Equine Explorer

Phlame Behind the Mist

2012-01-05T19:30:22-08:00

My most amazing and creative son made a video book trailer for my dear friend M. J. Evans' first book in her trilogy "Behind the Mist". A thrilling story of a boy and his horse who find them selves in the mystical world of Celestia, where great and noble horses earn their Unicorn horns! So guess who in the trailer plays the part of the Unicorn Urijah,? Phlame of course! Phlame loved learning his part and now every time he steps up on a rock he asks "Where is my glowing horn?" If you ever need video work contact Neil Crisp. neilacrisp@gmail.com Here is a demo reel of his work.

Grandma & Horsewoman

2012-01-01T16:00:55-08:00

I took Smoke and Phlame out for their New Year stroll, we avoided the ice and trotted when we could. They tossed their heads and pranced in place wishing they could break out and stretch their winter muted muscles. I would have allowed more romping , but just ahead of me tossing sticks and snowballs where my two equally frisky Grandsons.When we would get to close, I would tell the horses to whoa, and wait for the 4 and 6 year old to get a bit further ahead. I was amazed how quickly Smoke and Phlame learned to keep the youngsters ahead of them. When they boys took off in a run the horses would ask to trot and catch-up and as soon as we did they would slow to a walk. If they stopped suddenly to ask me a question, or point out some "deer poop" (they love to say that), Smoke and Phlame would stop in their tracks and listen to the playful chatter.
My days lately have been more Grandma than horsewoman. The horses were happy to get out, but they seem to understand I have other boys in my life and are, greatfully willing to share me.

Horse and Man on Face Book

2011-12-14T07:33:53-08:00

I would like to recommend a great Face Book Page called Horse and Man, I have read so many wonderful stories on it and here is another one! I love the connections that are made between horses and their owners. I also have a soft spot in my heart for our wonderful veterans. Hope this will bring a smile to your face and a tear in your eye, as it did for me.

Colorado Trail Segment 7 "The Climb"

2011-11-05T16:50:08-07:00

I just finish working on the video for Segment 7 of the Colorado Trail Debbie and I rode the summer of 2010. The memory of this segment is still fresh in my mind! The climb was so dramatic, the views so spectacular and Smoke and Flame were simply amazing. We climbed to nearly 12,500 ft on a fairly narrow ridge of mountains called the Ten Mile Range. Even though it was August, snow still hung along the highest ridge lines. We mingled with the clouds looking down on Lake Dillon and Breckenridge. After reaching the top-out point at 12,494 ft. we could look just to the west and see Copper Mountain Ski Resort! Some trails will aways remain with me. This is one that had so many metaphors for difficult challenges, for over coming fears and not giving in to life's worries. I have climbed a few 14-teen-er's on foot and this was every bit as challenging and exhilarating! The fact that your horse and you are a partnership, he carries you, and you must make good decisions in his behalf, has the effect of forever melding your hearts, and minds together.

Segment 6 of the Colorado Trail

2011-09-23T22:42:49-07:00

Took some time out to do some more editing of video I took on the Colorado Trail summer of 2010. Segment 6 stands out in my mind as a breakthrough. It's 32 miles and top elevation over Georgia Pass of 11,880 seemed daunting. We began our trip at Kenosha Pass Campground around 1pm in the afternoon. Our goal that day was just to knock off a few miles so we would have a easy trip the next day to the pass. After 6 miles we stopped to camp in Jefferson Lake Recreation Area, where a Ranger kindly told us where we could go just outside the boundry to camp with the horses. That year we also had a crew! Ev an old friend of Deb's agreed to help us out . Her background was vast and varied, she had even spent time as she said "on the ice" in Antartica. Ev would send us off and drive and meet us at the other end of the trail each day. Day 2 took us up and over Geogia Pass, just about timber line.

