Habronema

Houston and I seem to be faced with weird medical circumstances as we age together.  A week ago Houston presented a strange sore on his lip.  He was diagnosed with a Habronema parasite.  Lucky us :)  We've made significant progress this week, hopefully in another week Houston will be Habronema free.

First Appearance

One week after beginning treatment

Lumber River Horse Trials

The eventing continues!  Houston and I planned to visit the Fork the first weekend in June, but the event was cancelled due to low entries.  After pouting, I decided we would go back to the Carolina Horse Park for the 2nd of the Cabin Branch Events, Lumber River.

This turned out to be a barn family travel event.  Skate and Ellen attended along with Hillary and two of her babies.

While the weather was extremely warm, the day went well over all.  The footing was questionable on cross-country thanks to the tropical storm induced rain we had the week prior.

Houston performed a very steady and beautiful dressage test placing us in 6th with a 33.5 out of 15 riders.  Show-jumping was flawless minus the fact that we were a tad slower than we should've been, but overall very pleased with his efforts.  Cross-country was tremendous.  He floated around the course like the pro he truly is.

After a long day in the heat, Houston received a striking yellow ribbon (3rd place) to add to his growing collection.  I couldn't be happier with the way he's performing, at 22 I think he's the best he's been.  Let's hope 23 brings just as much excitement!

Cabin Branch Schooling Horse Trials

Houston and I ventured to the Carolina Horse Park this past weekend to attend the Cabin Branch Schooling Horse Trials.  We intended to overcome our water fear from the year before so I chose to school the day before.  We plotted around the course with ease and enjoyed the beautiful weather before wandering over to our arch nemesis - the water.  Just one year and one week ago Houston stopped 30 feet out from this complex and refused to move anywhere close to it.  This time, he went right in, no questions asked.  I was thrilled!  We ended our schooling day with big smiles and prepped for the event the following day.

The weather Sunday was stunning- 75 degrees, nice breeze, clear blue sky's and sunshine- Perfect!   Dressage went wonderfully until we cantered and Houston went into a coughing fit.  But I was still elated with the impulsion he presented and we left the arena with a 32.2- not too shabby for us.  There were 15 riders in our Novice division and this 32.2 landed us in 10th.  Can we say stiff competition????

Show-Jumping proved to be a non-issue and more of a fun warm up for cross-country.  Houston even put in his signature buck upon completing the course.

Walking over to cross-country I felt the least nervous I have in a long time.  We were prepared.  As the steward counted us down Houston got more and more anxious to take off.  As he sprang from the start box he was instantly on a mission.  I made a deal with myself that I would not hold him back and cause us to acquire time penalties for being too slow.  Houston galloped with a purpose but still came back to me before each jump getting the perfect distance.  With ears pricked we finished the course with ease at 4:44, just under optimum time of 5:18.  The announcer's comment as we completed the water "Houston, now clear through the water is back to a rocking chair canter and across the field to finish a clear round". 

After giving Houston much deserved praise we walked back to the barn and awaited class pinning.  We moved from 10th to 6th to finish the competition.  First place was a 16.5......yes!  Competition was in deed stiff, and I couldn't be more proud of my handsome Houston.  I was so pleased I'm entering him in his next event set to take place 3 weeks from now.  Even at 22 years young, he's going strong and we intend to make the most of it.

A special thank you to my amazing support team who traveled to the Horse Park to make our weekend even more special.

Hillcrest Schooling Horse Trials

Coming off of a tremendous combined test and Houston feeling like a superstar, I quickly entered him in the Hillcrest Schooling Horse Trials.  Nervous about the water complex, Houston and I called upon our awesome trainer, Hillary, and went over to Hillcrest to school the water.  20-25 mph winds make for a very interesting schooling day in March.  However, Houston never looked at the water once and went right in the first attempt.

Feeling more confident about the event we were all set!

We competed in the Novice division with 10 other competitors, one being Hillary :)  We rocked out the best dressage test of our career together (31.5).

After rocking out on stadium, Houston had some trouble making a turn on cross-country and his rear end slid out from under him but he immediately picked himself up and jumped the coop right in front of him.  I was worried and asked that he trot out of the woods so I could tell his he was injured or not.  Being a 22 year old ex-racer he pulled against him feverishly and launched himself out of the woods and back on course.  We completed the course effortlessly and had zero issues with the water.

