EASYWALKER shoe's on My mare from day one to week 6

Hooves before the fitting~ hoof tested for tenderness. 

Left front hoof- normal

Right front- a bit more tender..but nothing of serious note.

I did not trim her intensionally...so that the Farrier would see her growth of 3 weeks- and the flare she begins to get.

I thought he was good not to trim her heels off,  like another horseshoer had last year, when I simply wanted a trim. 

I got he impression that for "Steel Shoes", the shoer had to take the heel off?

My mare was lame for a week after that professional "Horseshoer's" trim.

The Easywalker horseshoer's trim before the EasyWalker horseshoes was slight. IN fact, I thought he should have taken a bit more off around the hoof wall...mainly on the RIGHT front.

AFTER ONE WEEK

The right side seemed to have sustained a bit more wear...the yellow tab at the inside heel was lifting.

TESTIMONIALS FROM  SOME WORLD CLASS CLIENTS Farrier

"I wasn't surprised when he moved better, and I wasn't surprised when he jumped better. I wasn't even surprised when he stopped bruising his heels, but I was however surprised when he gained 3 degrees of nice solid heel growth, and also thicker stronger hoof walls after only two shoeings. These were some of the reasons why I began using Easywalker, not to mention my customers were asking for them." Curt DeAngelis, Farrier for Olympic riders Anne Kursinski and Kevin Babington.

Right front, from day one seemed a bit high on the outside with the nails being somewhat uneven at the front
Wk 2
The yellow piece was gone from the low end of the shoe

AFTER only 3 weeks...the hoof growth on the Right Ft hoof was apparent..

Week 4
Right Ft. The nails became so sharp, sticking out from the hoof wall, I left Bell boots on her for fear the nails would somehow impale her other leg as she traveled.

Week 4...getting pretty worn!

I was having so much fun riding the mare in places I always had...now she was able to FOCUS so much better. She gave me some really nice transitions and collection and laterals...with no pain, and also not- trying to stop- for the hoof boots, always bothered her.

By week 6...wow..the growth on her and the wear of the shoes...there was NO-WAY we could reset them!
On the Rt Ft. the clips wore completely off from the toe and one side.

Her hooves, before trimming again, for a new set of Easy Walker Horseshoes
Wk 6
Some cracks had developed..that concerned me.

I discussed my concerns with the shoer man...he showed me why the right front hoof wore so differently...the heal recessed more on one side.

I asked why he did not make the recommended clip slots...he tried them this time...we shall see if that makes any difference. I did not like the gouge effect on her hoof!

All in all, I love the shoes...though more expensive to have the shoer buy them..so I think I shall buy a box, and save a couple hundred dollars!
I love the fact that the mare seems willing now-to go anywhere!!!
 A HUGE difference from boots that rubbed and still did not give her relief, from the pressures of the rocks and terrains.
I love the fact that they SHOCK ABSORB so much better than steel set shoes.
 For wanting to be as close to barefoot as possible...the science of these to the Hoof/ Leg health,  is as close as I can get!

Thanks Wa mare, you deserve to travel as unhindered and pain free as possible!

The Weekend In Black and White

While having  a visit to Historic Timberline Lodge on Mount hood , Oregon, I tarried seeing 

this Yoke . Now reconfigured and used to light a passageway in the building... previously, to come across the Oregon Trail.

Enjoy the weekend in BLACK and WHITE...by clicking the title!

Shadow Shot Sunday Flowery Equine

The mare and me often ride along with our "Shadow Rider".

This time, I looked to find our sunny friend and smiled...her horse was so soft and pretty- in wildflowers!

Please click the badge to visit others' summer and sunny views of unique, SHADOWY designs!

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Trials on the Trails!

Woo hoo...that was one long and hot day of Trail Trials last wkend!

I know My mare hates to ride alone in the trailer and weaves fiercely- as we travel...I can feel the truck being rocked to and fro, when she does it. So I enlisted the help of "Daily Calm" it is a Springtime Inc. Natural Product- to help soothe nerves and make transitions easier for the horse to handle...

basically= A horsey downer!

I dosed her up the night before and some the morning of...and man! She was very smooth and calm handling and riding in the trailer..on the freeway for an hour and 1/2~ I do think it caused some memory loss though..she seemed a bit out of order...she normally pees upon my arrival...seemingly to ready herself for a ride!
She did not...in fact, she did not urinate the entire time- all day...which made the ride home like a child in the car that really had-to-go! Yea, the ride home was her pushing the truck most of the way..I felt badly to  for her.. knowing she would not go in the trailer...she never has. And you should have seen the river that came out of her when we did get home to the bedded bliss of her stall!!! No splashing.

