Horse Blog by Chapman's Premium

A Horse’s Heart, Endurance & Love

August 20th, 2010

This is a story as told to me by a man that I was acquainted with when I rode the trails in Campbell Valley Park. I had met him and his horse initially at cattle penning, and then proceeded to see him quite often at the Park.

I hadn’t seen him in quite some time, and he told me the following story. It’s a story of perseverance, determination, loyalty, trust, and a boundless love. Everyone should be so blessed to know such trust and loyalty. Everyone should be so blessed to have a relationship with a horse.

————–

Dead pine cones and needles crunched under his feet as he trudged through the gnarly pine trees. It had been months since he’d last seen her and still he looked for her every weekend, up in the mountains.

He was an endurance rider and ’she’ was his willing partner, a bay arab mare with a sweet disposition and a heart that would carry him anywhere. They had been endurance riding when she spooked, he fell and she took off. He looked for her all that weekend, calling her name, whistling for her.

He drove back home with a heavy heart, worrying, wondering where she was. Work kept him busy, but still, he worried. Where was she? He drove back up to the mountains the next weekend and again, picking his way through rough and hilly terrain, calling her name. He posted ‘lost’ posters at every tack shop, on the internet – asking if anyone had seen her, and where.

Weeks went by, with sightings hundreds of miles away from where he had fallen off. He drove to every single one of the sightings, calling her name, pushing through brush, over dead logs, and miles and miles of mountainous trails. Summer turned to fall, and the warm summer days turned crisp with a cold bite. He hoped that someone, somewhere had found her. He hoped that his endurance saddle had fallen off of her, or that someone had found her and taken it off.

Every weekend he hunted for her. Fall turned to winter, and he hoped the early snow fall that silenced his footsteps would reveal her hoof prints. Weeks marched on, snow cloaked the deadfall, leaving soft mounds like whipping cream where trails had been. Icy, snow laden roads made driving treacherous and he could no longer access the mountain. Still, he kept her poster and internet listing ‘alive’, requesting info for any sightings.

Winter’s cold whiteness slowly warmed to brown mud and new green buds and shoots peeked and popped towards the spring sun. Once again, he was able to head for the mountains to look for her.

Spring stretched into warm summer days again. One weekend, intuition led him back to where he had originally fallen off, and with little hope, he wandered the area, calling her name, hearing his footsteps crunching in the fallen pine needles, branches grasping at his coat, hair and face. His leather riding gloves protected his hands from the dead branches he constantly pushed aside.

He called her name again, his heart skipping when he heard a soft noise. He stood silently, listening – he called again, and again, he heard the soft nicker that was so familiar. His heart pounding he called and listened, trying to determine which direction she was in.

Frantically, he pushed through brush, not wanting to frighten her, but panicked that he might lose her again. He called her name again, and again she nickered, and this time, as his hands roughly pushed some branches aside, he glimpsed her standing in the shadows of overgrowth and trees.

Elated, he moved quietly towards her, talking softly. As he neared her, his elation turned to heartbreak. Her bridle was still on and was embedded into her skin in spots. Branches were twisted into one side of her bridle, holding her tight. She was badly cut, with no resources to heal herself, and no fight left to get herself free.

Her once gleaming coat was dull and shaggy. His saddle had worn a hole in her withers, her emaciated and bony frame told a story of months of famine. Her once rounded hindquarters were sunken, her hip bones jutting sharply through a thin covering of skin. He touched lightly the matted mess of her mane, and gently ran his hand down her hollow neck.

Tears slid down his cheeks as he rubbed her softly between her eyes. Her once bright brown eyes were dull and glazed from fear, flight, loneliness and starvation. Freeing her from the snarl of branches, he pressed his forehead to her neck, feeling his hot tears against her skin.

Once free, she dropped her head to his chest and nuzzled his hands. Slowly, he crouched down and as if on cue, she tucked her knees and dropped heavily beside him.He stretched his legs out on the blanket of pine needles, next to her. Content, she lay her head in his lap, closing her expressive brown eyes, relief relaxing her entire body. He stroked her head, her neck, scratching the place behind her ears that had always made her nudge him for more.

If she could only talk! What tales would she have to tell? Where had she run to? What had scared her? And how much pain had she endured with that saddle still on? Stroking her neck, her face, he talked, telling her of how he had looked for her for so many months. How he never gave up on finding her. He talked for hours, telling her of all the places he’d been to look for her. All his adventures and disappointments, and how, this weekend, he didn’t know why, but his heart led him back to where it all started.

