgot I was there. I'm glad she has something to keep her busy.

Watching Baseball

Her view

After the first 72 hours, other long-term complications can set in. Scar tissue formation, adhesions and intestinal constriction may decrease the motility of the intestines and cause more colics. Persistent diarrhea from salmonella infections, microflora imbalance or inflammation of the lining of the colon, is a possibility. Horses may become hard keepers and require additional supplements to maintain. Hernias or infections along the incision line on the belly are also possible.

Post Colic Surgery

2011-03-17T09:30:00.000-07:00

Thank you everyone for you concern and kind wishes!!!

The first couple of days after surgery Kylie was really painful. They keep her on drugs to make her as comfortable as possible. She is monitored frequently and I get out to see her daily and get calls from the vet with updates. She spiked a fever Saturday night (about 24 hrs after surgery), but they managed it and were able to get it back down.

On Sunday and Monday, Kylie had gastric reflux pooling in her stomach. She had to be refluxed every 4 hours or so (obtaining stomach contents via a tube, threaded down through the nasal passage). It means slow motility of her system, which is not totally unexpected, but things better start moving along soon. I was there Monday night when they refluxed her and the girl commented on what a great patient she has been. Most horses need a lip chain in order for them to get the tube down thier nose, alot of horses need sedation, but Kylie just stands there and lets them do it. They told me one horse wouldn't let them do it no matter how heavily sedated he was, and he died. After they felt like they got most of it they took her in for an ultrasound, because they said she "hides" it. Hehe. It must take alot of training to read an ultrasound, because as much as they explained what we were looking at it just looked like a blur to me. No food or water yet until the reflux stops.

She still has to wear a muzzle, but she has figured out how to go in the corners of the stall where the straw sticks straight up and finds a piece to stick through the muzzle and eats it! I went and got one of the interns and alerted them to my tricky eater and they said if she tries that hard to get a piece she has earned it :-). My heart breaks when she paws at the straw and then puts her head down to eat and you can hear her lips flapping in the muzzle trying to get it.

I got to take her for a walk Monday night. It was nice to get her some fresh air and not have to breathe in the stench of DMSO. I smell it even when I am not with her. She was alert and more comfortable. There is a baseball field behind the hospital facility and she was very interested in the all the bright lights a screams coming from over there. She whinnied to them a few times cheering them on.

Every hour counts for the next five days. I hope she sticks to the vet's plan for survival.

Colic continued

2011-03-16T11:56:00.000-07:00

Well the good news is Kylie made it through surgery. BUT she has a long, winding, very difficult road ahead of her. She got up after an hour, which the doc said was pretty normal after being in surgery for so long. He removed 95% of her colon (large intestine), which they can live without if they survive all the potential complications from surgery. I feel so awful seeing Kylie this way. Her eyes are swollen from being on her back for so long during surgery. She is still out of it, and has IVs hanging from the ceiling attached to her, huge bandages around her belly, she has a Hannible Lechter leather muzzle on so she doesn't eat her staw bedding, and she stinks almost unbearably of DMSO (smells like rotting garlic and onion). It is overwhelming to see her like this. Just a day ago I was riding and jumping her happy and free. The vet told me that heart rate (HR) at 24 hours after surgery was significantly associated with survival. Thankfully, Kylie's is in the range for survival.

The term "colic" means only "pain in the abdomen" or "pain in the belly". There are many causes for such pain, ranging from the mild and inconsequential to the life-threatening or fatal. One of the problems with equine colic is that it can be very difficult in the early stages to distinguish the mild from the potentially fatal. This is why all cases of abdominal pain should be taken seriously right from the onset. Some horses are so painful on presentation at the hospital that there is no question surgery is needed, this was our case.

