What's in a Name?

Sorry, Old Sports! I'm pretty behind in my blogging, aren't I? Gatsby--er, reading week--was very busy, and I needed a nap after Spode left.  We did so much stuff! 

The start of my week was taken up with worrying about uveitis.  Still lots of thinking to do for my human friends.  Me? I'm more concerned about the medication. Ugh, so much! But tomorrow they start reducing it, so yay for me! I did get lots of praise for being such a good patient, which also means more treats, so at least there's that.  I've pretty much resigned myself to the medication now.  I put my head up in protest once each time, but then I stand normally.  I've learned they'll do it no matter what, so best to get it over with quick. Plus, I usually get dinner after my meds. 

Please, sir, can I have some more? I've been oh so good.

You make me look like a fool and you force things into my eyes. I really don't know why I put up with you.  Hey, did you just put your hand in your pocket? Treats?? 

I also spent a lot of time walking around the lane way and seeing traffic.  I'm doing pretty well, if I do say so myself, and I've also almost got the command over" down pat on BOTH sides rather than just my left.  It's not my fault--It's hard to move sideways without moving forward when there are no walls around me! Anyway, I think we've got that command now. Being outside was fun.

Sure is windy out here.  Oh look, here comes another car! 

Cars kinda suck.  I'm bored now.

Now, just as I thought cars were totally fine and were no reason to fret, a truck pulled in the driveway and scared the heck out of me.  Spun around and snorted like a dragon, but Spode was happy I didn't actually try to run away from her.  That meant I got soothing pats and words instead of an angry Spode with a dislocated arm, so it's all good! But sheesh, I'll have to watch for cars sneaking up on me now... 

But it wasn't all work. I also had some fun times this reading week!  I was feeling especially hot one day so we went to play in the arena. Oh boy. 

Bottoms up!

Look ma, I can stand on my head!

Let's go!

Great photography there Spode...

That's better!

I also showed off my trot for Spode, 'cause I know that gets her dressage blood pumping.

Yeah, I can move when I want to!

Aside from that, we spent some time doing showmanship.  I understand now that I mustn't move a muscle when Spode says whoa, even when she walks away from me and around me.  Got it! Spode called me a super star on Sunday.  Can't finish the week much better than that!

Why thank you!!

In the midst of my week with Spode, however, we also had to deal with the day of Zoodles' passing.  February 21st was a tough day, and Spode didn't spend much time with me. That was okay.  I was quiet and patient and didn't fuss much because she was upset.  It got me thinking and reflecting on my predecessor though, so I'll share some insights I came up with while Spode was with me. It all has to do with my name. There are several reasons why the name Gatsby is perfect for me, and all of them revolve around love.

First, I am named Gatsby because Spode loves the book.  The Great Gatsby is the book that got her hooked on English lit, and it's the reason she is at school studying it. It's only natural to combine her love of literature and her love of horses into one.

Second, I'm giant, so the "great" aspect was chosen for a double meaning.  Spode loves those too. 

Third, Spode believes the novel is about hope and having a true dream (yeah, that's right, I know Spode's literary interpretations. Why do you think I have such mastery over the English language for a horse!)  In addition to many other things, the novel is about striving for a goal that is neither shallow nor material, and that is the part that inspired my name.  Love is a matter of infinite hope, and Spode named me after her personal icon of hope and dreams so that she could remember what's important in life.

Fourth and most important, you cannot repeat the past. The important thing is to keep striving for your dream, but repeating the past is out of the question.  This has everything to do with Zoodles. My name is a reminder that I will never be a replacement for Spode's first feelings of love and hope.  I can only ever be something different.  And that's just right. It doesn't make me less important, but it separates the two of us and reminds Spode that just because she loves me does not mean I have replaced her love of Zoodles.  That's not possible.  Gatsby--Fitzgerald's Gatsby--taught her that, but I am teaching it as well in my own way.  Trying to repeat the past is what is dangerous. But finding another way of loving is endlessly hopeful. 

