[redbadger]

Speaking of miles, last year - per my Run the Year tracker - I moved 1650 miles, and just about 565 of those were on horseback.

 

[redbadger]

Guess who has emerged from the woods on a day such as today without getting frostbite? That would be us.

The ambient temps are not actually horrific - in the low 20s - but the windchill values remained in the single digits, and will drop below zero in many places tonight. I wore no fewer than two layers on virtually every part of my body save my eyes (which even then I wear glasses). With that, I actually was pretty warm - two pairs of socks, including wool, a good baselayer, jeans, boots, baselayer shirt, thermal shirt, heavy flannel shirt, fleece vest, and peacoat, plus two pairs of gloves, a gaiter, a scarf, and the fleece cover for the helmet.

We started out in a light snowfall - but from thin clouds, almost like a sunshower but with snow, the sun was still a distinct glow in the sky - which left a little sugary dusting over everything by the time the sun came out properly. The snow makes a static sort of sound through the bare trees and on the fallen leaves. Lots of feather, or needle ice - which is formed when relatively moist or saturated ground freezes quickly. You get these very fine, feathery fringes of ice breaking out of the dirt (or poking out of logs or holes).

Not my photo. But it's very pretty and delicate and does not often last long in the daylight if temps warm. That it was still present about noontime speaks to how cold it was.

Given the cold temps, Jasper was right full of beans.

Visual representation of the beans. A little excessive. The conundrum of needing the most control when wearing the heaviest and thickest layers. He VERY much wanted to run, and was not happy that he was not allowed to run as much as he so desired. Pal, I am sorry, but life has limits. I am happy he has energy and is undeterred but still. If it hadn't been so cold I might've actually let us run more but, again, it's difficult when one is blunted with layers and also like, let's not make the windchill worse than it is already.

He got a cooldown walk after being untacked, and got his Mush (aka hay stretcher), which was warm. He was less impressed with the water in his stall being cold - and he is often undeterred by that but I suppose even he has standards and would prefer not to drink a slushie in 20 degree weather. Reasonable.

Same weather forecast for tomorrow; same layers forecast for tomorrow.

 

[Horse & Dog Mom]

@redbadger:

We need an ice cube 🧊 emoji.

 

[redbadger]

Jasper needs exercise and I need time in the woods, it's gonna take more than windchill to stop us both. XD

 

[Horse & Dog Mom]

@redbadger: I'm going to venture and say that more than the two of you needing individual activities to make you happy/content is that you need each other to provide what I call your Zen time.

 

[redbadger]

Shocking that he tolerates me even when I make him wearing clothing.

Round 2: less snow today, but I swear the wind was harder. 🥶

I also swear he has been lately more tolerant of having his face rubbed and touched, picks his head up and rests it on my chest to greet me when I get him in the paddock (then goes back to monching). After I fed him his Mush today he was bugging me from inside the stall, so I thought he wanted to go out or was declaring himself STARVING FATHER, but when I came in with him he didn't want to leave. Apparently he just wanted company. shrug My buddy and kiddo didn't come today but they did yesterday; I believe he enjoys them as well, not solely because of the carrots. Kiddo helped me put his coat on and did up one of the belly straps by himself after a demonstration of the clasp, which is some darn good fine motor work and I'm proud of him (he also clipped the chain on the gate by himself without being asked to, which is good learning).

I ordered him a lovely new halter bridle a couple of weeks ago but it is BACKORDERED and they won't have more stock til late this month. Ah well I will surely just forget about it until I getting a shipping notification (or until it just arrives on my doorstep). Anyway, it will be black leather with brass fittings and will doubtless look spectacular on him.

 

[redbadger]

I figured we would be missed entirely by the snow (sigh) but it was snowing when I woke up with an inch or so on the ground. According to the NWS map, the area where the barn is was supposed to get just a dusting, but got probably a couple-three inches or so. I was slow to get up today - I had, out of the blue, some bad muscle spasms in my mid-back/traps last night at work, and did not sleep well. But it was snowing when I got out to the barn, and we had a beautiful ride. The tough part of course is accidentally brushing the snow off those weighted pine-boughs and branches and getting it on the saddle and my legs (in jeans and long underwear) and getting all wet. Got a bit chilled from that. It wasn't super cold like it had been - no wind, and temps in the upper 20s to 30F - but not fun to be damp in.

