Pentsosan pondering

About 3 months ago, I started Hampton on Pentsosan.

Have to be sure he stays comfortable for his artistic body art hobby.

Here's why:

1) He is big. Enormous. A moose, basically. This means more stress on joints.

2) His job includes work that he really was not bred or built to do.

3) I don't want to start injecting him until I have to.

4) He isn't having big issues, but can be locked in his back and in his neck at times. Massage and chiro help (and the Theraplate, but we no longer have access to that). I was looking for something to just help him out a little. Oral joint supplements are fine, but basically just result in expensive poo.

5) It's quite affordable ($25/injection. Given once a month)

What is Pentsosan?
Sodium Pentosan Polysulfate is a concentrated anti-inflammatory and stimulant of cartilage synthesis, repair and protection. It is NOT a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug like bute. It's legal to use Pentsosan in USEF competitions.

My vet recommended a loading dose to start with. So one injection once a week, for 4 weeks. Hampton gets 5ccs, but he could do 6ccs in the future because of his size. Administer at a dose rate of 3 mg/kg body weight (1.5 g / 500 kg horse)

Gangsta.

What does it do?
Pentsosan is best used for non-infectious inflammatory joint disease, traumatic arthritis, degenerative cartilaginous joint disease, osteoarthritis and osteochondrosis dessicans in horses. It does not just mask the pain (like bute, etc) but supposedly alters the disease process. It stimulates joint healing and repair, and helps relieve inflammation.


How does it compare to other injectable joint supplements?
Here's a handy chart

Have I seen results?
Yes. Granted, it took about 6 weeks for me to really notice. It wasn't like I gave him the loading dose and all of a sudden he was super horse. I have noticed the greatest change in his canter. It has gotten far more jumpy. His extended canter went from flat and almost lateral, to a bounding, impressive movement. The changes are getting better, too, because he has more jump and I can keep him straighter in his body.

I have also noticed it is easier for him to half pass now. He no longer gets "stuck" in the canter half pass, and there is no more rein lameness in the trot half pass. Obviously, I have learned to ride it better and not hang on the inside rein, but I think the injection helped, too.

Because sometimes we jump shit, too.

Side effects
I have noticed only one side effect, and that is staining at the injection site. After reading up, I think maybe I need to go deeper in the muscle. Thankfully Hampton is dark bay, so it just looks like a sweat mark. Not sure if it stains the hair follicles or something? Otherwise, no side effects.

I give Pentsosan two thumbs up. It is affordable, easy to give (5ccs IM), and safe.

A rather sore subject

I've tried to be honest on this blog - about the struggles and success of my partnership with Hampton. So I am going to be blunt today. I know this issue greatly affects his resale value, and brings with it a whole host of problems. But there's no sense in hiding it.

Hampton is now a cribber.

Oh trust me, it makes me sick to talk about. I get a terrible feeling in the pit of my stomach when I watch him do it.

I feel like I have failed him.

Why now? Why has his started cribbing?

It started  a few weeks before we moved barns. I noticed him cribbing at breakfast. I was hoping that switching barns and a new, better diet would possibly nip it in the butt. Nope.

He has always lived outside 24/7 in his time with me. He did spend time in a stall during his weaning days, and a little bit as a 2 year old before I found him.

From what I have read, cribbing could be genetic. And Hampton's mother was a cribber, an OTTB. Thoroughbreds have a high rate of cribbing. Is this genetic? Was it a result of how he was weaned? Was it a result of poor diet somewhere along the way?

With Royale at the water.

And before anyone pipes up, yes I have treated him for ulcers. And I have another ulcer treatment in mind as well (he is going back on the blue pop rocks). He does not show any other of his usual ulcer signs (girthy, teeth grinding, etc.). But yes of course I will continue to treat him.

No, I don't believe horses learn to crib from other horses. Horses do not learn from observation. Is that was true, I will just show Hampton video of Valegro and see you all in the Grand Prix ring next year! And in any case, he has not lived with any cribbers (except his mother ....).

My only theory is 1) genetics and it has taken this long to develop because he has lived a healthy lifestyle and 2) his diet has lacked something at times, and he started chewing on the fence ... and then just eventually figured it out. I HAVE seen him chew on fences in the past (like actually take chunks off and eat it), but never actually suck in air and crib until now.