I suspect that on the anniversary of the day Spode let go of Zoodles, I reminded her that love is different but still important, and that Zoodles is not forgotten by having another horse.  No.  Instead I emphasize it because I can reflect it back to her.  I am loved because of her prior love for Zoo.  We are both content with that.

So once again, here's to you, Zoodles.  You taught Spode a lot about love, and I'm teaching her a lot about how to love again, differently. Much love to you, my friend. 

Until later, Old Sports.

Jay. 

Uveitis: It's Back

Well, Old Sports, my weekend was not fantastic.  Spode noticed that I had a bit of a squinty eye and my left pupil was unusually small.  Cue a visit from the vet today.

The vet gave me this very strange drug that made me feel super sleepy.  Spode had to hold me up and the barn workers had to steady me a few times.  I needed help walking to my stall after, too.  I don't know what it was, but I kinda like the feeling, to be honest... Just say no, Old Sports.

The vet poked my eyes a whole lot to measure the pressure of my eyes.  Too low in both eyes, apparently. I got a bunch of medication and a schedule of drops and painkiller for the next few weeks.  Oh joy.  The barn workers were just thrilled to hear the news.

Spode and the vet discussed surgery but in my woozy state I didn't really understand what the plan was.  Spode and the vet need to figure out more about that before anything happens, but it looks like I'll have to travel somewhere and have someone else poke at my eyes.  Yeesh.

So, not a great start to the week.  At least I have my friends.

Until later, Old Sports.

Jay.

Happy Valentine's Day to You!

It's Valentine's Day! You may have noticed, Old Sports, that I've made numerous comparisons between my gal Spode and Fitzgerald's Daisy in the past.  It's true, my relationship with Spode shares some similarities with my namesake's relationship with Daisy.  On this Day of Love, I thought I would go into a bit more detail about ways in which they are similar and different. 

Number 1, both Gatsby and I are OBSESSED with our respective Daisy figures! Both Daisy figures live for that obsession.  If Gatsby were a horse, you can bet he'd run to the gate to see Daisy like I do.

Number 2, We can't be together all the time.  Spode and Daisy are both away a lot.  It sucks, but it leaves Gatsby and I ever hopeful. 

In many ways, Spode is not like Daisy though.  

Number 1, Spode does not have "a voice full of money".  Namely because she has no money left because of me.  You're welcome.  I've just saved you from a shallow life, Spode. 

Number 2, no adultery. 

Oh wait, but she really likes Striker too and does split her time between us...  Oh my god, this is not the realization you want to come to on Valentine's Day.  No!!!

Gatsby's face when Daisy says she loves Tom AND Gatsby: "You loved me... too?"

Despite the fact that she breaks my heart every time I see her lead Striker into the arena from my paddock, we had a great day today.  Lots of playing around and lots of TOMfoolery (haha).

I was seriously unimpressed with Spode's Valentine's day preparations though. Sheesh.  All she did was try and make a heart shape out of treats.

I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this, Spode, but you fail at life. That is simply not a recognizable heart. No wonder you've got no ambitions to teach kindergarten! You never made it past basic shapes!

But whatever, they still taste of love. 

After treats, Spode decided it was time to go in the arena and play around.  We did that for a bit, but we changed things up today.

Um, somehow this seems like an inappropriate pose for V day.  Just sayin'

Then Spode was VERY annoying and insisted on selfies.  Don't let her age fool you-Spode is still a teenager at heart.  I am more mature than her on most days, and I'm 2!

We had some terribly unsuccessful but amusing attempts:

Wait, let me get my nose in the picture too!

Your hair smells good enough to eat--please, take that as a compliment!

We did get a couple semi-successful ones.

#Gorgeous Gatsby

And some lovey dovey ones:

I'll always listen to you and you can always hug my neck and bury your nose in my mane when you need it.  Such is the vow of the horse-human relationship. And you will always tell me I'm worth every penny <3

Can I bury my nose in your neck too? 

You're kind of adorable. 

