How to get out of a weight loss program

Spring is in the air, old sports! It's finally true! No more winter is coming-I can feel it in my hair. I'm finally starting to let go of my winter coat that's been stubbornly holding on in case of a second winter. I think the risk is finally dissipated. Underneath all that hair, I'm actually kind of shiny. I swear.

Note the difference between neck and butt! 

Anyway, spring also means vet visits, which isn't my favourite thing. However, I did get to see the best vet in the world this time around, as her leg is all better now (remember-it wasn't me that did the damage! The only bones I've broken belong to Spode). Nobody likes a vaccine, but if it's necessary, you might as well get it done by people you love, am I right?
Spring vet visits are nonetheless a bit of an anxious time for Spode and me. All those medications can wreak havoc on my delicate immune system and my eyeballs. I had lots of bute before and after my spring worming and my first vaccination. 3 more to go in 2 more visits. So far so good. I had my eyes checked and they look fabulous. All is well!
I also had my teeth floated, which meant I had to be sedated. As usual, it took very, very little to make me groggy as heck. Spode and the vet had me rigged up to the rafters so Spode wasn't stuck holding up my heavy head like she usually is when I'm sedated. It was very embarrassing though--as soon as they lifted my head up I started snoring and didn't stop for a long, long time.

Is this real life?! 

So now my teeth are all smoothed out, my eyes are good, and I'm almost ready for mosquito season. The only downside? Mrs. Vet let me down. She felt all along my side and then told Spode I was a bit overweight. Spode was horrified--and me even more so! Spode was upset because she hadn't even realized I was too heavy, but I was upset because of the look of determination that crossed Spode's face after her look of shame had passed. That can only mean one thing. A weight loss program. This would mean fewer grazing breaks, fewer treats, less grain, and more WORK! Oh dear. 

I'm not coming one step closer until you promise you still have treats in that pocket. At least 3. 

So Spode is ready to work her butt off to get me to work my butt off. Me? I'm not so into the weight loss thing. I'm happy with my looks, thank you very much. 

Hey-who you calling heavy? 

But how do you keep the treats coming and minimize the weight loss? Be really, really good! When I make a break through under saddle, Spode can't resist throwing her reins away and letting me having a long walking break. And then, even better, she gives bonus treats immediately after getting off instead of just when I come in and go out. Perfect! Easy peasy! I'm pretty sure I've put on weight instead of getting trim. But hey-Spode's happy, I'm happy... the only one who might not be impressed is the vet in a couple weeks. But I'll figure something out at that time. So far, being a very good student is doing wonders for me. I'm looking more Clyde and less Thoroughbred every day. 

The result of a very good ride. See? Works like a charm.

Spode says my head is fatter for sure with all the praise I've been getting lately...

There's another method, of course. Spring is the perfect time to use the old mud trick. Just take a look at this....

I'm very proud of myself. Can you tell?

Here's the trick, old sports. When your mum has come with exactly 2 hours to spend with you, make sure that the majority of the time is spent on grooming. It's a big bonus if you have clay footing, because when that dries on your hair it's a nightmare to get off. Well, a nightmare for Spode--a miracle for me! Spode had very little time to whip me into shape on this particular day.

I pulled a fast one on you again, Spode! 

But really, the rides are not too bad. I'm definitely working harder than before, but it's not only because of my weight loss goal--it's also because show season is coming, so I've been told. Spode is bound and determined to get me out there and does not want to make a complete fool of herself. Therefore, I'm hard at work to improve my geometry (what is this, high school? You're only Miss Wolff at school, kid!) and my ability to bend. I'm getting there! 

First you want me to bend, then you want me straight. Then you want me to trot. Then stop. Then trot. SO confusing!! 

So all in all, life is good. Spode's broken foot is still very much broken, but it doesn't bother her all that much just doing the every day things. She is just like a horse with navicular. See Spode-I just wanted to step on you to test out my theory that people with navicular acth just like horses with navicular. Just slightly "off". But unlike how Spode would react to a horse with navicular, a fractured bone in Spode's foot isn't gong to stop her from getting me in shape.  Alas. I'll have to break her toes next time. I've heard you can't walk if that happens.... Maybe that'll be my next trick. 

I can eat while lying down and expend absolutely no energy whatsoever. Perfect! 

Until later, old sports.

Jay. 

Don't step on the foot that feeds and entertains you!

Oh, old sports, I am so bored! It's only been 4 days since Spode left me and was relegated to her house, but I'm already pacing the fence awaiting her return. Clearly I should have looked where I was stepping rather than putting my big feet wherever I please. #ClydesdaleProblems. We had been having such a lovely time since Spode is off school for the summer, too! My bad...