Jasper, too, got all wet from the snow and was steaming when we got back. I ended up having to use both his cooler sheet and then, when that was saturated, the fleece blanket (human blanket) in my car. He didn't get to run - I think he built up some snow balls on our six mile ride and it was slippery in the fresh snow, so I preferred we did not - but he grudgingly accepted it. We saw some fresh tracks of dogs and humans, and two people off the trail in the woods - not sure what they were up to, although the first thing that popped into my head was "this is terrible weather to dispose of a body in". They did not see us. It's astonishing to me that people sometimes simply do not notice us even though he is 16.2 and RED and I am (sometimes) in a hi-viz jacket. But we are generally quiet. We haven't seen any other horses on trail since before Christmas. People are missing out on winter riding - if one layers up, it's really quite serene and lovely (imho).

I called my trainer when he soaked the cooler sheet because I was pretty sure the answer would be "swap it for the human blanket/spare" but it's nice to hear it from her. And I get to talk to her. She said she may have a quarter sheet somewhere that we could use in the snow. But she also told me she thinks that Jasper was the right horse for me - well we know that but - when I came to the barn I took lessons on Toby, a fine paint gentleman, and he was (is - he now lives about 30 minutes west with a kind man and his gf) a good horse, and I learned a lot from him. But she said, she thought, it was meant to be Jasper even then. We're right for each other.

Kiddo sent me this yesterday while I was at work. They went to go visit. (kiddo loves to stop by, anytime they are even driving by he wants to stop and try to spot Jasper in the field.)

 

[Horse & Dog Mom]

Of course you thought this... "this is terrible weather to dispose of a body in".

@redbadger: I'm with you on stuff like this, so how about I book a flight out and we can go sleuthing to try to find the remains?! ⚰💀🥀

EDIT: if muscle spasms, hope you're better soon.

 

[redbadger]

I am alive! And no (human) remains have been sighted recently. It is still terrible weather to dispose of a body in - it is cold and there is still snow on the ground. Quite cold - windchills into the teens. I dress very carefully to go out to the barn. Let me tell you - I paid less than $50 for my surplus peacoat back in 2006-7 or so and it is one of the best purchases that I have ever made. It's still going strong, needs a bit of a touch-up on one of the button holes and some pocket repairs but it blocks the wind better than any average contemporary coat, and that collar goes nearly to the top of my head when it's up. Funnily enough when I bought it, it was a bit too tight, and now it is quite roomy.

We have been doing what is now the usual ride - around 6 miles. Sometimes cutting it a bit short in the cold. If I am wearing a sufficient number of layers it impedes the GPS signal and I lose a bit on the watch but I just edit it back in later. I don't feel like going east for a 10+ mile ride in this cold, I'm already a bit chilled when I come back from 6. I take better care of Jasper than myself - he gets temperate (not hot, just not icy) water in his bucket even though it means a separate trip to get some warm water to mix in to the spigot water, plenty of hay, and warm Mush (the hay stretcher). I asked my trainer if she thinks he might be fat and have not gotten a response. Yes, he is also fuzzy.

He seems robust and unbothered by our rides (ie he is not out of breath, or sweaty, he has been I think having some Old Man Legs in the cold but so am I, and we have not run this week because ice and weird footing). It's about time for his shoes to be done and the farrier is coming tomorrow. This is not "his" stall by the way as he is an Outside horse and only comes in for meals and when we're riding. As we learned the first December I owned him when he had the abscess, he trashes a stall if he's in it overnight.

I had such a stressful day at work on Tuesday for many reasons, and I was very pleased my friends could visit. Kiddo's vocational placement this week has been at a candy shop so he's been bringing me treats from there which is quite sweet of him. He's also been helping me put Jasper's blanket on, and he can do the belly straps by himself which is some pretty impressive fine motor work (hey I have trouble with those clasps some days). And he managed the quick release on the cross ties by himself today too, which is tricky because it's two parts. I got to hang out with them for longer than usual on Wednesday - typically, the woman who does some of the feed and chores (whose horse passed) spends much of her day parked in the office, and since she usually just ignores my friends entirely it's ... awkward? So we chat in the barn or outside, wherever kiddo orbits off to, but it's so cold they can't stay long. But she wasn't in the office Wednesday so we hung out there and it was nice. Relaxing. They do also visit Jasper when I'm not around - kiddo likes them to stop whenever they pass so he can look for Jasper in the field.

I am going to have a decision crisis at some point because the St Patrick's Day Parade is on March 16th, and Music Sunday is also on March 16th. And both events are fun and exciting and hard work. And I don't know which to pick without feeling awful about one. Though my trainer said if they really don't have a quorum of riders the parade may not happen (which would make it easy). And the pieces for Music Sunday are wonderful - a cantata by Adolphus Hailstork, and two motets by Brahms. Aaaaah. It is too much.

