It's Rex Manning Day!

Everyone, meet Rex.

Boots with the fur!

Rex, meet ... everyone.

Long-time blog followers may remember Sampson the Percheron who came to live with me a couple of years ago. Thankfully, Sampson's owner did not buy ANOTHER horse at auction ... but her friend did. And that is how Rex came about. *wink wink* (I know she reads this blog so I tease haha).

When Rex was first purchased, the horse trader told my friends that he was a 6 year old gelding. (Shire x Fresian x QH cross of some sort).

That was wrong.

At the time Rex was actually only 2 ... and a stallion .. AND a cryptorchid at that! So after "brain surgery" and a lengthy trip to KY from St. Louis, MO, this gentleman will be spending a couple of months with me learning the basics and building some muscle.

He has been nothing but a joy to be around since he first got here. He already lunges in side reins, crossties, baths, stands quietly, you name it. He is quite green under saddle (very little steering ...) but very quiet and willing. He will walk, trot and canter.

WHOA!! Wild stallion!!!

No, the camera did not distort this photo. His head is actually that big.

If I had to pick out his "issues" I would say that he needs muscle and fitness (duh) and he is a little timid about the washrack and fly spray. Those issues do not concern me one bit as they will solve themselves with time and repetition.

My initial assessment of Rex after almost 2 weeks is that he is going to be a FANTASTIC kids horse, or a timid rider horse. He is so so quiet. NOTHING spooks him. He does not panic. He does not get tense or nervous. Yes, he needs miles and an education but he could do just about anything someone wanted. Parades. Lessons. Lower level dressage. Trails. Heck if I had the equipment I'd break him to drive! He would be good at that, too.

He has won over numerous people at the barn with his adorable hair do and quiet nature. He is friendly, easy to catch and easy to handle. I am telling you, this is such a good boy!

makeover!

Hillary from Equestrian at Hart was out at the barn today and braided Rex's mane for me! I think it looks fantastic. The horse has a TON of hair. His tail alone makes everyone at the barn gawk. lol. As do his adorable feathers. Thanks Hillary!!!

Hillary the Hair Master at work.

I do foresee miles of hill walking with him as he really lacks a lot of muscle. I am hoping the KY grass helps put some pounds on him, too. I suspect he is entering a growth spurt as he is so awkward and clumsy at the moment.

Reminds me of another gelding I know when he was 3 .... and 4.

Well, ballz.

 I went ahead and scratched the mini trial this weekend since SOMEONE decided to twist a hind shoe and get a clip embedded in his hoof. Won't name any names, but he is big, bay and his name starts with H.a.m.p.t.o.n.

I'm bummed that I have to eat that entry fee but life goes on. File that one under "joys of owning a horse." And "how to flush money down the toilet."

I was super thankful that my farrier came out within 15 minutes of me calling him. We yanked the hind shoes which I have been wanting to do for a while anyway.

Meanwhile ... I am learning how to manage LOTS. OF. HAIR. thanks to new project horse.

Stay tuned.

Already a big boy who stands quietly in crossties, too!

Sweating like a hooker on dollar night.

I'll admit that neither I or Hampton are fit enough to handle this Kentucky heat and humidity.

We worked for a mere 30 minutes today and we both just sort of looked at each other like, "Hey, wanna just go stand under the mister in the wash rack?" "Yes." Both of dripping wet in sweat. I was almost to the point of seeing spots/feeling sick but luckily called in quits in time.

I read this article about when it is safe to ride in the heat.

Here is the key paragraph:

Sometimes we can't avoid the heat. On those days, keep an eye on the Heat Stress Index. The Heat Stress Index is the sum of the temperature plus the humidity. For example: if the temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity is 20%, then the Heat Index is 100 (80+20=100). If the Heat Stress Index is less than 120, it is ok to ride. Start watching it as it rises above 120, at 150 your horse's cooling system won't work effectively. If it is greater than 180, your horse will be unable to thermo-regulate.

I rode Hampton at 9 am this morning. It was already 80 degrees with around 76% humidity (gag). That made the Heat Stress Index 156. Ummm no wonder we were in such bad shape!

Thankfully this horribleness is suppose to back off toward the end of the week. I did enter a horse trail this weekend at Flying Cross, but will not hesitate to scratch if the heat gets out of control. I have no interest in passing out, puking, or requiring a trip to the ER due to the heat. And I know that if I am overheated, Hampton probably is, too. No sense in risking either one of us.