It was not great timing. I'm all itchy and muddy, and I would like nothing more than for Spode to get all of it off of me, especially since it's becoming rather hot under all this loose hair. We've had a typical Canadian spring--it did not exist. It's gone straight from winter to summer. Alas, my hair didn't know that.

I'm one giant fuzzball! Please, get it off!

It's also bad timing because Spode and I were just getting to the point where we were ready to start making some progress with our training instead of just getting back in shape. The start of show season is in one month, and we're not ready! I mean, I'm sure we could make our way around the ring in one piece, but it would be good if we could look halfway decent while doing it. We'll see. No matter what (well, barring health issues), we're starting our show season in May! I'm ready to take on the world-just you wait and see!

Pretty sure Spode feels like she can take on the world from way up here too!

Looks like it, doesn't it?

Still, there is a whole lot of prep work to do first. Spode is sending in all the forms, and now it's time to get all my documents in order too. First things first, I need to get my vaccinations done. That might not be a big deal for a regular horse, but I've got my autoimmune disease to consider, so my vaccines and deworming have to be carefully spaced out so as not to overload my system and cause an attack. That would be all we need. But I don't think it'll happen. Spode has been consulting with Miss. BestVetintheWholeWideWorld and we'll get everything done in 3 visits and painkillers before and after. Last year I had a reaction to one vaccine as well, so we're trying a different one. Nothing is ever easy when it comes to my health, it seems. Spode wistfully told me that there was a time once when "herd health" meant nothing to her but a single bill in the mail. Those were the days, I guess.

Speaking of health, I just passed the one year mark! It's the anniversary of my eye implants. Those babies have been sitting in my eyes doing their magic for one full year. That was quite the adventure for me and Spode. Best decision Spode has ever made, if I do say so myself. And Dr. Brooks was very nice to us. Of course I'm not looking forward to undergoing the procedure again, but I hope it will be Dr. Brooks who does it when we have to go back. Hopefully that won't be for a couple of years, at least!  Dr. Brooks jokingly told me and Spode that I'd never be able to read again when we went for our surgery consult. Little did he know that one year later I'd still be blogging away! Of course, he wasn't aware what a literary horse I was at the time. I'll forgive the mistake.

Anyway, my eyes have been great lately so as long as vaccines don't mess anything up, I think we'll be safe and we can continue to get down to business. Now that the snow has gone, Spode and I are back to hacking in order to build up my muscles and not to over-school me. I've been out twice already and was on my best behaviour both times. I love to hack! I also enjoy the lessons in dressage though. Spode is now teaching me the basics of bending. I confess, I don't quite understand what she wants yet, but according to Spode I'm showing potential of reaching a breakthrough. We'll go as slow as it takes, she said, so no rush there. After all, I'm not even 4 years old yet! My birthday isn't until next month!

Looking sharp anyway!

The constant adoration and praise goes a loooong way, let me tell you!

It's a bit of a slower process than normal anyway because my stifles are playing up quite a bit. My bum appears to have grown again, so my tendons aren't quite right (just one more thing to slow our training down...). Hacking and trot poles are the best thing for that, and circles are the worst. So I know what Spode and I will be doing lots of in the coming weeks once she's back on her feet! I can't wait. I'm so bored standing in my field. Oh how I wish I hadn't stepped on her foot! I am severely lacking in the treat department! Spode came by for a brief visit today to give me a treat and a scratch from the other side of the fence. It was kind of shocking to see her in a cast, I must say. Took me by surprise. I kept sniffing at it but ultimately discovered that it was not edible. Obviously I lost interest in it after that and went back to snuffling Spode's pockets.

The only thing I don't miss is bathing. Now that the weather has turned, Spode has already given me one full bath. I did not enjoy it very much. Spode was also displeased and said I need to remember the rules. Oh really? Why don't you try standing still while someone sprays a hose on you! Life is so unfair. But I was already starting to get used to it by the end of the bath, so I guess it won't be too long before I'm able to keep my toes in one place. It'll help when it's even warmer though. 20 degrees might feel boiling after that long, cold winter, but it's still not super warm when you add in the cold hose factor. Sorry to burst your bubble, old sport.

All wet and shiny! But ahas it really worth it?

It took hours for me to dry with all my winter hair still clinging on, and you still ended up having to put me out half wet. 

The result of said efforts...

Just be thankful I only rolled in the hay... while you were watching, at least!

So, until later when Spode is back to normal, old sports.

Jay.

Spring is in the air? No, it's actually just in your imagination. Sorry, old sport.