Kylie had the most severe form of colic - a twisted bowel, these types of colic cause a total blockage of the intestine and require immediate surgery if the horse is to survive. Not only is gas and food material trapped inside the twisted gut, but blood supply is cut off, causing damage or death to the intestine. As the gut dies, toxins are released into the body, causing severe illness or even death. For some horses, pain medication helps keep them quiet for approximately an hour. But some horses are so painful that the drugs seem to help very little. Horses can die from this type of colic within a few hours. So thankfully my friend noticed there was a problem!!! The cause for this type of colic is poorly understood, so I have no idea why this happened to her.

The large intestine fills a significant part of the abdomen. The total length of the large intestine is about 25 feet, but it holds approximately 30 gallons of material - twice as much as the small intestine. Surprisingly, this large unwieldy structure is tethered to the body wall at only two points: at its beginning (where it joins the small intestine and caecum) and at its end (where it joins the short, narrow small colon which leads to the anus). With only two immobile points, the large intestine lies in the abdomen in a neatly-arranged double-U formation, one "U" stacked on top of the other. This arrangement entails the food making it round a number of 180 bends (known as "flexures") in the intestine. In addition to these problems the only thing that holds the colon in place is bulk. So a hungry horse without access to forage and an empty colon is a prime candidate for a twisted gut.

So many challenges lie ahead...

The first 72 hours after surgery are the most critical. This is when the intestines are trying to reorganize themselves from being manipulated, cut open, et cetera. As a result the intestines sometimes stop moving, which is very painful for the horse. Also, if the circulation to the intestines was cut off for too long, the lining of the intestines sometimes reacts by becoming inflamed, or dies, resulting in severe diarrhea. If the horse had intestine cut out, the site of reattachment may fail, causing either another blockage or rupture at the site. After surgery the horse’s immune system is compromised from stress, and infection is a concern. Laminitis, may also occur.

The Dreaded Colic

2011-03-15T23:02:00.000-07:00

I know I have been gone for a long time. It is due to a horribly long commute which is eating up all of my spare time. Commuting 17 1/2 hours a week + riding every night = no time for blogging. It actually doesn't leave much spare time for anything. No time to make jewelry either :-(. But I wanted to document this awful event I am trying to live through.

I got a call on Friday afternoon from a friend who said Kylie didn't look right. She got up and down a few times and was lifting her lip. She took her out and walked her for a while. I asked her to show her to the barn manager and get her feedback. The barn manager took her vitals and they seemed normal. I called my vet and she was a couple of hours away so she told me to give her 10cc of Banamine IV and if she still didn't seem right to get another vet out. The Banamine seemed to make her content for about an hour, and then she layed down again right at feeding time. My friend recognized this as a red flag and notified the barn manager, who said as long as she wasn't rolling that she was fine. NOT TRUE. Thankfully, my friend followed her instinct and decided to start walking her again. At this point I was trying to get there, but friday rush hour traffic in LA is brutal. Within a half an hour Kylie started going down hill fast. I got another call as I sit stuck in traffic that she was now trying to lay down while my friend was walking her. She told the barn manager, who apparently had something far more important to attend to becasue she got in her car and left. This I find to be a HUGE problem, since the horse was getting worse and the girl walking her was just being nice and had no responsibility to the horse, but I will deal with this later. I had a vet on the way and I was trying to brave the traffic and get there as soon as I could. By the time I got there around 6, Kylie was in bad shape. Her legs were buckling and she was trying very hard to lay down. The vet showed up soon after and gave her some sedatives to make her more comfortable. He oiled her and palpated her. I continued to walk her for a while hoping things would work themselves out. The vet said as soon as the drugs start wearing off in 20 min, if she is still uncomfortable I needed to get her to the hospital. He gave me another shot to give her right before she got on the trailer to keep her comfortable for the ride there. When the drugs started wearing off she was even worse, and I could tell in major distress. We had to kept her walking for a while until my husband showed up with the truck. That was a challenge. I am so grateful my friend was there to help me and to have noticed there was a problem to begin with. She saved her life. I gave her the shot and she reluctantly loaded on the trailer. By the time we hit the end of the driveway the shot wore off and she was not a happy traveler. It was the worst trailer ride of my life. She thrashed the whole way there, and I could hear her trying to go down. Nothing we could do but get there as fast as possible. Luckily the hospital is only 30 min. away. When we pulled in I was afraid I was going to open the trailer to a pile of body parts. It wasn't that bad but when she got off the trailer she wanted to go down BAD. They gave her some more drugs to ease the pain but they wouldn't hold for more than 2 min. The vet said I needed to make a choice right then, put her down or surgery and I didn't have 5 min to decide.