Okay, here is the disappointment for me and you both...I felt it was unfair to take photo's knowing there were 10 folks participating in the T.T. behind me. I did have the camera with me on the saddle...and MAN-Ooulala! Theses lands were so pretty..and the farm equipment and the outbuildings and such...I have never seen the like. NEXT year....I am going to be dead last...so I may take some photo's!

So, there were 4 rows of trailers...some spots were vacated and then refilled by the time I was ready to ride... hence, the 10 riders behind me! I bet they had over 100 riders altogether that day! Someone said they hold this event there every year. I imagine it was a joint offering of lands of 4-5 farmers...it had creeks and bridges and such cool outbuildings..some looked to be little rental cottages and some of the barns were fabulous.

I will list all the Obstacles...and how we did under. I wanted the "Schooling Ride" but they told me that it was not offered...maybe because of the volume of riders...they got finished after  5 pm as it was.
1) Steep downhill
I am sure we got a 0 (no points against us) on this one. The mare felt slighted somewhat...that she had to go downhill...but she did it!


2)Mudd Bog
 This one was a glorified muddy tractor rut...and it would have been fine...but it was next to a New Zealand Wire Fence...and you can hear those..I am sure my mare felt it too! There was NO-WAY she was getting closer to it and going through the mudd!
It made me upset that  I asked something unfair of her.

3) Creek
I could tell she was on sensory override...she actually balked at this creek...and it was shallow and no rocks. We could see the horse ahead...way above us, on the hill, and she kept looking up to them.
I seriously think, if I had the time to allow her to look around, and go around the chosen obstacle a bit...instead of heading right for the obstacle...the times would have been very different.
She did comply, eventually so. I decided to apply for the " one step at a time " routine..asking her to halt after each step, then praising her accordingly so..and it became redundant for her and  finally, she walked right in as we neared the creekbed.

4) Steep uphill climb
No problem, she and I used our butt muscles, me standing up and forward, she powering up the hill!


5) Gate 
NOW THIS WAS THE ONE...obstacle, I thought we'd fail on...she hates to slow down the do minute movements, while I am leaning....well>> it was an excellent gate.
TALL and with a rope to simply lift over the post. It also was level. She complied with my sidestep right...2 step forward, turn on the forehand, 2 step forward again, and sidestep right again, to loop the rope back over the post!
 Wa mare...you rock!


6)Railroad tie sidepass

To me, this was another unfair obstacle.
It was a 4 foot piece of railroad  rails...metal rails and all...set into the ground and the ground fell away on the right side...we were to sidepass the entire length...well, she gave it a go...but kept slipping off behind and I finally said.."I am done asking her for this one". The judge said everyone had a problem with it".


7)Windmill + hoolahoop

This was a working windmill! Gorgeous thing of beauty!
Wa mare did not notice the mills hovering/rotating above her at all...making the creaking noises they make as the wind turns them this way and that.
She was en-rapt with the "flag banners" flapping in the same wind...at the base!!!
We were to go to the base and pick up the Hoola Hoop and then walk it over to an item to place it over...
This was timed...and we timed out...right before I could get to the Hoola Hoop!
Oh well!

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I must add here....the obstacles were really nicely spread apart...I rode quietly through trails and wooded areas,  some huge fields too, following flag markers like the ones I place for myself to get home when I go out. It was truly scenic and lovely to ride these folks farmlands in WOODLAND WASHINGTON.

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8) Breadbasket + stair stepping


We rocked with this one!
Grab a basket from a post top...ride with one hand up a set of 5 stairs set in the hill...as you go, drop bread crumbs/from basket in your other hand, on the steps... continue up to a cottage and go around it, then come back down the steps and replace the basket to the post top.


Again, the mare and me rocked on this one!

9) Metal Grate step


this little metal grate was only 2 feet squared...in my mares eye..something to simply step over, and move along little doggie!
I got her to touch it once with a front hoof...but they wanted 2 hooves to touch it.
Another-oh well-


10) Tetter Totter ramp


This ramp was a bit narrow for the mare...she did get on it with the fronts once...it moved and she stepped off..I tried several times before, I could tell she was getting fried with it all!