*Yawn*

What a week, old sports. I'm ready for my march break now. Yeah, sure. Spode had a break but her breaks mean work for me! It's pretty weird to go from seeing Spode every 2 weeks to seeing her every day. This week was much harder work than Christmas break as well because Spode is focusing on the summer ahead, which means she wants my training to progress and she really wants me to start getting back into shape. This past week was basically Gatsby boot camp. I'm pooped! 

Spode is happy with my neck considering I'm only 3, but is still adamant about building more muscle... Sigh. 

Spode also got rid of every single loose hair on my body. See, she is pretty desperate for spring weather, and a sure sign of spring is the loss of my winter fuzz. But I'm not really letting much go just yet. I'm still absolutely covered, but Spode painstakingly used the shedding blade every day trying to will the hair off with her mind. Sorry Spode, I'm keeping this. And it's a good thing I did--it's -19 tonight! Some spring. 

We started off with a lot of grooming followed by very brief workouts. Plenty of lunging followed by about 5 minutes in the saddle. Works for me! Spode is so easily pleased, I hardly have to do anything to impress her. If only the whole summer could be like that, but I know she's anxious to teach me new things relating to dressage. She's just happy I remember the basics so well.

Yes, Spode, I do remember how to stand still for mounting. I wish you'd get a taller stool though. 

Easy peasy. 

Spode also wanted to play dress up with me (they need to make a breyer model of me so she can play dress up to her heart's content. She can never get enough. I dread to think how long she's going to spend getting me ready for dressage shows.). St. Patricks Day is the perfect holiday for me since green is the theme. Unfortunately, the weather was not very nice. Super windy, which was making me a bit flighty and not very interested in standing still in the barn. Well, not that I'm particularly fond of standing still on any day, but windy days are particularly bad. Spode is pretty determined when she gets in the mood, so she refused to call it a day and still tried to braid my mane. Despite my mane being about three times too long for braiding and the ants I had in my pants, she did get it all banded eventually. 

I know big braids are still in fashion (Spode is such a dressage queen), but I don't think they want them THIS big... Or this sloppy, but I'll take the blame for that, I suppose. 

You're getting even more desperate to pull my mane now. Stop staring. 

I could get used to this look. 

Spode gave me a break after braiding so I could burn off some of my excess energy before decking me out in my green. Due to the wind, Spode was getting blown away (and not just by my dashing good looks!). It's lucky she had me to hold on to. I had a Spode kite for a while until we made it into the safety of the arena. Wind and ice don't mix well!

After running around, back to the barn we went so Spode could finish making me into an honorary Irish Sport Horse for the day.

All we need is some green sparkle paint for my hooves. Next year... 

Shouldn't we be drinking green beer instead of doing work, Spode? I don't think you understand this holiday aside from the green thing. 

Kiss me, I'm Irish. Well, actually I'm not, but you're going to kiss me anyway, and we both know it. 

The other horses made fun of me a bit, but did they get a special green apple for their efforts? No they did not, but I did. 

Totally worth it. Even if I am going to get teased mercilessly until my wave is gone. 

Unfortunately, Spode over lunged me this week which set off my locking stifles again. Either that, or I'm growing again. Hard to say which it is, but it was rather uncomfortable for me. This meant a change in routine in the second half of the week. I did a lot of backing up and we had some very long bareback rides of walking and trotting in straight lines. After just 1 day of that, I was practically back to normal. I need to build up my circling ability slowly I guess. I had a bit too much spring fever so ended up circling too much with all my energy. 

I wasn't the only one with spring fever though. Spode just couldn't take the hair any more, so the clippers came out, and my feathers are gone. Alas. So much for possibly getting to keep them this year. I'm pretty sure I was allowed to keep them for longer last year, when she didn't even suggest leaving them.

All that work growing hair for nothing! 

Ok, I admit I look less like an overgrown pony now. At least she left my mane alone... for another week, at least.

So maybe she is still engaging in some wishful thinking for spring temperatures, but she's not the only one. 

It tastes fine if you close your eyes and pretend it's green, I swear. 

I certainly felt like spring was in the air when she let me in the sand ring for the first time in at least 2 months. I was raring to go! 

Showing my inner Arabian again

I've got the tail for it!

Yep, spring is in the air even if the it's more of a snow ring instead of a sand ring!

Spode was pleased-it's good for my stifles too, apparently. After I had my fill of running around and snorting myself silly, I decided to lay down for a spring time roll as well.

Which turned into a spring time snooze. I let Spode chill with me for a while so we could both have a nice sunbath.  

"You do realize you're going to have a really wet butt when we get up, right Spode?"