He told her how happy he was to have found her, and let the tears fall, as his heart knew this was the end for her. He stroked her, told her how much he loved her, she opened her eyes, full of trust and love, and with a huge deep breath, closed them and let her last and final breath go – safe and happy again in the care of her partner. Love had kept him looking, and he was certain, had kept her alive until he found her.

Gently, he moved her lifeless head from his lap, to the indentation his body left in the pine needles, stroking her one last time. Tears blinding his sight, his heart aching, he turned and picked his way carefully through the brush and down the mountain.

Andrea Chapman

Tags: Endurance, Heart, horse, Love
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First Ride!

July 26th, 2010

Today, I went for a ride for the first time in two years! I have really missed riding – and going again reminded me of how much fun it is, and how much I enjoy it. I love all the ritual of grooming… brushing his glossy summer coat, and brushing his tail – combing out his thick mane. His tail was a bit of a mess, but with Fiebing’s Satin Sheen, it makes it really easy to brush out.

Nick (fatty boy) was a bit spooky, but all in all, for a first ride in a long time, he was really good. We (my daughter and I) went to our old haunt, Campbell Valley Park. We did not attempt the 14km around the park, as none of us is in any shape to go that far, but just rode to the water splash and back. Nick is such a great little horse – and for 22, he’s sure doing well. His trot was bit short and choppy to start, but I think that was as much the rider (wink) as it was the horse.

Dodge, my daughter’s horse, has really nice gaits. He has a lot of suspension in his trot, and I’m sure once he’s fully trained, he’ll be awesome. He’s a little green and wobbly, and he was quite nervous going through the trails. He behaved himself admirably though, for a ‘green’ horse.

The horses were tired at the end of the ride, and Nick could only manage a canter half way up the hill. Dodge trotted the whole way up – a good indication they both had had enough. A good sponge bath for them at the end of the ride, a quick spray of Chapman’s Premium to ease any muscle soreness, and they were glad to be going home.

Overall, a fantastic day with a wonderful ride! I can hardly wait until the next trip out! Oh yeah, and I’ll be using some of that Chapman’s Premium on myself tonight.

Andrea

Tags: Chapman's Premium, grooming, horse, horse grooming, liniment
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Grooming For Horse Show Days – Part II

July 12th, 2010

After putting the horses to bed, the tack would come home from the barn to be cleaned and checked. Boots were polished, and show clothes were laid out. Stitching was checked on stirrup leathers, and irons were polished. Everything else was left for the morning.

Mornings were always earlier than normal. Breakfast was little earlier, and while they were eating, we’d load up the trailer. Water buckets, saddles (in eventing two saddles are needed – one for dressage, and one for jumping). Bridles and extra bits loaded, along with extra stirrup leathers, and reins. Coolers and sweat sheets were loaded, along with the grooming box and the travel first aid kit. Alfie – Mr. Ultrasensitive was a tremendous athlete and, like many talented horses, was prone to injury. Show clothes (breeches, boots, jacket, show shirt, hair net, helmet, protective vest, gloves) were all packed and checked off. And of course, treats and snacks for both horse and rider.

So then, we’re ready to go. Shipping boots are put on and the horses loaded. Once we get to our destination, then comes the last minute preparations.

A last minute check of the braids. A final brush, and hoof picking. At this point, prior to competing, I’ve always used the Chapman’s Premium to calm down our horses and relax their muscles so they can use them to their full capacity. ?Both horse and rider are ready for warm up. Warm-up consists of a relatively short ride, only to warm up the muscles and ensure obedience. Enough time is allotted though, if a longer warm up is required.

Out of the warm up ring, a last wipe down of the boots, wiping the horse’s mouth from ‘foam’, (this is a good sign) and off into the arena, with a relaxed but eager horse. Preparation is the key to excellent results.

“Horses – they fill your heart and feed your soul”.

Andrea

Tags: horse, horse grooming, horse show
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Founder!

July 7th, 2010

Founder – another dreaded word in the horse world. It’s such a preventable disease, and yet, every year, thousands of horses suffer from founder. There can be many causes of founder, and one big one is not enough exercise for the amount of feed they are getting. Many horses founder in the spring, and it’s thought to be from the grass being too rich and too sweet.

