What? Moving? Yes!

Hey all, this is a quick update because I have a big day tomorrow. I am moving Ava to my dream ranch. It kind of came up suddenly but I think this is going to be a good move. I have been wanting Ava to live in a larger paddock or at least something with turnout, her pen at the moment is small, only dirt and no turnout. She is the kind of horse that needs to be a horse (yes, that is how I wanted it sound :P ) and staying in that little pen just won't cut it. I will truly miss my old BM but I think this will be the right choice for Ava and I think she will be much happier. Even though leaving the place she knew to go to a completely new place will be stressful it will hopefully create more happiness in her in the long run. Also she will get to see her life long friend Poco! I can't wait to see that moment, it could be very emotional (happy emotional) or it could be like they see each other and don't care at all. Either way they will both know that neither of them have died.

Of course I will take a million pictures, the ranch is literally to die for gorgeous and super photogenic! I can't wait to tell you how it all goes, good or bad.

Hoof Update and Weak Stifles?

I trimmed Ava's feet yesterday with my new hoof nippers. It made my job so much easier even with Ava being a pain in the butt. I think they have definitely improved especially on the heels. Her feet were really dry so I couldn't get all the bars off but hopefully all this rain will soften them up. I don't know if you remember but I posted the very first pictures of her feet before I started doing anything to them and her heels very slung under, it did not make me happy. But it looks like her heels are coming back and her balance it getting better.

Also I am having the vet come out on Thursday to check out Ava's stifles. I won't go too much into details until after I get a diagnosis but so far it is looking like she has weak stifles or a possible locking stifle. I put some pictures below of her cantering. On her left she seems much more calm but on her right it seems tight and rigid (especially when I ride..) She has also been falling on her hind end more often than before. I uploaded some of these pictures to a horse forum and the responses said that the stifles do look weak, so, I'll see what the vet says.

Firefly

Today Ava was moved into a pen with another horse! The horse had an individual pen next to Ava's and from the get go they became great friends. So, we decided to move them into a pen together. They acted like they have known each other for their whole lives and they don't pick on each other either (which is weird for Ava.) I was really happy for Ava, she needs a good friend while Poco is off being trained. This horse's name is Firefly and her owner is also a friend of mine which is even more wonderful.

The new pen is huge. It will be really nice for them to have a more space. Although they won't be staying in that paddock for long, they are almost finished building a new set of horse pens and said that Firefly and Ava will be moved in there after they're done, can't wait to show you guys!

 I'm not the best photographer ;)

Already sharing their hay!

Advice by Chris Cox

When I went to watch Chris Cox's demonstrations he said something very interesting and really made me think. I'd really like to share it with you all, so, here you go!

     "Do you pay for the vet bills, farrier bills, feed, tack, and all the other things the horse needs?" Chris asks one of the volunteers.
     "Yes" said the lady.
     "Is he pretty much treated like a million dollar horse?" Chris asks again.
     "Yes" the lady says again.
     "Well, if he is being treated like a million dollar horse he better start acting like one" Chris says.

My mind was blown!

Cleaning the Isle

So yesterday I made Ava clean up the isle that leads to her paddock. Since the grass was getting so long I didn't want people to think that I never took her out, so, I made her eat it all up. You could say she was thrilled to do so!

My Long Awaited Order!

A few weeks ago as some of you may know I ordered my very first pair of half chaps from Long Riders Gear. I was so excited to get them. I had to wait a while though. I accidentally messed up the payment method and on top of that the chaps ended up being out of stock and on top of that their store was in the middle of moving, so I was really bummed and didn't expect to get them for a while. But surprisingly while I was out of town visiting my grandparents they arrived! I was very happy with them too, I am always skeptical at buying clothing items online because you never know they will fit and I have had plenty of times where they don't but thankfully this time they fit my funky sized calf perfectly.

They are a nice floppy suede material and almost feel like nothing when they are worn, no hard wear either, all velcro. Perfect for a custom fit. These chaps are by Perri's Leather but I purchased them Long Rider's Gear. I've already worn them down to Ava and I can't believe I didn't get half chaps sooner, they help so much!

 

The Bag of Wonders

Well, school is finally over. I am actually going to miss it, it kept my mind occupied. But now I have a TON of free time to spend with Ava and doing whatever else I want, boy, I cannot wait! Anyways, let's get onto the post.

I've been meaning to make a post about this but hadn't come around to it but now I have! A few weeks ago I won this wonderful grooming tote bag from Simple Horse-Crazy. I am now obsessed with using it. This bag comes with me every time I go to the barn no matter what. It holds everything I need and then some. The material it is made out of is also very sturdy, perfect if your horse loves to paw at things, haha! The size is just right for brushes, towels, medical stuff, and even my work gloves. I can't believe how much easier life is with this bag, thank you Mary!

Ava's New Pen

A lot has happened within these few weeks. Firstly I just had my birthday last Wednesday (the 2nd) but postponed the party until today because school took up all the time during it. I got lots of wonderful presents such as: a signature Chris Cox halter, a new PHONE, a Bear Grylls' knife, new weather jacket, and money! So, you can pretty much say my birthday was pretty fun! Secondly I received Mare's grooming tote bag that I won in her giveaway, you can see her awesome blog [here]. I literally take it to the barn with me every time I go out, it holds everything I need and has so much style! Thanks so much Mare! I will post a photo soon, I have been kind of lazy with my pictures lately. The third thing is that school will be out next Wednesday along with a final exam as well, so, super busy until until then. Fourthly my aunt's horse Poco (Ava's best friend and known her whole life) was taken to a different ranch to be trained, so Ava is here by herself in her own pen.

Ava seems to be adapting well but you can tell she is a little depressed, I don't think that she knows that Poco is gone. I think Ava thinks that Poco is still in their old pen and I just moved Ava to her new spot for no reason. I feel kind of bad for Ava but luckily it won't be forever and it also gives me an excuse to hang out with her more and let her know that I didn't abandon her in that new pen.

Anyways, I wanted to show you Ava's new place! Nice and roomy and she has a sweet gelding next to her, Albee (also a horse that I am able to ride whenever I like.) So, here are some pictures.