I put up an ad for a Free Lease on Eagle

[Vida]

Just put it up at the drugstore and I'll hit the feedstores this week. Doubt if I'll get anyone as I won't let him leave my property but thought it can't hurt to try. Am probably too fussy as well but maybe there's that one person out there that he'll really click with that sees the ad so it can't hurt to try. My problem with him is that when I start to tense (and I tense relatively quickly on him because of my back), then he tenses, then I round my back in case he bucks which I know is wrong but can't help it, and then of course he bucks because I'm basically telling him to! So then my back hurts because I'm riding wrong and he gets stiffer and we just keep getting into the same scenario over and over again. Also put on the ad 'board available' for 1 or 2 horses. Am tired of constantly mowing my pastures in the growing season as they get too long so may as well have another couple of horses to eat it down. It may also keep hubby a little quiter about griping about the costs. But did double the price in the non-growing season as have no interest in looking after extra horses in the winter unless it's worth my while!

So cross your fingers I find the right person for Eagle. He's so quiet when I have those days of actually being able to relax, and I think a different rider would do him good. Wish I had have had him when my back was good and strong. I'll also give them the option to buy if I think they're suited so if they like him they don't feel they're wasting their time on somebody elses horse. I generally give a long trial period when I sell a horse to make sure they're a good match and both parties are happy but last time I did it, it was a pain to go and see them to check on them as they were so far away. So this time if they do get interested in buying, I won't have to travel to keep a check on how it's going.

[Lynne]

Good luck Vida. I know its a hard thing to do...But you obviously want what is best for both of you. I know what you mean about the tensing. I think I have been a tense rider in general for over a year now. Just this last weekend I had a major breakthrough (mine was fear not a back problem) and it feels so good to be back onboard!

I hope you find the perfect someone for Eagle, and who knows, having a couple boarders might make a world of change for everyone

How is Vance doing? Give Augie a pat for me...

Lynne

[Smay]

I have made all kinds of references to it when I'm around people I think could ride Teddy and that are experienced enough to not think twice about taking him to a lesson, or on a trail ride, or to a clinic...I think that if someone with lots of experience ( I always think of someone like Lee Ann) wouldn't worry if he was screaming in the trailer or kicking the ramp, or if he threw in a couple bucks at the start of each ride or squealed like a pig. They would just RIDE HIM and not get worried about it. But finding someone like that is impossible if you want to keep the horse at home!I mean, you can always send the horse to a trainer. But... I think I'm going to have to just do it myself if I want to keep him home or not spend a whole lot. But I'm lucky to not have a bad back like you Vida, cause that would cause a whole new set of problems cause you certainly don't want to aggravate that condition. hope you find someone to ride him a lot and not be a worrier. That's all he needs, probably is someone who is totally relaxed, like you say. I think the whole key is someone who can just 'ride through it" and not get hyper over it. Same thing, different day kind of rider!

[Vida]

Hey S.May, how about we surprise Leanne and send Eagle and Teddy to her with big red bows around their necks! I'm sure she'd have a lot of fun with them and they could compare notes and make plans of how to rattle her together!

And thanks for asking Lynn. Vance is doing great. He's fat and sassy and loves being Mr King man out there. Found his itchy spot which he's always shoving in my face for a big scratch (it's on his neck, not his butt!). Just noticed today that his spine is starting to indent a little (it was very protruded when he first came) so can now back off the grain a little to maintain. And Augie moved around a little last night as left him in the barn and this morning found him in the back yard near the house. Didn't find any red pee spots on the snow either today, just one dark brown one without coagulation Took him for a little longer walk today too. Weirdly enough he's pretty sure footed on those mangled front feet of his but his back legs slide out on the icy footing and those back feet are in really nice shape!

[BriscoMomma]

Vida, are Augie's pee spots just red/orange? Or do you actually SEE it as red *before* it hits the ground? Red/orange/rust colored pee spots on the snow (or even just on the ground after a short period of time) are completely normal.