On the pass a helicopter flew just over our heads, and we discovered that they had spotted a herd of mountain goats. Before the establishment of the Colorado Territory in 1861 Georgia Pass was the boundary between the Kansas and Utah Territories. Georgia Pass is a scenic old wagon road that was used to transport supplies from the South Park area to the miners around Breckenridge. Don't be surprised to see 4 wheel drive traffic over the pass. At the top of Georgia Pass you have a nice view of Mount Guyot, which is the treeless cone shaped peak to the west. The peak of Mt. Guyot is 13,300 ft above sea level. On the other side you drop down toward Breckenridge. Ev met us around mile 19.7 on a turn , off of Tiger Rd at the North Fork of the Swan River. There was a nice open area to camp with the horses there. We had heavy rain that night, but woke to just a few sprinkles that cleared later in the day. The last 12 or so miles on the third day was an easy ride passing views of Keystone Ski Resort to the North and Breckenridge to the southwest. The trail ends as you pass through a mountain subdivision and reach Hwy 9.

Angels in Paradise

2011-06-29T00:22:53-07:00

My good friend Nancy has a beautiful paint arab mare," Paradise", who had been gathering dust at her barn. Nancy in her wisdom, and because she has a great heart donated her to the therapeutic riding program where I just started teaching.

Paradise made an impression from the first day she arrived at the ranch. Most the horses are dark bay jumpers, and Paradise with her flowing red mane and tail ,with big patches of red and white stood out. All the staff, and "able" riders have fallen in love with her. I put Paradise through the ropes, and have worked with her, trying to teach her what her new job is. She was doing well in all areas, except when ridden , Paradise loves to move! Excitement! Head high, she loves life and wants to run all over it! Being led in hand she is a sweet heart, and I was feeling pretty good about putting a student on her if conditions were right. After lots and lots of practise Paradise has proved herself except when we ask her to trot, even being led, it gets the best of her and she will swing around at the end of the rope ,eyes wide ready to head to far and distant hills. OK , we just won't trot.

Paradise's day came a few weeks ago, her first rider was *Ronnie", a little pint size pixie who has been riding since she was 3 years old. Ronnie's speech and coordination has been slow in developing, but she has made lots of progress with her riding therapy. She loves to sit sideways and backwards on her horse, and she will often put 2 or 3 words together and ask her horse to "walk on" or stop!. Lately she has been working on carrying her oxygen tank in her own little back pack that goes with her on the horse. One very striking feature about Ronnie, besides her pink cowgirl boots, is her long red pony tail. Her hair is a perfect match to Paradise's equally long flowing mane and tail. So I just put it out there. " Hey, I said to Ronnie's O.T. and her volunteer, Sharon. I would like to try Paradise with Ronnie today....silence. "The problem, is not Paradise, was the reply , but Ronnie's Mom does not like change. It takes her a long time to trust new things for Ronnie especially a new horse. When Mom and daughter came that day I put on my Instructor hat and talked to Mom. What I noticed right away was that Mom's hair was equally long and equally red, so I said...we have a beautiful new horse with red flowing hair just like Ronnie's I would like Ronnie to help train her for the program. Let me go get her so you can meet her. I led Paradise out of the stall and we walked up to Ronnie's Mom. Paradise in the most gentle way , put her muzzle right in the mother's hands and gently nuzzled her. "Oh she is beautiful!" "Oh she is sooo, sweet," again Paradise nuzzles. "I think she wants to come home with me." I think we can give her a try....perfect. Her day had come, this would be her big test. Nikee, Ronnie's usual horse was waiting in a stall ready to step in if things did not go well. Paradise walked up to the mounting ramp with side walkers (people who walk on either side of the horse to help stabilize or act as spotters for the rider) The Occupational Therapist, me the instructor, "headwalking", today on her first day I would lead her. It takes a lot of people so one little girl can ride. Ronnie rides with a pad and surcingle so she can move and do exercise on the horse. The O.T. works her legs and arms by asking her to stretch ,sit on her knees or even to stand as the horse walks. Mind you Paradise has not had all these thing done on her, with people walking on either side of her until a few months ago, and never with a long tube going to an oxygen tank.We take it very slow and are very careful, and after 30 minutes we ended the lesson on a fabulous note. This kind of work though not very physically challenging, (with bigger unbalanced riders it can be) is mentally very difficult for a horse. I was so proud of Paradise! Her first ride had been very successful .

