Expenses, Expenses...

Well, two farrier visits, one vet visit, one set of x-rays, and one set of shoes later, Stretch is sound and we still don't know why! Okay, let me back-track and begin by saying that horses make my head hurt. I love them to death but they always seem to have a mystery problem of some epic proportion, but can somehow make it vanish whenever they please! As all of my consistent readers know (if I even have consistent readers *shrugs*), Stretch has been having good and bad days since we pulled his shoes about two months ago. Some days he is three-legged lame and others he is perfectly fine. Upon the recommendation of my farrier after an extremely bad day, we had the vet out to take x-rays to try to figure out A) the lameness and B) why his feet were growing so strange. $180 dollars later, we still don't know! The vet said that his legs looked great and that he passed with flying colors! Although that was such a relief to hear, the unknown is still frustrating. After a consultation with both the vet and farrier, we decided to put an altered natural balance shoe on him to increase breakover. Once the farrier started trimming his feet to prep for the shoes we found quite a bit of bruising, especially in his right foot, which could have been a significant contributor to the lameness. So far so good. Stretch is currently sound and happy. Fingers crossed that this trend continues because a sound horse makes for a happy owner!

I have also been consulting with Tom Berney at Berney Bros. Saddlery in Kilcullen. He is willing to make me a semi-custom two-toned black and brown international saddle for no extra charge! He has been so helpful in helping me decide what type and size saddle I need, for myself and my horse, and in getting wither tracings and getting it to the states! Fingers crossed!!

Plans are in the works for taking Stretch to the farm in the spring which excites me beyond belief! I have also started looking at the omnibus for next year and have a goal of hitting at least one spring recognized show, hopefully two. Life at the Frederiksborg Horse Farm is also going well. We have a new website up, Grete is sold, and there is some interest in Gorm. All in all, life is good! If I dont write again until the new year, happy holidays and don't forget to be thankful for the things that matter most: family, friends, and ponies!

Saddles and Sales

First of all, I FINALLY got a dressage saddle, and it was no easy task! I tried contacting roughly 5 tack stores all across the U.S. to find dressage saddles with no such luck. They either never returned my emails, couldn't find the saddle I was asking about, or just flat didn't know. To top off fighting tack stores, I was also fighting my horse. Stretch is extremely hard to fit because of his high, narrow Thoroughbred withers that go down into a wide, sloping shoulder and a flat back. After doing some research, I realized that the medium gullet saddle that I was using previously was pinching his shoulders. I ended up going with a Duett Largo dressage saddle that I found on consignment at the Southern Hills Tack Shop in Jenks, OK. I was concerned about how it would fit because it is stamped a 36. Fortunately, it fits his shoulders nicely and a wither riser pad will easily fix the rest. Not only did it fit him, but I love it as well! It is virtually impossible to get into a bad position and the wide twist from the wide tree fits my hips much better. Cue sigh of relief! I must say, if anyone reading this gets a chance to stop by the tack shop, please do so. They are helpful and have a huge inventory of quality products!

Now how about a Stretch update? His weight has improved drastically since bringing him back home, as well as his happiness. He is back to his constantly playful self and just looks healthy again. Nothing could make me happier. Previously I mentioned that I was having his shoes pulled for the winter and that seems to be creating just as many problems as having shoes on. Stone bruises and thrush oh my! It seems like I can't win with him sometimes. The farrier is supposed to be out Friday and we will re-evaluate the situation and go from there. At least his feet LOOK good now! Im trying to find the positive here, Okay?!

As for work, things could not be better. The babies are coming along great and there has been an immense amount of interest in the older sale horses. A updated Frederiksborg Horse Farm website is also in the works with a goal of being launched by the end of the week. Fingers crossed! Pictured below is FHF Kristiana. She is a 4yo Frederiksborg mare that is currently offered for sale. Doing W/T/C under saddle, goes over cavalettis, and is learning leg yield. She is a wonderful dressage prospect with good self carriage and three smooth gaits.