A fun selfie shoot despite the required patience.  Spode mostly laughed while I tried to eat her, so it's all good! We both got what we wanted. In the end, I love Spode, she loves me, so we're a happy couple.  So happy Valentine's Day, Old Sports! Go hug your horses! Or dogs, or cats, or, gasp, even your human significant others! 

Love (and treats!) for everyone! 

Yours truly,

Jay. 

So much for a day of rest...

After two days of playing around, I had two days of serious work.  I had the opposite of a weekend, actually.  But hay, I have 4 days off now so that's okay.  I'll even forgive the fact that Spode interrupted my naps THREE TIMES today! How does one even manage that? Can't a horse get a break around here? Not with Spode for an owner, clearly.

Anyway, backing up to Saturday (see what I did there, Spode? Backing up? See, I remember how to do it!), we had a good saddle session.  Lots of running around making sure I didn't care one bit about the saddle or about stirrups banging around.  I admit to being a bit hesitant about cantering with the stirrups down, but it wasn't much different than trotting, it turns out, so that's all fine.

Are we done yet?

Spode just kept waiting for a reaction that was not forthcoming.  It was quite dull.

Seriously, there's not even any food or grass to graze in here.  I'm BORED.

She kept trying to move away from me to get a look at my side but I was having none of that.

Trying to get away from me, are you? Unfortunately for you my lateral work is stellar. I'll just keep turning on the forehand here...

Spode eventually got bored too so she dragged the mounting block out and started hopping up and down on it.  Then she got me to stand beside it and do the same thing without me turning around to look at her.  I eventually understood what to do and didn't budge.  Lo and behold, I got some treats out of the deal.  I think my favourite thing about being a horse is that, at times like these, you are literally getting treats for doing NOTHING.  How lucky am I?

The next step was for Spode to lean her shoulders on the saddle while I kept doing...nothing.  I admit to being a bit worried about that.  I know she keeps saying she's waiting until August, but I still feel like she might just swing up one day....

Um... excuse me, what are you doing back there? I'm watching you! (With my ear, of course). 

After trying it three times and her not threatening to lean any more weight on me than her shoulders, I relaxed.  Nope, definitely not swinging a leg up today.

That was all for Saturday.  Got some hugs and kisses and back out I went. 

Today Spode came out when I was napping and tried to sneak up on me, but she didn't make it very far because another horse came over to see her, which woke me right up.  I immediately headed her way, but got a bit off course....

Oh! Hey there Spode! I'm coming!!

Holy crap! There's another horse behind you, and he's the boss!

I'm just gonna go around you while you tell him to go away, K? Thanks. 

After Spode got rid of the boss for me, we had a very long grooming session and then she took pictures of my feet (humans are weirdoes, aren't they?).  I'll spare you the pictures because it's my blog and I don't care how much better my feet look.  My face is cuter than my hoof, especially since I got a haircut.

Even with a mask, you can't deny it. Notice anything different? I'm beardless! 

Spode discovered that, despite the green fuzzies, my mask rubbed my chin.  She decided to cut off my beard in hopes that would help and decided not to make it quite so tight.  She made me promise to keep it on anyway.  We'll see...

Clean-shaven and suave in my argyle suit! 

After that, Spode took me for a walk up the drive way and through the gates of West Egg--er, Fox Hollow.  We looked at some cars and watched some snowmobiles.  I was cool with it, but when we turned around and I could only hear the cars and not see them, it was a little scarier.  Still, nothing too outrageous and terrifying.  We had a nice little jaunt.

I thought I was done for the day because Spode turfed me back out after our walk and took Striker in instead.  I saw her take him in all tacked up so I figured I was definitely done and so settled in to finish my morning nap.  Well, much to my chagrin, she woke me up half an hour later with Striker in tow so we could do a bit of ponying.  Argh.  I so wasn't in the mood and tried to bite Striker, but Spode got mad at me so I just had to hold in my frustration and do what was asked.  So annoying.  It's Sunday morning!

Seriously?