 

[redbadger]

My brain is so scrambled - I wanted to make a point that today, we were out and heard some buzzing and such that turned out to be the contractors with National Grid clearing brush on the high tension wires. The contractors are some outfit based in New Jersey (according to their trucks), not actually employees of National Grid but we've passed them and their trucks before. Jasper was alert to the guys and their loud things off in the brush, but one saw us and alerted the other three and they all stopped their saws and waved and said hello and waited for us to pass out of sight before getting back into it, and I thought that was just very nice and responsible of them. I need to remember what the company's name is so I can send them and email and tell them their crews are good people.

 

[Horse & Dog Mom]

@redbadger: Dang, I was hoping we could find THE BODY together. Alas, it sounds like not this time.

I do think the stance Jasper is in & being a bit sweaty but very fluffy isn't a true indication of weight.

Kiddo bringing you sweets from a sweet shop is cute.

It's nice you have two pleasurable events to choose from. Music Sunday sounds wonderful, but I understand your heart's dilemma.

That was nice of the utility workers.

 

[redbadger]

Oh he's not sweaty he just had hat (aka blanket) hair, the lighting in the barn is dubious at the best of times. I think he's gained some on his topline since the fall, which is hopefully muscle from all the hill climbing, lol.

His dad says the kids work together packaging stuff - putting it in bags, labeling it, etc, moving it along to the next station and he is reportedly doing well at it. Interestingly, kiddo has also been interested in eating carrots (cooked) lately, which his dad and I are wondering if that's Jasper's influence.

I love the music. But I always have that anxiety that I should spend every chance I get with Jasper because I do not want to regret a single moment I chose not to be with him. Send help.

 

[redbadger]

Okay here are some more square and normal photos of him. It was nearly 40F today so he was a bit sweaty in the pits and bits, but otherwise that's just his thick fluffy being all crinkly (ie his back and flanks are not sweaty)

He usually stands square he just fidgets on the cross ties because there's food in the stall and no food outside of it. No, I don't know who took the chunk of hair out of his neck.

Trying on his pretty new halter-bridle. I was fretful it wouldn't fit but it seems to be good and it should stretch a bit with use. He looks most handsome in it - he always looks handsome anyway. He was an absolutely butthead about putting the bit in separate from the bridle. This is actually his old bit - same style, still an eggbutt snaffle, just slightly thinner than the one he uses now, so I don't know if it was that (FATHER WRONG BIT, TASTE WRONG FATHER)or just like - I am putting an unattached, free-floating bit into his mouth and he doesn't like that part? Anyway I'll solve that when I can feel my fingers on a more regular basis.

 

[My Salty Pony]

Okay here are some more square and normal photos of him. It was nearly 40F today so he was a bit sweaty in the pits and bits, but otherwise that's just his thick fluffy being all crinkly (ie his back and flanks are not sweaty)
View attachment 1186417
View attachment 1186416

He usually stands square he just fidgets on the cross ties because there's food in the stall and no food outside of it. No, I don't know who took the chunk of hair out of his neck.
View attachment 1186418

Trying on his pretty new halter-bridle. I was fretful it wouldn't fit but it seems to be good and it should stretch a bit with use. He looks most handsome in it - he always looks handsome anyway. He was an absolutely butthead about putting the bit in separate from the bridle. This is actually his old bit - same style, still an eggbutt snaffle, just slightly thinner than the one he uses now, so I don't know if it was that (FATHER WRONG BIT, TASTE WRONG FATHER)or just like - I am putting an unattached, free-floating bit into his mouth and he doesn't like that part? Anyway I'll solve that when I can feel my fingers on a more regular basis.
View attachment 1186415

Jasper, You handsome Devil you!!

 

[Horse & Dog Mom]

Jasper, You handsome Devil you!!

I'm TOTALLY with you on your adoration of Jasper!

... Not that we don't adore you @redbadger, but obviously we have our priorities!

 

[Horse & Dog Mom]

@redbadger: I think Jasper looks very fit. I like his new halter a lot, too.

The thing I can't tell is if the top of brow band is actually touching the base of his ears. If so, can you drop it a smidge?

 

[redbadger]

I think it is - I have to look at it again. The uh - not the browband, the headpiece/crownpiece - is quite wide I think to handle the hardware, I have to see if I can shift the browband downward, I don't think dropping the cheekpiece will work as that's not the angle of problem..

Also no, it's fine, Jasper is the celebrity here. XD He is a most handsome man - almost everyone we meet on the trail remarks on it and says how beautiful he is. I am happy for his conformation and body condition to be admired.

 

[redbadger]

Frabjous day! It was in the 20s today, comparatively balmy weather. Just the proper usual layers. And it wasn't terribly windy, either. The sun was bright - I can't imagine it's much easier for Jasper to see in the meadow, with the snow reflecting, than it is for me. (and I don't have sunglasses because of regular glasses). It's cooler in the woods but the sun is broken up so it's not too bad. The footing was even good! Well, decent. It's all pretty soft, powdery snow that doesn't pack much. We did our usual 6-ish miles, with even a bit of cantering after evaluating the footing, albeit not as much as he might like. Though what he wants to do is not always wildly realistic for either of us.