11) Water trot + embankment drop
Having to quit some previous obstacles...I feared something was occurring now in the mare's mind-
BALK HARD AND GET TO GO and NOT COMPLY.
We took the cup of water...trotted slowly so towards and embankment...we were to either trot over it and or walk on down over it, hand the water to the judge.
She got to it..and truly...her brain was so fried..she litterally turn her little head and placed her nose on my leg..as if asking to be released form some terrible trouble. I asked once more and she tossed her head up ...THAT she has NEVER done before.
The sympathetic gal and I said..not worth it...she was over stimulated to follow through !

12) Beheading the poles with a bat


Wa mare simply and easily allowed me to pole bend through the 5- 7 foot poles and hit the rubber human heads off each, as we passed...then we placed the rubberized bat in a sleeve on a tree= we completed the task and left smiling!


13) 3 sided enclosure with ribbon and bucket drop


Now this one...it looked so ominous to me...the mare shocked and surprised me with her willingness to seemingly...walk into something that was clearly...a hole and dead end!
WOW...she balked slightly...then I did the "ONE STEP AT A TIME " routine again...she walked straight into the 10X10 3 sided enclosure...stopped, sidestepped to the left. I plucked a ribbon from a fake princesses head. We backed  straight out- and I plunked the ribbon into a bucket.
YEA! We did it!  
The judge commended us for "our steady persistence" till we completed the task. Me cooing -with a step forward and growling -for one back!


14)Downed tree stumps and ravine
Again..this very deep woods shady obstacle..made my mare nervous...she totally refused to go through the Stumps to a rather hole drop off looking ravine.
We were to go into the ravine/turn left/ back up the entire length of the ravine lined with 2 downed LARGE tree trunks/ about 20 feet. And there was a jog at the end of 4 feet left then right..all at back up.
But then...the judge said, you may step over the large tree trunk and comply that way...Okay!!!
We did it..she was excellent backing the entire thing and never stepped out!


15)Bridge crossing
This was more a human bridge...and she new it..it was narrow and the rails were as tall as she was...boards gave way and bent as we stepped on...she refused!
I was allowed to dismount and cross...tarring 10 seconds -counted out loud- in the middle.
I got her to come across...but when i looked back to tell her to stop...she was COMING FAST!
I abandoned standing in front of her and got across myself, as she whooshed over it too!


16) Dark barn corner with Geese and goats
THE LAST OBSTICLE!!!!
It was HOT outside..and all these obstacles had taken us about 2 hours...yea, hard to tell reading about it= that the land we covered was pretty vast!

She was a pretty fried little Thoroughbred!!!! I heard about 5 judges on the radio saying..."there is a BIG BAY Horse coming your way!" TO THE NEXT JUDGE. Ha ha!
She is really not big...but big presence!
The barn with white geese ,a flapping their  wings...was a bit overwhelming for Washashe mare...at the third -straight legged-snort..I yelled up to the judges..."for safety sake..the mare and I are forgoing this one!"
WHEW, DONE!
The mare and her official number-retired- and she enjoyed some fresh hay, in her safe stall!

Now..I have some complaining  to do...but, will end the post now...and fill you in later..
THANKS FOR EVEN READING this!

All in all, I am so proud of the mare...but next time...No TRIALS FOR US..unless we may train during it!

The mare and me...we are going to try....

It is finally summer here-and with vengeance on us, it seems...100's are a tad too hot for doing much. I wanted to try something new with the mare on Wednesday...but getting to the barn after noon, proved to be unbearable to think of tacking up. Once in the woods it is cooler normally so, but that thought of- preparing to go there, had me in a sweat!

I must prepare for a NEW ADVENTURE the mare and I are to en devour tomorrow...

I took my mare into the vet Tuesday before work, and he did a series of tests on her and asked me questions about her recent health. It took all of 20 minutes and I saved $51 bucks by driving her there myself. YUP...catch that..I drove her there myself! 

 I am soo loving my truck and hooking up to my trailer and going whenever and where ever I wish!

And WHY- did I go to the vet and get this certificate?  You may ponder...'bout now...

I must cross state lines to go to my first ever

"TRAIL TRIAL".

I am nervous and excited all at the same time!

Today...EARLY- beating the heat, drove to the end of our road down from the barn and parked the truck...got the 2 tarps out and the rope...and walked up the Trail to place those tarps on the trails...and tie the rope to a log, so we could drag it.

The mare...she did so well!