You know, if you went one way and I went the other, I bet we could end this gig. 

No? Sheesh, you're such a goody two shoes, Striker. You don't even want to try and fit through the door together?

Finally! We're done! I see you down there.  Just make with the treats and let's get out of here.  No more work!

After a tedious ponying session, back out to the pasture I went while she untacked Strikes in the barn.  She took a long time so I happened to be laying down napping in the snow since I was now exhausted. I couldn't resist coming to the gate though because of the prospect of treats.

What? What are you looking at? Yes, I got a bit snowy...

Treats now?

Striker wanted treats too and was a little cross about sharing.  Ok.  I guess I deserve it after biting him earlier...

And that was that! A busy Sunday, but I'm okay with it really.  I just would have preferred to have an undisturbed nap first, that's all.  I was still disappointed to see Spode leave. She tells me she has a week break coming up called "Reading Week". Ha, yeah, right.  More like Gatsby week.  I'm looking forward to it. 

That's it?

Until later, Old Sports!

Jay. 

Vet Vindication: "He's just like a little boy with ADD right now!"

The best news: my first bout of uveitis has cleared up: YAY! No more eye drops, no more steroids, no more eye patches, and no more bute! I am a happy horse to say the least. The vet finally gave me the all clear.  Thank goodness! Alas, I still have to wear the mask.

Booooo. 

The vet was patient with my curiosity (actually, I think she found me rather cute--who wouldn't!) and explained to Spode that I'm experiencing teenage ADD and testiness right now.  Yep, I'm pushing the limits against my mum every day, it's true.  We get into arguments occasionally, and even though I never win, I gotta try again the next day.  Mrs. Vet explained that I'm just at that age to Spode.  I'm testing the elders in my herd, and I gotta do the same to my human herd as well. She also said that with my teeth caps falling out, I'm teething, it's true.  I just have to learn that chewing on jackets is not the right thing to teethe on. (I'm getting there!)

Me? Nip? Never. Too cute for such baby silliness.

I have had two groundwork lessons already this weekend because of bad behaviour.  Yeah, I admit it. Spode says I forgot how to back up, but really I just didn't want to.  Not like she can make me-have you seen our size difference? Well, after our sessions, turns out the puny Spode can make me.  I'm as good as gold now.

Fine, you win. I'm tired.  I'll move out of your personal space when you say "back".  But only because I want to.  Humph.  

She made me do lots of leading and moving over. Then we played around for a bit, which is always nice. (And treats make it even nicer!)

Today was farrier day so I also did come groundwork while awaiting his arrival.  Spode eventually got tired and I was being pretty good, so then she sat down expecting me to wander around the arena by myself.  Ha. No chance of that.  I'm too much of a people horse...

Yup, I'm just gonna stand over you while you sit on the block... No need to do anything else.

Yep, even if you wanna stand up and wave your arms around.  I ain't budging (and I know you just want to look at my handsome young back anyway.  Yeah, you're tempted to lean on it.  Don't lie). 

I'm just gonna look at the door now and hope you eventually take the hint that I'd prefer to go back to my field, pretty please.

After standing patiently for my dainty (ha!) hooves to be trimmed, back out to the field I went.  We did have a close mishap today when I needed to pee, but Spode noticed me dancing around a bit and quickly ran me over to the nearest stall.  I barely held it.  Phew! Glad Spode noticed.  She's glad to.  She realized today that if I were to pee, I would flood the three nearest tack closets--including mine! All those blankets stacked on the floor would be even worse smelling than they are now--can you imagine!? Ew. 

My friend Striker is relieved, I'm sure! No one wants to wear a peed on blanket...

That's all we did so far! Tomorrow perhaps we'll do some ground driving or saddle work.  Who knows. Spode's all over the place with her training these days.  All depends on her mood! The things I have to put up with...

Think we could do some how-to-get-off-the-mask-now-that-it's-strapped-to-the-halter-and-buttoned-up work? That I would like!

Until later, Old Sports!

Jay.