Surgery....
After a few hours, the surgeon came out to talk to me. It wasn't good news. On a scale of one to ten, it was a ten. Her large intestine was twisted like a wrung towel. He needed to do a colon resectioning to remove most of it. The chance of survival was 50/50 if that. Oh boy! Not what I wanted to hear. I looked around for second wondering if someone could pinch me and wake me up from this nightmare. Then I looked through the window to my precious baby upside down on the operating table with all of her guts outside her body. I said ok do whatever you have to do.

to be continued....

Lizi Ruch - Artfully Equestrian

2010-11-19T19:21:00.000-08:00

"Country Hunter"

I had the privilege of spending the morning with a talented artist and equally interesting fellow horse lover today, Lizi Ruch. Lizi is so kind, she took the time to show me some of her projects in the works, pictures of her horses, and I had the pleasure of meeting her two wonderful doggies, Jessie and Zazu. It is always fun to meet a new horse person to share stories with.

"Resting in Reno"

After graduating with a B.A. from Transylvania University and while working on a graduate degree, Lizi taught art and served as department chair at Eastern High School in Louisville. She completed an M.A. in Ceramic Sculpture from University of Louisville and began to create work for showings in local galleries. This work featured animated sculptural interpretations of local restaurants and residences rendered with whimsy in ceramic form. Many of these pieces are still treasured today by their owners as estate heirlooms.

Awarded a partial scholarship to study at Parsons School of Design, Lizi moved to New York City. Upon graduating with a B.F.A. in fashion design, Lizi launched her own knitwear business (with the help of a very supportive dad). Her designs were sold throughout high-end specialty stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus as well as the Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog. Lizi Ruch Designs were also selected by the PGA as opening merchandise for the golf championship at Valhalla.

Lizi has taught within the fashion design departments of both Parsons and Otis College of Art and Design, and currently works as a freelance consultant and instructor at Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM). Still crazy about horses and animals, she is passionate about the sport of foxhunting. As a member of the West Hills Hounds and an occasional guest riding with both Santa Fe and Santa Ynez Valley Hounds, Lizi has had plenty of opportunities to gather inspiration for her current passion and artistic endeavors. Lizi lives in Marina Del Rey, California with her husband Harvey Plotnick and their two four-legged children, Jessie and Zazu. Unfortunately, her trusty steeds, Chuckee and Woody, have to live in Chatsworth (because there isn't much grass at the beach), but she makes the trek to the barn on an almost daily basis. Lizi is regularly commissioned to paint horses, hounds, and dogs of every sort, both on canvas and clay. Her ceramic sculpture of the barn at "Runnymeade" (located in Woodside, Calif.) won third place at the Draft Horse Classic. She is currently painting hunt scenes that highlight open western landscapes. Two of these paintings were selected to tour with the Masters of Foxhounds Association of America MFHA Centennial Traveling Art Exhibition, which initiated in New York City in January 2007. Her illustrations for “A Horse Named Duke” (a child’s horse story) and the paintings may be viewed via the Gallery within the Web site. She is currently marketing her spectacular line of "hunt theme" dinnerware and gifts and plans to add some fun new designs for upcoming markets.

Her beautiful china can be found in many stores listed here. A few are...Horse and Hound Gallery, Equestrian Collections, Beval, Malvern Saddlery, Equine Chic for Horse & Home

Her GLASSWARE, PAINTINGS, PINS, NOTE CARDS,& OTHER ITEMS can be purchased through Artfully Equestrian

Mazzy update

2010-11-12T19:27:00.000-08:00

Mazzy has been really enjoying herself. She gets a morning swim in the aquatread and then a nice walk on the eurociser. What a life!

