a learning show ~ 3 of 4

Every show presents itself with learning opportunities that don't come up, until they do. I know I learned a lot at this show, altho I wasn't showing. I can see obvious differences in the show ring, nuances not as much. All I can say is, it's complicated and I still don't know half of it. Unless I immerse myself, that's not likely to change. Altho, I make a pretty good show mom *^*

Brad learned a lot from his time in and outside the ring. It wasn't his best show, especially in Ranch Riding. I know it's frustrating for him, to be so busy that he can't get enough hardly any lesson or practice riding time. He knew this when he committed to four shows this season. But still, I hope they can improve their riding together before the last big show rolls around. Regardless, he had some success at this show in other areas - and more importantly enjoyed his time with his sweet girl Cierra!! 

Together they earned 1 point in AQHA Amateur Ranch Trail (1st out of 8) and 3 points in Ranch Conformation (two 1st, two 2nd, out of 5 in Amateur & 6 in Open).

This show was last weekend, and already seems like a long time ago. That is where photos come in! Enjoy a few of my favorite dynamic duo getting ready for Conformation classes...

I wasn't going to share this one, because Brad looks like he is scowling. Frequently. 
Not exactly the look I try to capture,
but I love that they are both looking away.
He said, and I quote "that's just me". I know that, but viewers don't.
Here it is regardless, my scowly faced love with his beautiful girl!

My favorite of the few photos I took.
Can you see the love?

build-a-barn ~ summer update

Summer is flying by so quickly, it was Spring last time I did a barn update. We've made progress on a few more areas. In June, Brad graded the center aisle and got everything ready for more flooring. 

He also finished up the remaining tongue & groove walls on the storage side. In July, they poured the rest of the barn aisle, wheel barrel full by wheel barrel...in a sideways rain thunderstorm no less! They had to build a make shift tent entryway to get the job done. Poor guys came home soaked to the bone. They work so hard!!

Next up was the front, human, office room floor...you know "that room". Well that room, now has a name! We are calling it "the saloon" !!! Brad came up with the name, and it fits. Everyone that stops by seems to congregate in the general area. Remember that wheel table we bought at fair? It's going to fit perfect in the saloon! Who knows, maybe we'll even play some cards on it. What I do know is it will be a break area for us, a place to warm up or cool down. 

we poured colored concrete
(our son is in the background filling up the wheel barrel)

stamps & floor area had a non-stick spray applied,
then stamps were strategically placed,
and pounded to make an impression
(Brad's doing the pounding)

the saloon floor has to cure,
before having a contrast stain applied
to bring out the wood grain & then sealed.

By the end of July, Brad started framing rooms one by one...

mechanical & bathroom walls went up first

saloon on left, bathroom on right
mechanical behind bathroom

The barn interior is starting to take shape! Brad more or less finished rough framing all the rooms in early August. The tack room might still get a topper. The photo below is where we are at right now.

(L-R) Saloon, Bathroom, Wash Stall,
Feed Room/Misc Storage (door goes to storage side) and Tack Room 

We've come so far, and yet there is soooo much left to do...

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View other Build-a-Barn posts to date.

miraculous recovery

The first five days were long. They included a lot of worry, x-rays, tourniquets, antibiotic infusions, long hours, multiple shots of antibiotics multiple times a day, and more worry.

The following ten days would reveal the general outcome of Koda's accident. If he recovered quickly, he would most likely be completely rideable again. The longer the puncture wound was problematic, the less likely he would be rideable. 

At the end of the five days he got switched to oral antibiotics twice a day, and our trainer began changing his bandage every other day. It is really hard not being able to completely take care of my boy! But I have to trust, and let others help. It's part of life. I remember the day I learned that hard lesson as a young adult. 

Brad & Koda
walking-n-walking-n-walking

We also tag-team hand walked Koda twice a day. I would walk him once, and our trainer did a second time. Around 30-40 minutes each. Walk a little, graze a little, walk a little more, graze a lot more. The latter part of our walks were spent mostly grazing. It kept Koda from going crazy. He had a couple days, where the cool breeze and running horses created excess energy, but he managed to keep it together. The last few days Brad helped, and we walked Koda together. My arm is soooo sore, even little tugs on a lead hurt. Tomorrow I have an appointment with Orthopedics, to face reality. 

the many colors of Koda

Yesterday was our ten day follow-up. We got miraculous news! Koda got cleared for turn-out!! *surprise* The punctured part of the wound is closed, and his leg can now be exposed to fresh air during the day. The influx of antibiotics has held off infection, a main concern. Late afternoon it will get cleaned, and have a topical antibiotic ointment light wrap applied overnight. If his x-rays are good at an upcoming four week appointment, he will be cleared to ride!! 

I truly believe the hand walking made the difference. We did way more then they asked us to do (5-10 minutes of walking once a day) without over doing it. That's where the grazing came in. What difference does it make if he is standing in his stall, or in a lawn? A lot if you ask Koda, for different reasons. Mobility is key with a healing tendon shield, to keep scar tissue from restricting movement. I think we accomplished that. 

my beloved guys

One more week to go....so far it's been a miraculous recovery, in half the expected time. 

a horse who cares

In the midst of all the recent accident drama, something very special happened. It is the main reason I love horses so much. Their innate inner ability to connect, moves me to no end.

If you've been reading my blog for a while, then you know Nemo is Brad's heart horse - and really cares when Brad rides any horse other then him. Especially Cierra. Even a non-horse person can see it in Nemo's demeanor. It is really obvious, and we've gotten lots of comments over the years. Nemo will watch Brad intently if out in the field, or pouts in his stall. The barn staff comments on how they can tell when Brad rides Cierra, because on those days Nemo "trashes" his stall. Because of Nemo's allergies, showing Cierra, and our building madness - Brad has been riding him less then usual. 

Sunday was the first time in a week Brad was able to ride, of course he choose Cierra. They have a show coming up in a couple weeks! Nemo went to the back of his stall and hung his head, poor guy. He is still on half day turnout, and has been left home for trail rides. I think Nemo is feeling left out.

While Brad rode Cierra, I hand walked Koda & grazed him. It's only been a week, but I already miss riding. Thought I would see how things went with the big guy. Last time I rode Nemo, was the last time Koda was lame. It's been a while.

I hauled all my tack in, and opened up Nemo's stall. He lifted his head and gave me a look as if to say "me? your taking me?" awww, it was so sweet! Before I let him out, I told Nemo he was going to have to be really really nice to me because of my arm. He can be a handful when he is convinced something is wrong. Nemo is an extremely sensitive horse, a feather could move him over. Nah - actually, make that a thought. 

Nemo stood like a rock as I tacked him up the best I could. We headed out to the arena, once again stood like a rock at the mounting block. He doesn't always, most times it requires "discussion". We proceeded to ride, eventually Nemo offered the softest smoothest trot ever. From the first ask, to the last step. He always has a smooth trot, but this - this was him being extra gracious and careful. Melted my heart. I think he was very thankful to be included, even if it wasn't Brad riding him. He got lots of hugs, which he doesn't always want from me. That day he did. He had such soft eyes our whole time together. We hand grazed, I tucked him in his stall and thanked him for being so kind.

The very next day I was at the barn to take care of Koda. Before I left I stopped out in the field to say hi to Cierra & Nemo. They both trotted over when I called them. When I got inside the gate, Nemo positioned himself between us and got after Cierra. He didn't want her to come by me. Apparently our ride together meant something to him :) He doesn't get to tell me who I can pet and when, he has to share the love. But still, who doesn't love a horse who cares.