I have never ridden over a tarp before, and on the ground, she has never allowed me to get her toes on one either...Today, she walked across both of them...after hard investigation and snorting..she willingly went right through  the middle!

And the Log dragging...it went equally as well. I had tied the rope around a tree...so I could side step on over, and grab it. She allowed me that and then I made sure she was okay with the rope all over her head,neck and romp too. I then faced the log and made the rope taunt...pulling it towards us..no prob..I then asked her to back with the log following us-no problem!

Only once..as I turned and the log came closer to her then before, did she wince and side step away making me drop the rope -on purpose- to let her have a lack of pressure from the thing. I got off and picked the rope up again..and dragged it all over before tying the rope on the tree again for some other time.

Wish me luck and say some prayers please....though I attempted to enlist some moral support personal...no one has stepped up to accompany me...wa! I go it alone and they don't have a "Schooling ride, I found out!

All for FUN, I say...We can do it!

Have a wonderful weekend in the summer time all!

R and R Trip

A Sign as we entered Bend, Oregon

Our trip to BEND was really, really nice. Though going originally for a Wedding, we got to see and stay with my riding bud James, that had moved away to Texas last year. 

He was sorely disappointed with the arrangements, once in Texas, and took the second job offer, in Bend Oregon...he moved in May this year.

 It has been a painfully long time since my husband and I did anything together...new careers, schedules and schooling...have effectively diminished our times together. And it does make me wonder...is it worth it? That is the primary question in my mind...feeling life is short and all...the quest for a career and the times gone without each other...huh. Well, looming stuff in the spirit I have. 

This sign may need one more word added....

"TRAIL CROSSING"

"IN A NEW DIRECTION?"

We started the trip behind a group of Old fashioned cars...jaunting down the road slowly.....It set the pace for the trip nicely.

I loved it, truly!

Once we got to Sisters, Oregon, we stopped for a bite of grub. 

The place we found had apparently gotten the award last year, for the best Bar-B-Q ...so we treated ourselves- to "Slick's Que Co". Oh YEA! GOOD GRUB! 

Nicely styled atmosphere too~

These Cowboy hats were adorable on the lights, as shades.

We were totally satisfied and did a walk about the town's antique stores. After a time we headed to Bend, some 15 minutes away to see James, our host. It was definitely hotter than we had been experiencing at home. The 1st day of summer had been more like spring  in our town...cool and no sun yet.This 5th day...more like summer now...and we had to travel South to get it!

These signs were everywhere...I loved it!

We got to our destination and we were handed a cool drink and an afternoon sit on the deck over looking the Descutes River ....

a gorgeous Snow capped mountain.

while being serenaded by doves!

OH! It was so lovely, having the breeze of summer cool us from the river, while we caught up on each others lives again.

My man had some work to do though....School assignments. 

James had Wi-Fi there...in our totally cool honeymoon suite- downstairs from the main floor!

We soon had to ready for the wedding at the high end golf course...that is what James said it was. He said it was private, but the the economy being what it was these past years...they opened it up to the public. It certainly was spectacular..though- the sun was right in our faces and the wedding pending..I did not have the time to be creative. We arrived at seating time, and sat in an entirely bad spot for photos too!

I did get the first Kiss and the first glance at the guests; as a young and handsome married couple!

The communion table, with the Golf course background caught my eye as well.

We enjoyed the brief time there and forwent the appetizer reception..and made our exit to be with our host.

We called him and he was out of it..he has been on the go looking for a house and property since March...making trips from Texas to Bend. He had looked at 2 that day before we arrived. So, He stayed in and we went into town and found a little sidewalk restaurant to sit and eat at.

The next day we had planned on Riding!...But again, James was wiped out...and I was totally disappointed, but understanding. 

We did go visit his 2 horses though.

And the place had this huge mural..seemingly painted of his horses...in welcome!

We just Chill-laxed...back at his place again...Q, his rather large Black and Tan Hound...stole my attention !

He'd talk to his beloved owner and then go up to the yard for a roll .

And look at me, while I snapped away!

He has always been a dog that was more people like...he looks right at you..and is not the typical dog that takes offense- with you looking at him back!

James really lucked out with this place...it is a vacation rental...fully furnished..kinda cabin like and cluttery, but heck...he did not have to unpack anything! 

See you later Q hound...

The next move with James...will be the last, hopefully so.

Our drive home was delightful and we stopped at one Of Oregon's premier Ski resorts. Timberline Lodge at Mount Hood. (NextPost)