The sun set I got to snap a picture of when I got home from work tonight. The sky has been amazing lately.
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Thursday, November 17, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
I made a mistake!!!
I thought the Ladies Sidesaddle was tonight at the PA National Horse Show but it is Wednesday in the day so I will not be able to attend. I'm sorry that I will not be able to pictures!! If any one is able to make it, please take pics for me. Hopefully the video will be working and I can watch it on the computer!
A Sweet Treat
One of my best friends turned 31 on Friday. Her and I go way back with our ponies. She called me up and her and I went to movies and dinner on Friday. I made her some cupcakes so she would have something on her birthday. Here is one of the Sunflower cupcakes. This one was not finished. I actually went back and added little dots to be the seeds. This was my first time doing Sunflowers. I don't think it turned out half bad. It also can double as a Black Eyed Susan so I must do these again for the Preakness!
I then did a cake because her family was having people over for a little cookout. I wanted to do mums on the cake but did not have the tip I needed so she got some fall colored roses.
Just thought I would share some pics of the sweets. I really do enjoy making them!
What is a Roarer?
I'm doing this blog in a response to HunterRider4eva's question in my comments from my last blog entry.
Here is a link for a long winded version. Mine will be the short version!
My mare Squeaky was diagnosed a Roarer when she was younger around 5 years old. You see it in horses when they are put into work. She was taken to New Bolton to have the tie back surgery done. She also demolished the treadmill up there. I was not her owner at the time but they apparently put them on the treadmill to imitate being in work. She flipped out and busted out of it. This has led to a life long fear of loading and unloading on a straight load trailer. She will load like a pro on any side ramp trailer but ask her to load from the rear and its a fight not worth fighting.
She had the surgery but my guess is that it didn't tie it back all the way. I rode a showed her all through Pony Club from when she was about 9 to 13 then gave her away for a little while and got her back when she was about 16. She was always a little loud but when I got her back the second time it was worse. The lesson barn she was in used draw reins on everything... She just wants to put her nose to her chest and evade the bit. All that hard dressage work I had in her was gone. She just went around in this fake headset. I have tried many bits and exercises to get her back but the roaring is really noticeable when she goes in any sort of frame. If you let her keep her nose poked out as far as possible she doesn't roar as loud.
I don't really know what my plans are with her at this point. She is basically semi retired and we just do an occasional jot around the ring. If she was more fit she probably wouldn't make as much noise but it never did affect her performance. You just heard her coming! Hope the link above answers your question!
Here is a link for a long winded version. Mine will be the short version!
My mare Squeaky was diagnosed a Roarer when she was younger around 5 years old. You see it in horses when they are put into work. She was taken to New Bolton to have the tie back surgery done. She also demolished the treadmill up there. I was not her owner at the time but they apparently put them on the treadmill to imitate being in work. She flipped out and busted out of it. This has led to a life long fear of loading and unloading on a straight load trailer. She will load like a pro on any side ramp trailer but ask her to load from the rear and its a fight not worth fighting.
She had the surgery but my guess is that it didn't tie it back all the way. I rode a showed her all through Pony Club from when she was about 9 to 13 then gave her away for a little while and got her back when she was about 16. She was always a little loud but when I got her back the second time it was worse. The lesson barn she was in used draw reins on everything... She just wants to put her nose to her chest and evade the bit. All that hard dressage work I had in her was gone. She just went around in this fake headset. I have tried many bits and exercises to get her back but the roaring is really noticeable when she goes in any sort of frame. If you let her keep her nose poked out as far as possible she doesn't roar as loud.
I don't really know what my plans are with her at this point. She is basically semi retired and we just do an occasional jot around the ring. If she was more fit she probably wouldn't make as much noise but it never did affect her performance. You just heard her coming! Hope the link above answers your question!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
PA National Horse Show
Today kicks off the beginning of the Pennsylvania National Horse Show held at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, PA. You can see the schedule here. My Mom and I just might hop in the car and head up for Hunt Night on Monday night. A couple of friends of mine are showing and we just clipped the one horse that are headed up. Plus the Ladies Sidesaddle Undersaddle is that night as well.
I want to one day be able to say I showed there. That is my dream. I have most of my stuff for sidesaddle but I am lacking the horse. I know I have some friends that would love to see their hunter go around so maybe someone will loan me one to ride. If my mare wasn't such a loud roarer she could do it, but we sound like a freight train coming 'round the bend. I had once tried to get in Local day at Washington in the jumpers and in the warm up ring, I met a guy that used to train her when she was young. He told me two things - she always hated her flat work and if you went and popped her over something she was much happier and she was always too loud for the hunter ring. We did okay at the local shows but would of never put her in at a big show. Plus I never had the money!
I got a little off track there. If anyone is going to Hunt Night let me know and I will post some pictures when I get back.
Have a great weekend!