Am I stressing him out? Is he anxious about something? Does he hate his life?! UGH!! I feel like an utter failure as a horse owner. WTF!! He has always had pretty much 24/7 turnout, free choice grass and/or hay and has never been overloaded on grain.

So anyway. As you can tell, I am pissed about it and it is a sore subject. Pissed at myself, not him. It's not his fault and he isn't doing it to piss me off. I have my own OCD and anxiety disorder habits, so I do get it.

How can you hate this face?

I broke down and bought him a Miracle Collar. I have to say, it does appear to stop him from cribbing. I feel AWFUL putting it on and cranking it tight.

Also, he does not crib in the stall. Only on the fence outside. I would label him a mild cribber, and I hope he stays that way and does not turn into one of those obnoxious cribbers who tear up everything in sight. I worked with a stallion once who tried to crib on my shoulder. Jesus Christ, no.

Sigh.

I have more positive updates for next time, I promise!

Over and out.

Supermodels

I don't know what flew up my ass, but Sunday I decided to not only ride both boys but do a photoshoot as well.

Hampton was up first. He knows the drill and basically took the opportunity to eat grass and ignore me. I shook a grain bag. I shook a whip with a plastic bag tied to it. I whipped the bags around as hard as I could. I threw the bags AT HIM. I clucked. I slapped my boot.

Nothing.

He just stood there. Looking like a plow horse.

"As you can see, lady, I give zero shits."

oh I did briefly get him to lift his head.

Exasperated, I tried to think of something that would get Hampton's attention. He takes handsome photos as long as he has a little flame up his butt.

Hmmm.

And then I had an idea!

And suddenly I was getting photos like this:

What's the magic ingredient to Hampton's sexy photos?

The DONKEH!

I threw Hampton out with the donkey and the mini and he INSTANTLY was obsessed with the donkey. OBSESSED.

"Excuse me, I like you."

"No, you come back. You iz mine now"

Hamp: "OMG I LOVE YOU!!!!!"\
Donkey: "What the .... shiiiiiiiiiiiitttt!!!!"

"I love you please come here!"

Donkey kept trying to run for safety over to his friend the mini. Hampton HATED the mini and kept herding donkey away. He got a little evil a few times.

Donkey is mine now!!! I am Hampton ruler of the universe!

He apparently has cutting skillz

"I have a donkey now."

That's better! Less plow horse-like

Then it was Royale's turn! He was MUCH easier. In fact all I had to do was raise a plastic bag to about my hip and he took off prancing around like the Saddlebred he is. I didn't even have to make a noise or really move around any. 

He has really started to gain some weight and mature in his body. He is really coming along under saddle, too! His canter is going to be to-die-for.

Hoping to get some under saddle photos soon as well. Just need a photographer!! Both boys are doing great. Royale has about another month here with me, and then he will go back to Indiana with Liz for a while. Hampton and I are plugging along. STILL trying to make the changes better. argh.

First world problems tho. First world problems.

It's time to retire

It's time.

It has been my faithful protector since early 2013. It has survived nasty KY summers, freezing winters, trail rides (protecting me from numerous branches), a couple of show seasons and daily abuse. The logo has been knocked off the front. Once sporting a grey stripe, it is now a brown, dingy color. It smells of ... uhh ... something vile. It has served it's purpose.

Second level debut

Third level debut

every day riding

Being a nerd

Clinics, lessons

It actually started turning brown

Basically I wore the shit out of this helmet.

So it's time to retire.

Thanks for the service, my IRH helmet! I'm not sure what I am going to do with you now. I don't have the heart to just throw it in the dumpster. Guess it could be a "Standby" helmet for emergencies.

But since Saturday (today!!) is Helmet Awareness Day, I took advantage and bought a brand new helmet - for just $50!! I don't find the Ovations to be ugly, and I really wanted another helmet with some vents. The IRH helmet was just sweltering on some days. (and by some days, I mean 90% of this summer in KY. ugh)

It's nothing fancy (that title is reserved for my blingy OneK helmet, which only comes out for shows and clinics) ... but this guy will do!