Yesterday was Paradise's second lesson with Ronnie. Again Paradise was perfect in every way, it always amazes me how the horses just seem to know who is riding them. Mom is taking pictures, Ronnie is putting rings on Paradises ears, and laughing when after a few steps she figures out that a good shake of the head and the rings go flying , much to Ronnie's delight! Then someone, I think it was Ronnie's Grandma, who had come along to see Ronnie ride, said the word.."run".."would you like to run with Paradise?" Noooo...we all said , but it was to late Ronnie chanted "run" Par a dis" run, I want run! Par a dis" run!" I looked at Paradise , green plastic rings hanging from her ears, she seemed to say "trust me". Then I realized that I was having that "feeling" not only was there on O.T. and a side walker, me and Ronnie, but angels all around whispering trust Paradise, she knows who is riding her. "O.K." we are not going to run, but we will try a LITTLE trot just down the one side , a few steps and... 1.., 2.. everyone ready?... 3, trot. Angels wings could not have carried us more gently, this little horse has the smoothest trot, head low , with soft eyes she came back down to a walk. Then one more time, a little longer , and Ronnie cheered ,"Trot Para dis" Trot! There are priceless, precious moments in life , angels, and a little paint horse made this one for Ronnie (and all the rest of us too!)

*not her real name.

Flame of Truth

2011-06-24T03:13:05-07:00

My past two blogs have been about Phlame , and this one is too. I have always been one to say that everything happens for a reason. There is always a lesson to be learned if are hearts are open and our pride does not get in the way. I do not want to just go on and not remember what happened and why it happened.

I have looked at the events of the Mountain Mettle Ride and analyzed , scrutinized, and theorized, and that is all well and good. But truth is truth. The truth is this and only this, I knew what I needed to do and I did not do it. When Phlame was " not right" I needed to stop, and I did not stop. The spirit, my gut , my intuition , what ever you want to call it, was yelling in my ear and I did not listen. I let myself be swayed by other feelings and emotions. I not only did a disservice to my horse , but to my friend Lynn who was riding with me, by not setting the proper example, and I was also untrue to myself. I have been in similar situations on rides before, why was this time different, maybe I had a lesson to learn. God in all his tender mercies watched over my horse, when I did not, and blessed us both. I have no way of knowing what may or may not have happened if I had acted on my intuition, but I had set a standard for myself and I was not true to it.

In the Old Testament people would change their names when they had a mighty change of heart or had made a covenant with God. Abram became Abraham, Simon became Peter, Saul became Paul. My daughter in-law is from Tonga, people there will often change their names when they have had a life changing or spiritual experience. I would like to remember, and make a promise to my self, that I will remain true to myself and others. I hope I understand now and maybe there is more learning to come. But as a bench mark I am going to change a name to help me remember...XDimond Phlame has become Flame of Truth.

Life is an endurace ride is it not.

Horse Hospital

2011-06-20T21:52:13-07:00

Hi Everyone! Thank you for all your heart felt messages for Phlame. As of 10:30 Monday night he is home and doing well. Although my pocket book has a big hole in it my heart does not. If you are wondering what 2 nights and 2 days of IV fluids and round the clock care cost...I have not gotten the final bill but they said about $2600.00, does not include care at the endurance ride.