After a tremendous effort from Houston, we finished 2nd to Hillary, not shabby!  Couldn't be more proud of my man.  We received an extra special treat with a shout-out in an article on EventingNation.com 

Eventing Season Kick-Off

Houston and I kicked off our Eventing season with a Hillcrest Schooling Combined Test at the Novice Level.  It was a bit chilly on a brisk January morning, but with multiple layers for me and a warm toasty blanket for Houston we were ready to go.

 Houston performed an excellent Dressage Test, minus my poor position.

 Jumped like a superstar

 Got 2nd place!! So proud of him!

Our wonderful groom/support!

Houston & I are going to venture to Why Not An American Ark tomorrow to confront the water complex and school until we're comfortable enough to face it in the next event. 

After our 7 am ride and Houston's bath he decided it was nap time.  He really looks ready for tomorrow.  Rest up big man!

Combined Test in the Heat Wave

Last Wednesday we ventured over to Hillcrest Farm to compete in a schooling show at the Novice level.  I had the confidence to move him up to Novice after an excellent lesson the week before. 

Houston and I worked until we were ringing wet the entire week before to be as ready as we could be.

We were fortunate to ride at 8:45 am that morning, it was humid, no breeze and stifling.  Houston was fantastic, we moved more forward than normal, his transitions were smooth and then he gave me a little buck before the canter depart.  I wasn't upset and I smiled after it happened because if my 21 year old feels like bucking, more power to him.  We received a 34.5 which is really good for the non-dressage queens that we are.  The judge was tough and so was our competition.

Shortly after dressage ended we geared up for the show-jumping round with lots of bending lines and tough turns.  My handsome old guy handled it like a pro and bounded through the course was ease.  We even got into a tight 1 stride and came out like this.

So many times I'm reminded just how lucky I am to have this amazing ex-racer as my eventing partner.  He tries his heart out for me on a daily basis and never ceases to make me smile or feel more blessed to ride him.  Houston was able to take home a distinguished yellow ribbon after his strong efforts last week.  This 21 year old has a lot left in him and I'm excited to see where it takes us.

The Men in My Life

I'm fortunate to have two wonderful men in my life.

This is the most recent photo I was able to share with them both.

Both bring a smile to my face on a daily basis and most of the time don't even have to say a word.  I was blessed to spend the weekend with both of them and reminded of how special they each are.

First Trip to the Carolina Horse Park

Derby Day, Cinco de Mayo and Carolina Horse Park all in one day!  May started out with a bang.  Houston and I packed up at 7:30 am to travel 2.5 hrs to the Horse Park for our first horse trials of the season.  Neither of us had competed at the horse park we I was very excited/nervous and he was very talkative.  He talked to everyone in warm-up, everyone in the barns we passed and every horse that passed him. 

The heat rose to almost 80 before we even rode our dressage test- whew!  But we got through it with a decent score for us and Houston even greeted the judge upon trotting down the center line with a huge neigh.

2 hours later the cross-country was walked and we were gearing up for a quick show-jumping round and then off to cross-country we went.  Show- Jumping was flawless- I love this horse!

Houston & Jason watching the division ahead of us.

Excited to go Cross-Country

We started cross-country with gusto and Houston was a machine soaring over everything and keeping the perfect pace.  We approached number 10, the water complex and he stopped dead 10 feet away and refused to have anything to do with the water.

This is as close as we ever got.....

 After about 3 minutes we were eliminated.  Houston was genuinely scared and thought something was going to happen if we went in the water, he's not one to refuse or do anything dirty.  We will plan some water schooling days this summer and try again in the fall.  Nothing changes how amazing he was during EVERYTHING until the water.  I'm very proud of my old guy and look forward to the next event.

Happy 21st Birthday Houston

My wild, crazy, lovable Houston is 21!  His birthday present arrived this week. 

Bright Eyes

I realize this post is way out of order but the topic is often at the forefront of my mind.

In September of 2009 I experienced something all horse owners dread.  Finding your horse in the pasture with an eye swollen shut.  Houston approached the gate for his morning feeding and his left eye was the size of a softball.  Of course it was on a weekend, he doesn't operate on a weekday injury schedule.

The vet came out and discovered an ulcer on Houston's eye.  A lavage system was put in place and we began treatment four times a day with three different medications in hopes that the ulcer would dissolve.