Finally, today we had our last ride of the march holiday, so Spode brought out the trot poles (also good for my stifles. Nothing is random. Spode has such a one track mind...) and we did those as well as some canter transitions once she hopped on me. Haven't cantered since Christmas break, so Spode was excited. I was excited that Spode was excited. I do love the feeling of Spode bursting out into "Good Boy!!!" and hugging my neck. What horse wouldn't love that?

I couldn't lift my legs any higher if I tried. No wonder this is good for me!

Spode, you need to adjust the spacing though. 5 feet may have been a good length for me last year, but these are far too close together now! 

And that was my week in a nut shell! I should have done multiple blog postings, but Spode started a new job at another horse farm, so my computer time was cut down as a result. But in just a week and a half, Spode is home for the summer and hopefully we'll have plenty of adventures to report! 5 months worth! 

Until later, old sports.

Jay.

21 Days to Go!

That's right, old sports! Spode has 21 more days in Toronto and then she'll be home for 5 months straight. Hopefully by the time these 21 days are over, it'll finally be like Spring. This weekend gave us a hint of nicer weather, but I want some serious evidence of spring now. My coat is ever so slowly starting to fall out now--Spode was very pleased by that, but it's time to pick up the pace! Let's go, Mother Nature. Your holiday is over. Bring back the grass.

I was sort of hoping the snow would have melted by the time we were done in the barn, Spode. What is this?

Yeah, I know. I should be patient and thankful for the warm temperatures we had. Believe me, I am. And Spode should be happy the snow is keeping me so clean. Before you know it, it'll be mud and you won't see feathers this white for ages.

Spode is fighting the urge to clip me. We'll see if I keep these feathers for the summer or not!

Spode had a very short visit with me this weekend. Because she's back to teaching human children, she had less time to spend with her equine child. We only had Saturday and Sunday together. Saturday we started with a brisk play in the arena. We were both equally excited to run.

Are you watching me? You'd better be watching me. 

We did a bit of join up and then I followed Spode around the arena while she ran. I was pretty tired at that point, so mostly I watched Spode run and laughed at our role reversal. I think I've figure out how to lunge her! 

We didn't have too much time together in the morning because Spode had to work, but she brought me inside again at the end of the day. We had a bit of a surprise. She was calmly standing on a stool clipping my beard and bridle path when a large chunk of frost suddenly fell from the barn ceiling onto my rump. That could have been quite a wreck! I did knock into Spode a bit in my surprise, but mostly I just jumped on the spot. I was not expecting to get snowed on inside. The barn had warmed up so much during the day though that quite a bit of snow fell off while we were inside. The horses in their stalls were unimpressed to say the least. Spode just laughed--what a meanie. 

After Spode had got all the hair that she could off of me, she decided to ride me again. She was feeling lazy so we did bareback again. I love it when she rides me on the weekends: she always feels a bit guilty for riding when she hasn't been around in so long. This means she asks for practically nothing--just simple walking and trotting, and yet she is over the moon when I do as asked without any fuss. It's a win-win. Everything I do makes her day and I get large handfuls of treats in return. 

Super easy--all I have to do is put my ears forward and Spode gets a smile! Life is good. 

Today Spode came out and I came running--way to start the day off right. I had yet another long grooming and then Spode tacked me up fully this time and did some proper lunge work. Hmm, not quite as carefree as Saturday. She's getting super focused on the summer's upcoming show opportunities, so I've definitely noticed a shift in her goals. Spode eagerly tells me about her training ideas and it sounds like her March break is going to signal the start of my get fit program so that I'm ready for further training in April. As long as the treats keep coming, that deal is good with me I guess.

It would be an easier deal to accept if I didn't see all the other horses in their fields goofing around or eating. How come I'm the only one doing any work right now?? 

Lunging went pretty well. Spode said I was lazy, but this was all my brilliant plan. I've overheard her debating whether to start giving me sweet feed for a little extra pep. I like the sound of sweet feed, so I figured I should play up my laziness in an attempt to encourage the diet change. Alas, Spode says she needs to wait and see how April goes before she makes any changes. I'd better keep this lazy act up a little longer. I bet there will be a big pay off.

After lunging, Spode got on me once again and we worked on serpentines and centre lines. Things really are getting serious! We had another good ride, so I got plenty of treats and Spode has a smile big enough to last her the 2 weeks until she sees me again. 

Please, sir. Can I have some more? Pleeaaasseee....

So in total I'd guess Spode and I only spent about four hours together this weekend. Pretty short, but we're going to make up for it come March Break. Spode still needs to focus on those human kids she's dealing with at the moment, and I get that. The barn managed once told me that I needed to be patient so Spode can learn the things she needs to get a job and keep paying for me. Well, when you put it like that, old sport...

Go on, Spode. Get going. I'll see you again soon. Make good choices!

Until later, old sports.

Jay.