Interestingly enough, more horses founder in the fall than in the spring. The reason? When the rain starts to fall again after a dry summer, the grass starts to grow rich and sweet, just like the spring. Many people are aware of the dangers of keeping their horse out on the spring grass too long, but do not recognize that you have to be aware equally as much in the fall.

Of course, restricting your horse’s intake and ensuring they get enough exercise will help prevent founder. When I was living up-country, I had to watch my horses as they were not getting the exercise and certainly getting a lot of pasture grass. At one point, my farrier advised me that my tb, Moka was foundering a little, and to watch fatty boy aka uber brat Nick. I was stunned in regards to Moka – and promptly brought her in off the grass and started exercising her. She had some heat in her feet, so I sprayed some Chapman’s Premium on her. I was amazed at how quickly it brought the heat out of her hoof.

Fortunately, Moka was caught in time, and it was a very mild case of founder in just one hoof. As a result, I’m totally anal about keeping their weight down.

A client of mine had advised me that he hauls horses for a living. He said he was hauling a horse with founder and it went down in the trailer it’s feet were so sore. He heard it go down so he stopped to check on it. He said he used some Chapman’s Premium liniment on it, sprayed it’s hooves, both sole and wall, and he said within minutes the horse was back up and stood all the way to it’s destination.

Although it’s not a cure, if it helps ease the inflammation, pain and swelling and makes them more comfortable – then it’s all good!

Horses – they steal your heart and fill your soul.

Andrea

Tags: Chapman's Premium, founder, horse, leg injuries, liniment
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Leg Injuries

July 4th, 2010

When dealing with leg injuries, there’s a few things I do to ensure a speedy recovery. Cold hose or ice, depending on the time of year, liniment, and bandaging. I feel it’s really important to support their legs as much as possible while they’re movement is limited – and I always bandage the opposing leg, and sometimes all four.

It’s really important to put liniment on all four legs to keep any swelling down. Many times, due to having to redistribute their weight, their other legs may swell while taking the weight for the injured one. The other area that I always use liniment on, is their back – and in particular, their loin area. I find using the liniment on their neck and back eases any muscle tension from stress at having their movement restricted.

I’ve found that many times when their leg(s) are injured, their back gets sore from taking the weight off the injured leg and redistributing it onto the other three. I use an infrared muscle massager to massage their back, and then use liniment. It’s a great time to just spend time with your horse, and especially if they are isolated or stall bound, being herd animals, they really appreciate the company.

I always enjoy giving my horse a complete grooming every day, during recovery. We both seem to take pleasure from the touch – kind of like having a spa day!

Just … ride!

Andrea

Tags: back, grooming, Injuries, leg injuries, liniment
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Mane Pulling

June 25th, 2010

I’ve never been a big fan of mane pulling. I wouldn’t want my hair pulled out by it’s roots to have my hair cut. I’ve been told by various people – ‘oh, it doesn’t hurt them’ – oh yeah? And maybe some of them it doesn’t. But for certain, I have two that it definitely hurts.

I have a theory, that the thicker and coarser the hair, the more likely it is to hurt when pulled. Alfie – the wonderful chestnut thoroughbred, it never bothered. His hair was very thin and fine – he was also a very passive horse and a pleaser. Moka, the rescuee, has fine but very thick hair – she’s also very dominant. Pull her mane? Not if you want to live – and I mean that seriously. She will do anything to keep you away from pulling her mane. Cut it? No problem, but pull it – not a chance.

And Nick, the uber brat? Well, being a fjord cross his mane is very thick and the hair very coarse. Even tranquilized he will not allow you to pull his mane. Believe me, I tried it after his teeth were floated. He will shoulder check you right into next week if you’re not careful. It’s not a fun experience for me or for them.

So what did I do? I bought a mane comb with shears on it – and I just cut the darn things. It’s a lot easier for all of us. And I’m all for making things pleasant! That’s what having a horse is supposed to be about, isn’t it?

Horses – my heart, my hope, my life.

Andrea

Tags: grooming, horse, mane, mane pulling
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Grooming – Tail

June 25th, 2010

We’ve had a number of horses over the years. Alf, the thoroughbred chestunut, had very fine mane and tail hair. Nick, the fjord cross and uber brat, has very course thick mane and tail, just like the purebred fjords. Moka, the bay thoroughbred, has black mane and tail and although the hair is fine, it’s very thick.

So, did we groom them differently? No, not at all. Alf needed a little more care in grooming his mane and tail, but basically we treated them all the same.

