Bad Blogger

I have been a terrible blogger and horse-mom during the month of September. Many things have been combining to keep me out of the saddle; namely work & life problems as i scurry around furniture stores every weekend trying not to cry at the prices as I attempt to decide on a sofa & beds for my flat before I get the keys in March.

I also got news from the yard that livery prices are going up as of November 1st, which led me to seriously consider sending Kika back to my aunts in Ireland as she could live out and maybe be a mama, but there wouldn't really be anyone to ride her and at 10 years of age she is too young and healthy to retire yet. So selfishly I'm going to keep her here a little longer and hope I can manage my time better to ride the pair of them. The option is always here if things don't improve although I would miss her terribly. :-(

I have managed to ride Nancy twice & Kika once since I last updated. I rode both without lunging or doing anything strenuous besides walk, trot and a smattering of canter with them. They are so good to me and forgiving of my lack of saddle time. I may have sweetened them up by bringing them an apple each when I visit them in the field in the evenings to check their legs & bodies in case they might have done themselves a mischief.

Nancy being a sweetheart & chatting to my mama

Kika pulled one of her front shoes this week, so has garnered herself some more time off, or spinning in the walker while I ride Nancy. It is just the two of them on the field again now as O has changed yards for retirement on 24/7 turnout all year around. I don't like the idea of leaving either of them on the field alone while I faff over the other one, so I bring them both in together.

I have asked a new blacksmith to come see them Tuesday. A friend recommended this lady to me as she is a barefoot trimmer, so I thought I'd give her a try as i worry that Nancy's feet might be a little low at the back. I also want to get her opinion as to whether I might be able to transition Kika back to barefoot again. This lady will come every couple of weeks to keep on top of trimmings and teach owners how to do the basics to minimise her trips to us.
I put the front shoes back on Kika as she has a nasty habit of scraping her front feet/stomping during feeding time and sometimes when tied in the cross ties although she does this considerably less when she gets turnout. It may not be possible to have her barefoot in front again because of this, but it can't hurt to ask the professional.