I want to one day be able to say I showed there. That is my dream. I have most of my stuff for sidesaddle but I am lacking the horse. I know I have some friends that would love to see their hunter go around so maybe someone will loan me one to ride. If my mare wasn't such a loud roarer she could do it, but we sound like a freight train coming 'round the bend. I had once tried to get in Local day at Washington in the jumpers and in the warm up ring, I met a guy that used to train her when she was young. He told me two things - she always hated her flat work and if you went and popped her over something she was much happier and she was always too loud for the hunter ring. We did okay at the local shows but would of never put her in at a big show. Plus I never had the money!
I got a little off track there. If anyone is going to Hunt Night let me know and I will post some pictures when I get back.
Have a great weekend!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Bad couple of weeks for my spine...
These past couple of weeks I have found out that I have some issues with my spine. This started off by seeing my chiropractor for a general tune up. I explained to him that I had been having some headaches that start off by a vibration in the base of my skull that work into a major headache usually on the left side of my head. He asked me to get a cervical x-ray. The next day I went and had them taken and dropped them off for him to look at. The normal spine has a nice curve. Mine has two reverse curves in it which makes my C-1 almost touch the base of my skull and C-7 be 45 mm out from where it should be. Wow... We think this has been like this for a long time and was caused from a fall.
I am blaming it on when I fell off my pony in 1996 and they thought I broke my neck but after countless tests, they determined it was my growth plates making shadows on the x-rays. So now I am in traction twice a day for my neck.
The next week, the Tuesday after Labor Day weekend, I was getting out of the shower to go to work and put my leg up on the side to dry off. As soon as I bent down - OUT went my back. I mean bad. I almost collasped on the floor but tried to stay upright so I could make it back to my bedroom. I woke my boyfriend up crying in pain. I.had.to.go.to.work.... We were short on phone coverage. So I barely made it to my car and winced in pain when having to take my foot off the brake or gas. I made the 50 min drive and hobbled to my office. The ladies in my office were laughing at me but felt so sorry.
I made it thru the day and went straight to my chiropractor on the way home. I was have major trouble lifting my left leg to make it walk. It was like I had no control over it. I went home straight to bed armed with my ice pack. The next day no change but still manged to get thru work. Went to the doc again and still no better. Thursday and Friday I took off to stay off my feet. I did go to my doctor for pain management and she ended up sending me for a MRI.
Friday went to the MRI. I was feeling better enough to be sorta walking upright again. I got the results the next week and I have two bulging discs between L-4 & L-5 and L-5 & S-1. I had a consult Friday of this week. Almost a month later. My back is still sore but much better.
The doctor at my consult said :
No riding my horse until my back is stronger.
Time to lose some weight again.
Excercises and physical therapy.
So time for my Mom and I to go to the gym and really watch what I eat and get really healthy. Its so hard but I need to do this for me cause like the dr said, I'm 29 and two worn out discs already so thats not really good.
Anyone else out there suffering from this and what have you done to help your spine?
I am blaming it on when I fell off my pony in 1996 and they thought I broke my neck but after countless tests, they determined it was my growth plates making shadows on the x-rays. So now I am in traction twice a day for my neck.
The next week, the Tuesday after Labor Day weekend, I was getting out of the shower to go to work and put my leg up on the side to dry off. As soon as I bent down - OUT went my back. I mean bad. I almost collasped on the floor but tried to stay upright so I could make it back to my bedroom. I woke my boyfriend up crying in pain. I.had.to.go.to.work.... We were short on phone coverage. So I barely made it to my car and winced in pain when having to take my foot off the brake or gas. I made the 50 min drive and hobbled to my office. The ladies in my office were laughing at me but felt so sorry.
I made it thru the day and went straight to my chiropractor on the way home. I was have major trouble lifting my left leg to make it walk. It was like I had no control over it. I went home straight to bed armed with my ice pack. The next day no change but still manged to get thru work. Went to the doc again and still no better. Thursday and Friday I took off to stay off my feet. I did go to my doctor for pain management and she ended up sending me for a MRI.
Friday went to the MRI. I was feeling better enough to be sorta walking upright again. I got the results the next week and I have two bulging discs between L-4 & L-5 and L-5 & S-1. I had a consult Friday of this week. Almost a month later. My back is still sore but much better.
The doctor at my consult said :
No riding my horse until my back is stronger.
Time to lose some weight again.
Excercises and physical therapy.
So time for my Mom and I to go to the gym and really watch what I eat and get really healthy. Its so hard but I need to do this for me cause like the dr said, I'm 29 and two worn out discs already so thats not really good.
Anyone else out there suffering from this and what have you done to help your spine?
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
29 years in review
Today is my birthday... My last birthday before I turn the big 30. I can say that I have had my ups and downs and life has been cruel to me sometimes, but it has made me the person I am.
29 years ago my Mom gave birth to her only child. Dad wanted a boy but was happy with what he got. Everyone thinks since I was an only child I was spoiled but my parents worked hard for what little money they got and my life long hobby was started with ponies. My Mom begged and borrowed and I always had a free lease pony to ride. I showed and showed and got involved with USPC and moved thru the ranks. Dad was happy that his young girl worked hard and was more of a tom boy because she wasn't afraid to get dirty.