A week later the lavage system was removed and the ulcer was still there with little improvement.  Houston's patience with me, treatment and stall rest was phenomenal he was more patient than I was.  Dr. Bradford decided to do a scrape to see if we could get some cells from the ulcer and determine what it was and why it wasn't healing.  Watching a HUGE needle be plunged into my horses eye socket was a little unnerving to say the least.

Four days later the scrape showed nothing and Houston had little improvement.  The referral to Virginia Tech came only a few days later and off we went to see the Ophthalmologist.  Sounds crazy, but when you love your horses you see specialists :o).

Virginia Tech was a gift from God.  The doctors were amazing, helpful, informative and determined to help Houston and me.   Another scraping was done and we were sent home with 4 more medications to do 4 times a day.  Daily phone calls came from the vet student assigned to Houston and 3 days after our appointment a fungus grew in their lab from the ulcer scraping.

The thought was he had poked himself with his hay and was growing a fungus as a result from a mold spore.  While they were optimistic the fungus would die and Houston could go back to normal work they were not optimistic that the ulcer would dissipate and advised he would have a scar.

3 weeks of treatment 4 times a day, a very patient horse and with lots of family and friends support, Houston was treatment free.  The ulcer receded and he was left scar-less and this beautiful eye is healthy once again. I are thankful everyday for all the Vets who worked together to heal Houston.

Schooling

After a hiatus from our last event, we are ready for the next one a year later.  With a lot of changes in my life and Houston getting older it took a year before we were both ready to compete again.  We will be heading to the Carolina Horse Park May 5th for a low key starter horse trails.

Today we schooled cross-country for the first time in a very LONG time.  Needless to say I have a champ!  21 years young and bucking all the way.  Houston really spent more time playing then he did schooling, but the schooling was great for me he just thought it was a party.

Back in Action

Three years ago when I graduated college I immediately started my full time job.  Houston unfortunately took a back seat to my new daily routine and demanding job.  Recently I made the decision to follow my heart- quit my job, accept a new one working with a vet, move back home, take classes and work towards applying to vet school.  With my new found "spare" time Houston and I got to work.  Riding 5 days a week for a month and two weeks we prepared for our first show in 3 years.  At the ripe old age of 20 my frisky thoroughbred rose to the challenge of getting back in shape.

This weekend we competed at the Hillcrest Horse Trial in the Maiden Division, simply because I wanted to start him out slow.  Houston thought I was nuts when it came time to jump.  They were tiny and he was VERY excited.  He flew over each jump as though it were 4 ft tall and with pricked ears galloped towards the next "challenge". 

With a 31.5 on our Dressage test we finished out the day at the top out of 8 people.  I could not have asked more of my boy and couldn't contain my excitement when we crossed the finish line on cross-country after a brilliant run.  I've caught the eventing bug for the second time in my life and Houston's on board!

Gift's that Give

Many times I feel that gifts take up space and don't offer the true meaning they once did.  With so many people/animals in need, each year it becomes less important for me to receive gifts.  This year only a week before Christmas I stumbled upon a unique gift that gives back.  Opening my Riverwood Therapeutic Riding Center newsletter I was captivated by a unique gift that a local jeweler, Deva, had created in honor of the organization.   The silver disk necklace featured the Riverwood horse head and heart logo.  The proceeds go to help support Riverwood's terrific program.  After commenting and researching the necklace on Riverwood's website I pushed the thought aside knowing Christmas was only a week away and moved on.

Christmas morning came and the present opening commenced.  Much to my surprise when I opened a package from Jason a bright purple Deva bag was inside.  I knew IMMEDIATELY what was inside!  I opened the bag and tears filled my eyes.  Not only was the surprise of the gift heart warming and wonderful but knowing that it was unique and provided funding for an organization that is close to my heart made Christmas perfect.

If you are a horse lover and supporter, or simply love this unique piece.  It can be yours by visiting www.riverwoodtrc.org

New Home

Houston has a new home...in Davie County.  We have moved to a wonderful private farm in the Davie County country side.  He is now part of a "mature" pasture with horses his own age that while still active with their owners understand each others limits in the pasture.  He has adjusted beautifully....

College

When college arrived the first thing I was worried about wasn't where I would live, classes I would take, people I would become friends with- but rather where can I board my horse so he can go with me? 

Freshman & Sophomore year he stayed at home and I commuted for a weekly lesson and then on weekends to keep him in shape.