But right now the forecast says 82 and rain. I can do that! It can rain all the live long day, I have no problem with that! So hopefully it remains a go.

After Flying Cross, Hampton will have a small let down. Not really a vacation, but just a back to the basics, easier routine for 2 weeks or so. He deserves it. And plus I have a new project horse that I have yet to write about in this blog. I'll introduce him soon. Need to get some pictures first. :)

Here is a sneak peak from his first session with me:

Yes, feathers!

Stay safe in the heat everyone!

Brothers from another mother

One of my barn friends, an older gentleman, just purchased a half brother to Hamper. Same sire, different dam but they are both out of TB mares.

Picture of PORKER... oink! ... Hampton for comparison

There are some similarities for sure! Same short neck, same eyes. This fellow is not goose-rumped though, like Hampton. And has a longer back. I knew this fellow as a weanling/yearling and he was nice, nice, nice then (like A-circuit hunter material). I'm curious as to how he moves now.
Edited to add: I wonder if that llittle mane flip is genetic? lols

 And I laughed out loud at the photo below. Hampton gives me this very same "hairy eyeball" expression when he is unsure of something. Same cocked ear and everything.

I am really happy for them both and I think it will be a good partnership.

I'm hoping his new owner lets me steal a ride or two! :)

Saddle trial

When I first got Hampton, I promised myself that if we ever made it to 3rd level I would buy a nice saddle. I have been riding in my beloved Wintec all these years which I LOVE ... but yes eventually I'd like something nicer.

While we only school bits and pieces of 3rd level, I figure it's time I start to "think" about looking for the nicer saddle now. And perhaps by the time I'm done paying it off, we will be showing at 3rd level. Or both be retired. ha.

Today I had the opportunity to test ride a Devoucoux dressage saddle.

It is a 17.5 inch seat. It really seemed to fit Hampton really nicely - even without our usual fleece pad. I felt like I sat more "in" to him, rather than "on" him like I sometimes do with the Wintec. It was of course very comfortable to sit on as well. I have sensitive butt bones that will actually bruise if I ride in a hard saddle. #skinnygirlproblems.

However, I did not feel that it was "the one." First off, I felt like I had to keep making my stirrups shorter in order to get my leg under me where I needed it. Otherwise, I felt like I was reaching for my stirrups and almost in a chair seat. It has a thigh block that also was just a bit bossy for my preference. I don't mind thigh blocks, but they can't be too big because I do have a long thigh bone that needs room to come forward.

Boy it is a nice saddle and quite reasonably priced - $2500 which would probably take me close to a year to pay off. I think I can find a used saddle for less money and that I don't fight against quite so much. I'm still wanted a County Perfection, frankly. Which I probably won't find for any cheaper but I am willing to pay that much to put my butt on a piece of cloud.

But if I win the lotto I would certainly buy a Devoucoux jumping saddle no question. They are very soft and grippy.

So onward with the half-assed saddle search ....

The hair failure

So I have been working a ton of overtime for the past 2 months. Six-day weeks have become the norm for me. Basically I ride around 9 am, clean stalls, drag the ring, go home, eat lunch, shower and go into newspaper land until about 12:30 am. Rinse, repeat daily.

So my last paycheck I thought JUST.THIS.ONCE. I would do something for myself and not go splurge on horse-related items. I know, I know, lack of judgement.

I got the Keratin smoothing treatment done on my hair. It is supposed to last 3 months and it is supposed to make frizzy, unruly hair nice and smooth. Sounded great to me! My hair is out of control and often needs beaten into submission. If there was a nuclear holocaust, my hair would survive. No joke. It is a monster.

So after forking over ALL of the overtime I had just made, I discovered that this very expensive treatment not only DID NOT WORK ... it also smelled.

And it smelled like cat butt. Or vomit. Or half perm/half old lady crotch. It was bad. Anytime my hair got wet, I would emit this horrendous stench. The boy would not even come near me and would not let me sit on his couch with wet hair for fear of spreading this smell. It lasted 2 weeks. (The smell, not the actual treatment).

I could have bought a nice double bridle. Or new breeches. New tall boots even! Or entered a show. Any number of things. Ugh. More money wasted on my hair. Never again! Lesson learned.

.........

Meanwhile ... Hampton has been doing so incredibly well. We've been dressage-ing AND jumping some, too! More soon. Have some neat lessons lined up for next week. Please, Kentucky, if you could keep temps under 90 degrees that would be great. mmmk.

WW: Selfies