Nick’s tail was actually the toughest to groom, being the thickest. My favorite product for grooming mane and tails is Feibing’s Satin Sheen. It doesn’t leave a sticky feeling like so many others do.

I start with the tail first. I spray the entire tail with Satin Sheen and then pick up the bottom of the tail and rub it against the top of the tail. I use the palm of my hands to rub it in from top to bottom. I then use a regular hair brush, with plastic bristles, spread widely apart.

I take the brush and start at the bottom of the tail. I take a small piece of the tail and lay the tail across my thigh, just above my knee. Starting at the bottom, brush a few inches at a time, until you can feel the tangles are out. Work your way up to the top.

Continue brushing the tail in this manner until you’ve brushed all the tangles out. Then take the entire tail and lay it across your knee and in the same manner, brush it all again, right up to the top.

Brushing in this manner reduces and prevents breakage, and leaves their tail looking full. I found brushing their tails was very theapeutic and was one of my favorite pasttimies.

Enjoy!

Andrea

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Horse Shedding Out? Best Tips…

June 25th, 2010

I love spring. The budding trees, the profusion of flowers that seem to burst every day. The rich green grass. It’s such a wonderful feeling of renewal. But the shedding? Moka, my beautiful rescued thoroughbred, seems to shed overnight, with no brushing. I often wonder if she just leaves it in her blanket one night. And then there’s Nick – the brat. His sire was a fjord and his dam was quarter horse/arab. He’s a chunky guy, lovingly called “fatty boy” and looks like a quarter horse on steroids. He’s the ultimate in “big hair”. I should call him Mr. Bouffant. He’s a beautiful ivory buckskin and got his sires long furry coat – yuck. He looks so cute when he fuzzes up for the winter, but come spring – I could make a whole new horse with what he sheds. Bleah. He rolls and rolls and rolls, leaving white patches of hair all over the pasture. And even with the shedding blade, he leaves volumes of hair stuck to every part of me. Believe me, I’ve been mistaken for a sasquatch after brushing him! One huge tip for women, do NOT wear lipstick or lip balm to the barn in spring.. unless you want hairy lips. There’s nothing quite like having to pull horse hair out of your lipstick. I’ve tried everything to help my horse shed out, and the only thing I can tell you is… brushing and a shedding blade. Some people swear by baby oil, but my feeling is that it leaves a mess and you have to bathe your horse… so what is working? The baby oil or the fact that you have to bathe them? Undoubtedly the bathing is what helps them shed out, and if it’s cool, you don’t want to be bathing them. I’ve found the best method is using a rubber curry brush in a circular motion all over him first, then use the shedding blade. Oh yeah, and as for what to wear so you don’t wear the hair home? I found putting on overalls over my clothes keeps most of the hair off of me. I just leave the overalls at the barn, and I go home, relatively clean – or at least mostly hairless (going home “clean” from a barn has got to be a miracle – and an oxymoron!) Enjoy spring and the bursting of new growth – including “new hair”. Andrea

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Frogs, Ermines, and Horsefeathers

June 25th, 2010

Did you ever wonder how parts of a horse were named? I mean, really, who would ever think of naming that funny triangular thing on the bottom of their hoof, a “frog”?

It’s not green, it doesn’t leap or sit on a lily pad. And as far as I know, it doesn’t croak. At least, I’ve never heard one do so – not from the bottom of the hoof anyway.

And ermines? On a horse? I think of luxurious fur when I think of an ermine. Something women used to wrap around their shoulders on a night out. It used to be the height of fashion to have an “ermine stole”.(Now, you’d be tarred and feathered).

So how did they end up calling those little black spots in white socks or stockings around the coronet band become “ermines”? As close as I can figure it, when they used to make ermine stoles or trim, they’d use the black tip of the ermine tails and intersperse it throughout the trim, etc, for contrast.

Can’t you just hear the horses? “Eeeew, your white socks are dirty! You have black spots in them!” “How crass, dahling – I have ermines!”

What about horsefeathers? We’ve all heard that term. I used to think, how silly, horses don’t have feathers. Imagine my surprise when I found out they did!

But who would think to call the long hair at their fetlocks “feathers”? They don’t flap their feet, and take off. Although, sometimes they do appear to “fly”, it’s not in the literal sense.

You have to wonder, who thinks these things up? So if I see a green horse croaking and leaping, wearing an ermine stole on each hoof and flapping it’s legs, I’ll then know why they were called frogs, ermines, and horsefeathers.

Andrea Chapman
copyright Sept 4/09

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