I then ride her around the racetrack. So fun! She feels great after her little vacation.

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-29T09:12:00.000-07:00

Ray Villafane, America's favorite carver .Two-Time Winner of Food Network's Outrageous Pumpkins Challenge Show....

If you would like a tutorial on how to carve these pumpkins, Ray Villafane has one you will never be able to follow, but it is fun to look at anyway:http://www.villafanestudios.com/pumpkins.htm

Bruno Bohrer inspects a Trojan Horse made entirely of pumpkins and gourds on his farm in the German district of Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald. Each fall, he commissions a series of harvest-themed sculptures to attract diners to a restaurant on his farm.

The AOHA State Championship Show has costume lead-line class with amazing costumes. Here are a few pictures I found from it:

John Deere Tractor and the Farmer's Daughter
Cinderella

Amazing Breyer horse costume!

Here are a few other cute costumes:

Rainy day creations

2010-10-20T14:32:00.001-07:00

The weather hasn't been too good for riding lately, very wet and rainy. So I've been making some jewelry instead. Last night a message from the National Weather service came out: SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING...
"DAMAGING WINDS AND LARGE HAIL ARE LIKELY. GO INSIDE A STURDY BUILDING AND STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS!"
Really? Hmmm, the big storms must have missed my area, we just got some rain.

"And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow." Jerry Chin

Gold Good Luck Horseshoe Necklace

The Chocolate Blues Bracelet

Verdigris Equestrian Necklace

Kindred Spirit Horse Necklace

Microworlds

2010-10-14T11:32:00.000-07:00

I am fascinated by what people do with miniatures only millimeters tall....

MINIMIAM: Pierre Javelle, Akiko Ida

Cracks in, what would appear to us as, a basic Eclair, turn into a hazardous fault line and peas become weights lifted by an Oldtime Strongman. Slinkachu
In his street art/photography campaign, The Little People Project, his miniature figures from train sets or architect models are photographed and then left to fend for themselves in the bustling city, for those with keen eyes to stumble upon. "When you are a kid, you are always looking at the ground picking up bugs and things. As you get older you stop doing it, so I thought about what surprising little things I could leave for people to find" he said.

The one above had a speaker hidden in the drain that played sounds of screaming kids and splashing.

Commuting - Metro goes micro...

Unnoticed by cleaners and most of the working population, a five millimeter tall man could be found patiently waiting for a lift outside the Whaf's DLF station on North Colonnade (UK).

Miniature art of Kendal Murray

"Family Recruit Fruit Pursuit" Kendal Murray 14.5 x 18.5 x 14 cm
"Dog Awash Backyard Splosh" Kendal Murray 10.5 x 10 x 10.5 cm

Audrey Heller composes delightful photographs of miniature people engaged in herculean tasks, many involving food.
This is taking it to the extreme....
Micro-sculptor Willard Wigan, known all around the world for his miniature sculptures that are invisible to the naked eye. Willard uses tiny homemade tools and paints with a hair plucked from a housefly's back (the fly has to have died from natural causes, as he refuses to kill them for his art) and carves microscopic figures from grains of rice or sand or sugar. The sculptures, which often take months to complete, are then mounted on pin heads or needles.
Another extremist: Nikolai Aldunin works between the beats of his heart, in order to keep his hands perfectly still. Using superglue, syringes and toothpicks, he creates works of art so tiny, a microscope is needed to see them.

Aldunin's work naturally leads to some frustration. It took Aldunin six months to create this gold AK-47 (yes, that is a matchstick it is on!). It consists of 34 individual parts. Aldunin's work naturally leads to some frustration. While crafting the miniature rifle, he lost the weapon's butt after having worked on it for two weeks. I would want to shoot myself with that tiny gun!
Seven camels in the eye of a needle