Farewell, IRH!
#mindyourmelon

The Daily Routine

I am totally stealing this blog topic from favorite bloggers Hillary and The $900 FaceBook Pony.

My daily routine at the barn is pretty consistent. I love routine and structure; and the horses seem to appreciate that, too.

Right now I am responsible for morning chores Tues, Thurs, Saturdays and Sundays. I wake up around 6:45 am. I typically check my phone for anything interesting, and pry myself out of bed.

Lately I have been stopping at McD's for a large coke to start my morning. Absolutely terrible habit, but I do not like coffee and we can all admit that McD's has the best fountain coke on the planet.

I arrive at the farm around 7:30. The horses are on night turn out, so I will clean stalls first. There are only 5 to clean, so this goes pretty fast. Then I will do water buckets, throw hay, fill hay nets, feed the barn cats and start making up grain.

After throwing the full board horses grain, I then bring them all in. This takes a while because of the walking back and forth, and taking boots and fly sheets off. Sometimes the donkey gets a little squirrely on me, too.

Then I will walk out to the big gelding field. Hampton will come when I call, and Royale follows like a good little bitch minion. On days I ride Royale, I will bring them both into a stall and feed them. Or I will just grab Hamps. Then I go back out and feed the rest of the geldings, and grab one more who needs to come in. This is the most annoying part of the morning because it is chaos and I hate chaos. Also, sometimes the geldings refuse to come up to eat. (Never Hampton, he would NEVER miss a meal). On those days, I scream profanities at them. Sorry, neighbors.

He will miss the changes all day long, but never a meal!

After morning chores are done, I always ride Hampton first. Mostly because he requires more energy, but also because he is the favorite. I cross tie him, and give him a good grooming. On days he is encrusted with mud, I usually am in "fuck it" mode and get what mud I can but in no way is he show ready on those days.

We usually take a 5-10 minute walk around and then go to the arena to work for 40-45 minutes. Maybe a little longer depending on what we are working on, and the weather. After schooling, he typically gets hosed off, fly spray, any scrapes that need tended to, swatted, MTG, etc. etc. I will brush out his tail probably once a week (otherwise I leave it alone).

Then Hampton gets to hang out in a stall while I ride Royale. Same deal for him, but he works maybe 30 minutes. Unless he is a wild man that day and he works until he can behave himself and not trot 100000000000 mph with his head in the air. He then gets hosed off and fly sprayed whether he needs it or not (still learning that these things will not kill him).

I then take both boys out to the field and am typically home by noon or 12:30 p.m.

I then either make lunch, or stop somewhere on the way home. By the time I eat lunch, and shower, it is around 1:30 and may have an hour or so to chill out (i.e. watch Shameless on Netflix because I am in LOVE with Lip Gallaghar) ... and then I go into work at 3 p.m. and work until 11 pm-ish. I get home, maybe watch a little more TV and consume wine and go to sleep around midnight.

I don't eat dinner. I may snack at my desk.

I know my hours at work may suck for some people, but I really get a lot done in the mornings and I do not have to deal with the after-school crowd at the barn. Plus, I have no kids, no husband, no one to answer to so I can leave and get home whenever I please.

On days when I only ride Hampton, I am often home by 10 am. Before most of my co-workers are even awake for the day!

What is your daily routine?

In the farmhouse things will be alright

It has been a hectic couple of months. And I can finally sit down and make a proper post about it.

First off. I have joined the land of adulthood. Yes, at 37 years old I am now officially a home-owner. No, I can't actually afford a house. But I can scrape by with a condo!

It's a lovely little place, and a fellow horse friend of mine just moved in so things are now decorated with horses, horses and horses. Plus, it helps me keep down on expenses and she is an all-around cool person. I actually have a dishwasher ... and even a balcony which the cat loves. I love it even though I want to vomit when I write my mortgage check.

Which leads me to the next move: The horses!

They are now settled in to their new digs as well. It's not far from the old place, although it is a shorter drive for me now. They are living in the big gelding field and to my delight have a lovely pasture with a run in shed and plenty of hills to help keep them fit for me. I am doing morning barn chores to help with board, so that is a huge weight off my shoulders and a big reason I made the move.