Here is what they did. At the ride, he had a tube put down his nose to the stomach so gas and fluids that where building up could be released. 4 bags of IV fluids and pain meds. Rectal exam and advice to go to the Littleton Equine Clinic . At the clinic he had a Ultrasound , one more rectal exam another nose tube (stayed in until Sunday afternoon.) IV fluids from the time he arrived until we left this evening at 8:15pm. Meds to prevent ulcers. Oh yeah they gave him another ultrasound on Sunday to see that his small intestines where indeed moving stuff. They wanted to keep him one more night, so I drove over with the trailer to see how he looked and what my gut would tell me to do. When I walked into the stall he looked worse than when I brought him in. Luckily I had brought the Power Mag (a very cool magnet device) and started that on his belly. It is amazing how as soon as you start using it the gut sounds begin! The Vet came by and said they had pumped more fluids directly into his stomach and it had made him a bit painful again. I asked if I could take him for a walk, and they capped off the IV and said just don't let him eat. As soon as we got out side he perked up and we walked briskly around the parking lot. It had rained and there were puddles all around , so what does he do...walks right over and take a drink from a mud puddle, guess the nice clean water in the stall was not good enough for him. He really wanted to eat the weeds and grass, but didn't care for the equine senior mash they set out for him. I didn't let him eat, but after a while took him back to the stall and had the intern reattach the IV. More magnets and lots of lovin' and after 30 minutes , I told her I would take him home. So here we are and I will check on him every hour. Small meals of wet grass hay and a mash of SAFE Choice. (He really just wants hay). I'll let you know how he does by morning.

Phlame is in the Hospital

2011-06-19T00:06:50-07:00

Well, the Mountain Mettle Endurance ride did not go as I had planned today. My sweet horse Phlame colic ed at the end of the ride. Thanks to the fast actions of the ride vets he is at Littleton Large Animal Hospital recovering tonight.

It started as a glorious day, and Phlame had never felt stronger or more eager to go. The ride start was the best we have ever had, and he seemed to be in top form. At the vet check, he was not drinking at first, but soon recovered and passed with all "A"s except for a" B" for impulsion which is pretty normal for Phlame, as he is really layed back. Phlame will pretty much always let me know that he is tired and slow down and take care of him self. Out of the vet hold he was moving out big time, and at the first water he drank with gusto. As we traveled down the mountain, his stride was big and he never tripped or acted tired. There were some riders on our tail and he was doing a few "happy bucks" and tossing his head with the shear joy of the day. But as time went on , I did have a feeling in my gut. I just did not think that we could keep this up , a couple times he acted like he would like to slow down, but then would quickly start up again. At the last water stop, he would not drink or eat. My gut was talking to me again, this is not good ...we need to walk in I thought to myself. I walked him in hand and then mounted and walked a bit more. Several horses were coming up behind us and galloped by he immediately broke into a canter ,and I thought well he can't feel that bad and we just had a few more miles to go. Hummm, Carol listen to your gut, don't let outside feelings and emotions cloud what you know, no drinking and eating is a bad thing! As we came in my friend and I were in the top 10 and heart rates went down pretty quickly and we even moved up a notch in our placings because of quick heart rate recovery. But it was clear to me right away that Phlame was not right, I hoped that I could cool him down and get him eating and drinking before our final vet check, he didn't look "bad" and he rolled and picked at the grass a little, but would not drink and soon he was laying down with his nose to his side and eyes closed like he wanted a nap. I sent for the vet and steps were quickly taken to help him. He just was not coming back, and my heart ached to see him hurting, he is such a trooper. Every ride there are lessons learned, some are harder learned than others. He seems to be out of the woods and hopefully will be coming home tomorrow or the next day. The vets called his type of colic ileus ,where the small intestines stop moving and there is a reflux from the stomach. IV fluids and tubing to evac the stomach, pain meds and ultra sound to "see" what is going on. Attached is an article on Colic in Endurance horses. Search, learn, grow. Follow what you know is true, learn from your mistakes, be happy.

Download Colic_and_endurance

Another Colorado Trail Video!

2011-05-10T20:59:41-07:00

I have been so busy working on other stuff and you know stuff can be very important, I have gotten way behind on my videos. But I am glad to say that today I finished Segment 5 ! This is the second day of a two day trail ride from Longs Gulch where we camped over night and then rode the next day to Kenosha Pass.