We saw more people than expected for a weekday midday. A couple of folks with dogs who politely advised us at a distance that yes, they did have dogs and yes, they were leashed. (cute dogs! A lab and a heeler-looking critter). And then a cyclist with one of those fat-tire all-terrain bikes. We see the tracks regularly, and the trails are popular with mountain bikers. Luckily I have yet to run into any trail users who are anything but genial and polite. Everyone was just enjoying a bright winter day.

On tracks: I love seeing all the creature (human and not) tracks in the snow. They tell elaborate stories and I try to figure out which are recent, which are older, and who and what have been where. We saw human prints weaving into the brush along the powerlines, which is unusual because there aren't really trails off. I didn't think they were worker prints, because there were no tire tracks from their trucks. And we see lots of squirrel and rabbit, and some deer prints, and muskrat. Some canid prints which could be foxes, or dogs, or coyotes. If there's no people tracks alongside, they are probably fox or coyote. We did see some LARGE canid prints today - rather unusually large. Someone's big dog (I hope). We are mostly the only horse tracks, and certainly seem to be the only ones from the barn going out with any regularity at all. Well, it keeps us occupied. I know people are bugged by the cold, but I still say there is much to be said for winter riding.

The BO has found a person to lease Beau, one of his trail horses, which will be good for him and the horse. Bring in some money, and do some good for the horse, who has mostly just been sitting. He was last ridden I think sometime around the drama in the fall, and was not always the best behaved of creatures and had a tendency toward being somewhat barn sour. The woman came by today and rode around in the ring and they seemed alright, so that's hopeful.

My friends came by as well. They had come by Tuesday when I was not there and the woman who does AM feed and chores had them helping break up and remove the ice in the tubs. On the one hand I know they're good people and he likes helping, on the other she does have a tendency to use others to avoid her responsibilities. They like being there though, and my friend likes kiddo to be responsible/helpful and occupied. Kiddo demonstrated his skill at fastening the blanket for me. He makes a few motor-skill related mistakes (ie mistakes that are related to fine motor control and planning, like twisting a strap around wrong) but he's good at correcting them with guidance. They also brought me a replacement bagel as someone thieved mine while Jasper and I were in the woods (there is a VERY short list of possible suspects and one is high on the list). Can't go wrong.

Weather is supposed to be decent again tomorrow. I'll get some woods-and-horse time in before plunging into work all weekend and starting up group work for this semester in school. (hrk).

 

[Horse & Dog Mom]

Oh, nobody better take my bagel. I would prep for a return engagement. I would do something inconspicuous but not dangerous. Put some unscented soap in a bit of water. Dip the bagel quickly and then let it dry. Package and leave for the thief.

... I'm sure @redbadger, you might have other ideas.

 

[redbadger]

I have regularly been going into the woods, thankfully. We're doing ok. One of the gals who used to board here and still does pony parties came by and admired Jasper as one of the best-looking horses at the barn, especially given it's winter. It helps I think that he's still in - well, I mean, I wouldn't say heavy work, we got out about 6 miles/2hrs 3-4x a week. But he's getting exercise and food, so he's keeping well. He grudgingly accepted the other day that the condition of the snow (thick, wet) meant that running wasn't an option. Life is hard, my dude.

Since labeling my bagel with my name, it has not been stolen. Kiddo is still doing well at the blanketing.

Made some accidental art with the curry comb the other day. I keep saying yesterday. I'm not clear on what day it is. I'm off today, and actually until Wednesday because I took Sunday off for my sanity. I just needed a quick break. Not going anywhere just - a break.

So in good news, I fit myself into a pair of 36 pants today. It's been a long since I've fit into a pair of 36 (this is men's sizing obvs) pants. But that means that I could also fit myself into a pair of used, but good-quality police-issue riding breeches I bought several years ago for a mere $15 at a surplus store. They look similar to the ones the US Army Caisson riders wear - a deep blue with gold stripe on the side, very classy. But now they can clasp! Just barely but that means maybe a few more weeks of this and they'll clasp more easily and I could, you know, wear them and be fancy. I'm content wearing jeans, but sometimes I might want to look fancy. They were made by a company called Peter Jay in New York, which I'm not sure is still extant.

The counterpoint to this good news is that I measured myself for, and bought, a new kilt two weeks ago, received it, and it's too big and needs at least a couple of inches taken in. Which would be great if I hadn't tried to wear it to the Burns Night celebration and nearly had a wardrobe malfunction trying to dance the Gay Gordons.