Labor Day holiday weekend marks a passage of time in several ways. At least at our household. Among some personal things, Summer's crazy @ss weather finally shows welcome signs of change. The WI State Quarter Horse final show of the season is always held on Labor Day weekend.
Brad is continuing to enjoy reconnecting with Padame. After two off/on years dealing with her bouts of lameness, their partnership is growing stronger. They are having good weekly lessons and a lot of practice rides and time together during horse shows. However, Brad decided prior to the last show that they were not ready. He did not show Padame this season. His trainer showed her in Ranch Classes at the State show. They are both happy with Padame's progress. This was her third show this season.
Sorry no photos. I did not attend this show as planned. New issues with one of my knees is severely restricting my mobility - and - both of our chore back ups were out of town. Brad came home from the show to help with chores each day Tuesday-Friday. Some folks stay onsite for 7 days! Saturday the Ranch classes ran late. Thankfully we have good horses with manners that are willing to walk at the pace of hobble!
Before all this, I took advantage of nice weather and managed a photo-a-horse. Without fly masks. Which is rare on a Summer Day around here. Doing what our horses do every day. Stand around grazing/eating. Not very exciting for an action loving photographer. The main reason/s you don't see many posts or photos of our horses on this blog.
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A brief horse update in descending order of age:
Harmony (25 yrs old)
Harmony continues to be our easiest keeper. She raised Cierra, and now Hope. Hope really (really) loves her! If you asked Harmony, she would rather be turned out with Nemo. Not much to share about her. Happy to say all continues well with our daughter's girl.
trio of looks
Harmony, Hope and Koda (L-R)
Koda (18 years old)
Koda continues retired from riding. His lameness all but disappeared by using Streamz Bands, but has since returned. Likely due to the added stomping of flies. We make quite a pair gimping through the arena to come inside at night. What has not returned is his turn out/in agitation. Koda remains much calmer while using the bands. No clue why, other than they help him feel better.
Our new lameness game plan is getting him trimmed every four weeks (vs six). Brads idea. It has helped Padame. Our farrier agreed it was worth trying. He mentioned about 200 lbs of pressure is added for every centimeter of toe growth.
Nemo (18 years old)
Nemo was born the day after Koda on the same farm. They are related but polar opposites in every way. Sadly, they can no longer be turned out together.
So far, there are no signs of his chronic bladder calcium build up. Knock on wood! I am convinced the difference has to do with Brad's expert field management, growing quality hay.
Nemo continues to self control his allergies during turn out. With the help of maintenance allergy shots. It is really obvious when his allergies get to be too much for him. Nemo's human staff brings him inside as needed. Being away from the elements quickly calms allergies down.
Nemo and Cierra enjoying the lower pasture
Cierra (15 years old)
Cierra's allergies made Summer challenging for her. I think it shows. We are doing the best we can to help Cierra breath normally and live her best life. She is such a sweet girl! Having Summer stingers gone is ideal for her.
I previously wrote about Brad tuning Cierra up and bringing her out of retirement for show practice under judges. It was a great idea and gave Brad confidence showing a horse he knows so well.
Checkers and Cierra were long time show buddies and remembered each other :)
(L-R) Brad & Cierra, Trainer riding Checkers with her owner standing.
Hope (2 years old)
Hope is doing well. Over the Summer she was allowed to be a young growing horse, with intermittent lessons. She is always open and eager to learn. Brad really enjoys working with young horses. Hope takes everything she is presented with fairly easy. She continues to be handled at least twice daily, as with all our horses. Hope will get her teeth floated for the first time early Fall.
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When I started this post, our weather had cooled off and greatly improved. We have since returned to Summer weather :( Mosquitos have re-hatched and increased in numbers. I have never experienced anything like this.
Here is a short clip of the three dog walk I took yesterday, as we approach our woods. I almost turned around and headed back home. Almost.
9/11/25 (7 secs)