Barn aisle

OMG yes, I get to bring in these little guys in the morning!
SQUEEEEEEE

Geldings coming up for breakfast
(Royale on the right. Hamps in the pack of bays)

Hampton marched right in and declared he was the boss, as expected. Royale basically follows him around. He reminds me of Butters from SouthPark.

I need to figure out a better way to feed them in the mornings, as Royale gets chased off by other geldings. It's a much more rough crowd than the previous barn. Hampton easily holds his own (and is actually somewhat of an asshole), but little Royale does not. I may just end up bringing them both in everyday to feed them. Or maybe tying some of the bossier boys up to eat. Suggestions welcome!
I may buy feed bags for my two boys. That could make things a little easier ...

Anyway the new place is lovely. It's not as "modern" as the previous barn, but it is safe AND there is a covered arena WITH MIRRORS and great footing! No more dressage on gravel footing. There is an outdoor for jumping, too, if we please.

I was familiar with this place, but did not know that is actually used to be surrounded by a track. It's long gone of course, but there are still remnants. There are long stretches of great grass footing for gallops, trot sets, etc. There are also some trails for hacking. Definitely not "real" trails like the last place, but good enough for now. I will certainly miss our creek stomps but we can always haul out. Supposedly there is a trail to Flying Cross Farm but it requires "bushwhacking." (aka I would probably get my head taken off by tree branches trying to ride Hampton through)

Royale

Hamps

So there's that. New homes all around!

What is best is that I was able to leave the previous barn on really good terms and remain friends with everyone there. I will miss that barn family but I am sure I will still see them around.

Clinic Day 2

And I have even less photographic evidence from this day! Sorry about that!

The good news is that we did not get stormed on Sunday morning, however in true Kentucky fashion this year it was 93 degrees and 80,00000000 humidity. I chose to ride in the indoor again. It was sort of a lose-lose situation here. Inside, it was far cooler but the footing was deep. Outside, the footing was better but the entire arena was on a hill, and the sun was borderline insufferable.

Super crappy photo

Today, Liz started right off by calling us over to the center. From the ground, she took the reins and started to show me how I need to ask Hampton to release not just his neck, but his jaw and poll. He did pull his typical "off the grid" mindset on her, even standing still. He stares at something and I swear you could tie a crane to the reins and he would ignore it.

But eventually, he did release and I could see that tell-tale crest flip starting to happen.

I need to remember that it's ok to let Hamps be long and low and stretchy. He does not have to be uphill right off the bat. He has to come into suppleness and a better balance. If there is no suppleness, everything else suffers. The connection has to be playful, not static.

Off we went to work and I immediately had a softer horse who was offering more self carriage. I'd like to get him to a point where I can release more often and he stays softer for longer. We have a tendency to both get "stuck." Not really a pulling match, but not soft either.

Then it was time to check the changes. We tried the difficult lead first and .... WHAM! Got it on the first damn try!!

Unfortunately we both then decided to make sure it was not a fluke (spoiler: it was) and try for it again. And again. And again. It just kept getting worse. Late behind. Late. Late. Lurching. Even the GOOD change was late behind a couple of times. OMG WHY!!!! FML

via GIPHY

In my heart I figured it was probably Hampton just tired and muscle sore from the footing. But then Liz offered to get on! Um, of COURSE YOU CAN!

Liz rewarding Hampton for being a very good boy

She tried multiple tricks in her book, and interestingly enough ... she never got a good clean change either. She had a couple of close calls (which she was quick to reward him for), but for some reason he was really struggling.

Part of me thinks that I just trained that bad change on him REAL GOOOD. And part of me thinks he just doesn't understand how to organize his legs with the aids yet. A clean change in this direction is totally possible. We have done it many times - even in shows. There is just a disconnect somewhere. Very frustrating, but unfortunately common.

I was a little bummed we did not get to touch on the pirouettes but the footing was just too much. I was so happy with Hampton and his work. He just kept trying even though I know it was hard for him.

I feel like we got some great homework from this clinic and I really enjoyed watching and learning from the other riders as well. Many of us worked on the basics which I loved! Every pair came out looking better than when they started. Liz is not only a great teacher and trainer, but is highly knowledgeable in areas like saddle fit, health, nutrition, etc.

Plus she is a fellow Phish and Grateful Dead Fan.
Hippies unite!!!