My Dad and uncle had a pulling tractor and I was always at the pulls with them. I did the horses with my Mother and the Pulls with my Father. I wish I knew then what I know now, that those late nights in the shop and at the pulls would be some of the best memories with my Dad.
I was a pretty good kid, didn't get in trouble, always had a job and worked hard. I didn't play sports in school because I had the horses at home. Most kids would be out late on Friday nights, I was home getting the horses bathed and ready for a show or rally the next day. My summer vacation was to USPC championships and my parents took their time off from work to take me there.
I had lost most of my grandparents when I was young so they didn't get to see all my accomplishments. Hell my only grandfather living didn't even come to my wedding.
At 19, I got married. Thought everything was great. Married for 3 years then he wanted a divorce. I left and went back home. I was bitter and angry. I survived and found out that I could still have fun, I was young.
At 21, my Dad was first diagnosed with cancer. He was such a strong man and I thought he would be there for me forever. I went with him to a lot of his appointments and chemo treatments. I was always very close with my Dad.
At 23, I lost my Dad. I don't think I have fully grieved for him yet. It's been 4.5 years since he has died. I had to be strong for my Mom. I made all his arrangements and took care of everything. My boyfriend at the time and I moved in to stay with my Mom. I changed rolls from being the daughter and became the Mother. Eventually things did not work out between all three of us and we all went our seperate ways.
At 26, I met one of the greatest guys I know. We started dating and everything just clicked. There is no fighting, getting mad, storming off. We have a great relationship and he supports me in everything I want to do. I love this boy with all of my heart. We are still searching for a place to buy but hopefully soon we will find something.
Now if only my body will keep up. I have had some weird shit happen to me over the years. I have learned how to deal with everything and keep going.
List of things I have had or have:
Bells Palsy
Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Pseudotumor Cerebri
Latest things to add: two bulging discs in my lower back and my neck has two reverse curvatures that we are treating with traction. Had not been a good two weeks for my spine.
Most days I feel old but I try to make the best of them. I don't know what this next year will bring but I hope it treats me well and I make the most of it. So tonight I am celebrating my last birthday ever (lol) with good food and great friends and the love of my life.
29 years ago my Mom gave birth to her only child. Dad wanted a boy but was happy with what he got. Everyone thinks since I was an only child I was spoiled but my parents worked hard for what little money they got and my life long hobby was started with ponies. My Mom begged and borrowed and I always had a free lease pony to ride. I showed and showed and got involved with USPC and moved thru the ranks. Dad was happy that his young girl worked hard and was more of a tom boy because she wasn't afraid to get dirty.
My Dad and uncle had a pulling tractor and I was always at the pulls with them. I did the horses with my Mother and the Pulls with my Father. I wish I knew then what I know now, that those late nights in the shop and at the pulls would be some of the best memories with my Dad.
I was a pretty good kid, didn't get in trouble, always had a job and worked hard. I didn't play sports in school because I had the horses at home. Most kids would be out late on Friday nights, I was home getting the horses bathed and ready for a show or rally the next day. My summer vacation was to USPC championships and my parents took their time off from work to take me there.
I had lost most of my grandparents when I was young so they didn't get to see all my accomplishments. Hell my only grandfather living didn't even come to my wedding.
At 19, I got married. Thought everything was great. Married for 3 years then he wanted a divorce. I left and went back home. I was bitter and angry. I survived and found out that I could still have fun, I was young.
At 21, my Dad was first diagnosed with cancer. He was such a strong man and I thought he would be there for me forever. I went with him to a lot of his appointments and chemo treatments. I was always very close with my Dad.
At 23, I lost my Dad. I don't think I have fully grieved for him yet. It's been 4.5 years since he has died. I had to be strong for my Mom. I made all his arrangements and took care of everything. My boyfriend at the time and I moved in to stay with my Mom. I changed rolls from being the daughter and became the Mother. Eventually things did not work out between all three of us and we all went our seperate ways.
At 26, I met one of the greatest guys I know. We started dating and everything just clicked. There is no fighting, getting mad, storming off. We have a great relationship and he supports me in everything I want to do. I love this boy with all of my heart. We are still searching for a place to buy but hopefully soon we will find something.
Now if only my body will keep up. I have had some weird shit happen to me over the years. I have learned how to deal with everything and keep going.
List of things I have had or have:
Bells Palsy
Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Pseudotumor Cerebri
Latest things to add: two bulging discs in my lower back and my neck has two reverse curvatures that we are treating with traction. Had not been a good two weeks for my spine.
Most days I feel old but I try to make the best of them. I don't know what this next year will bring but I hope it treats me well and I make the most of it. So tonight I am celebrating my last birthday ever (lol) with good food and great friends and the love of my life.
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