Junior year he moved to Farmington.  I rode MUCH more than I did Freshman & Sophomore year and we even did a few events.  One of the most exciting things we were able to do was travel to Southern Pines and train with Nancy Lindroth for a long weekend.  This was my first solo trip with the truck, trailer and Houston.  This meant we were grown ups and were embarking on a chapter in new life- just us.

Senior year we moved to Germanton.  The farm was much closer to school and allowed for more riding.  We competed in our final event in the Fall of 2007 at Hillcrest Farms in Mocksville.  Houston was brilliant and was even 3rd after Dressage- unheard of for us.  We finished 5th thanks to my stupidity in thinking we were going to fast on cross-country when in actuality we were right on target.

Here are a few photos to reminisce about our times in college and final events

Preparing for Houston's last career Dressage Test

My all time favorite picture of Houston. Taken by the talented Jason Hill.

5th Place Finish- not to shabby for a 17 year old.

Cross-Country was small but he loved it non-the less.

Senior Year at Red Bank Stables

Love & Horses

We love them for their unconditional acceptance of us as their person

      We love them for their soft necks that we can bury our faces into when we need to escape

            We love them for always lifting our spirits

This morning I arrived at the barn at 6 am to cold hose, hand walk and re-wrap Houston.  He has become very accident prone in his old age and thus has a swollen ankle from his antics in the pasture.  Not only was I exhausted when I arrived but it was a shocking 50 degrees this morning.  Since we've been in the 90's for weeks my system was not adapting well.  While I held the cold water on Houston's leg his sun kissed body served as the most comfortable pillow I've ever laid my head on.  For 15 minutes he stood like a statue in the morning sun and allowed me to pour freezing cold water on his leg and use him as a pillow.  This is just reason 100000000000+ I love Houston.

Spiders

I hope I did not jinx Houston by posting about his previous injury last week.  Friday when I arrived at the barn after work I found my sweet horse with a hock 3 times its normal size and could barely walk.

We did the usual treatment: cold hose, stable bandage, bute and phone call to the vet.  The vet couldn't come out until the next morning so Houston spent a nice relaxing night in his stall with the fan blowing on him. 

5 x-rays & 4 hours later Houston was diagnosed with a spider bite.  Thank goodness for no joint activity or poison.  Just antibiotics and some rest.  Hopefully in 5 days he will be back to normal.  In the mean time I will be de-cob webbing his entire living space in the stable.

Injured

Shortly after beginning our Training Level season I decided it might be a good idea as Houston grew older and started to show more stiffness to have his hocks injected.  Boy was that a BAD idea.  Houston felt so wonderful that he went out into the pasture the next day and pulled his stifle.  He was completely lame.

After calling the vet and having x-rays, tests and tons of stall rest I was told he probably wouldn't recover.  That was a challenge to me as an owner.  I did EVERYTHING to a T that I was ordered to do by the vet.  Houston was hand walked, stalled and treated like a king.

We had monthly vet checks and after 4 months the vet looked at me in amazement and said "he's better, and I didn't think it would happen".  I grinned from ear-to-ear.  Houston and I went from Training Level eventing to walking in the arena mounted for 10 minutes a day, 20 minutes a day, trotting in straight lines only for half the arena for MONTHS to build back all the muscle we had lost very slowly.

During Houston's unfortunate injury he managed to become a cover horse for a local magazine.  This picture was taken while waiting for our monthly vet visit.

Fire Pit

Sorry to get out of order in the Houston Chronicles.  I couldn't resist.  Houston & I  recently both moved to new homes as we continue our adult lives.  Houston has been at this home before while I was in college so it was a reunion for him.  Sunday a very scary Fire Pit appeared next to the riding arena.  Apparently this was an unforeseen object that Houston had never encountered prior.  Houston is a horse that hates for things to move or not be in the same place he thinks they should be or were the day before.  We sniffed the fire pit, walked around it, even watched Jason pick the lid up and move it around.  Nothing calmed the fears that were associated with this huge black object.

We experienced lots of side passes and random leaps into the air during Sunday's ride thanks to the pit.  I decided we would face the pit again last night but a lovely man at the farm went out and removed the threat when I mentioned Houston's dislike for it.  Houston was so thankful for the removal of the threating object that he happily went on the bit and behaved the entire time. Although he did give several glances around to assure the pit had not returned.