I get back-logged treats, right?

Spode is home! That was the longest three weeks of my life, old sports. I gotta tell you, I was kind of annoyed when she first showed up. She called me over and I just looked at her and then went back to my grass. She laughed and said, "is this some kind of silent treatment, Gatsby?" Yeah, you bet it is! How could you leave me for a city! Meanie. I figured Spode might walk over to me, but no dice. Eventually I couldn't resist anymore so I came over to her. Okay, I missed you and I can't hide it--welcome home, Spode!! Now where's my apple?

Spode's pockets did not disappoint, and after I had my treats and she had her hugs and kisses, we headed to the barn.

Right back to routine, huh?

Spode started working on my very sun burnt, bleached, dirty coat. She was most frustrated by my mane. 

Haha! Looks neat and tidy doesn't it? But it annoys Spode to no end that it's on the wrong side! All a ploy. 

After a decent grooming and a whole lot more kisses, we went to the arena for some play time. 

Can't you just let me stand here instead of running?

Or we could just hang out, you know.

We did end up hanging out quite a bit. I also played follow the leader with Spode. I like to see her trot too. She's too slow for me though! I kept getting ahead of her once we had been running for a bit.

After a while, she stopped and I discovered a smelly spot. It made for a good photo op, and I think I totally made Spode's week by being so goofy. You're welcome, Spode!

Do I have the world's best smile or what? I have quite the toothy grin. 

Say cheese! 

Once Spode stopped giggling, we went out for some more hang out and running around time in the sand ring. 

Spode also wanted to see the Gypsy Vanner baby. Um, Spode! Hello! Yeah, I suffer from equine jealousy... 

It's not that I want to play with Spode. I just like to know she's there, ya know?

I did a bit of running too. Only one buck today!

Maybe one day I can be a jumper!

Or maybe not...

After all that, Spode and I just hung out in the barn for a bit longer, just enjoying each other's company. Three weeks was far too long, and a huge adjustment after seeing her everyday for 4 months. I'm a happy horse.

We're both very happy that today is my first day off oral anti-inflammatories. My eyes still have a bluish tinge, but they've been great. My pupils are constricting and dilating normally. I'm still on some stomach meds but by this time next week, I will be getting nothing but plain grain for the first time in forever. It's an exciting time for us!! It's been a long time coming.

When I was sick all the time, Spode used to ask herself, "why me?"  So soon after losing Zoodles to a seemingly endless barrage of illness and hoof diseases, she bought another horse who then succumbed to a bunch of different health problems that also piled on top of each other. She wondered why she was being challenged in this way. I wondered why too, but not for the same reasons as Spode. I wondered why I was so lucky to fall into the hands of this kid who would probably sell her own organs if it meant she could make my life even a tiny bit better. Why me? How did I start out as a practically nameless horse in a pen and turn into someone's whole world? I don't ask why I got uveitis because we all struggle with one health problem or another in our lives. That is guaranteed. What is not guaranteed is love. That goes for love of any kind. Only the lucky truly get to love and be loved in their lives.  For horses, the difference between those who are loved and those who aren't is more stark than in the human world, I believe. If you are a horse who is not loved, your chances of being abused, neglected, or killed are much more likely. I know this. We all know this. The fact that Spode just drove up to my paddock from out of nowhere is astounding to me. How did that happen, and why? That's what I wonder about, because getting an autoimmune disease and receiving the treatment for it is one of the best things that could happen to a horse, really. When you look at the horse world and see all the terrible things that can happen to my fellow equines, I am the lucky one. She didn't give up on me. That's my "why me?" question. It's all about how you look at the world. I don't have the clearest vision anymore, but that doesn't stop me from seeing the sun and feeling the love. I am the luckiest horse.  And I am so happy to be with Spode again after this long break. I think it's a good sign that she came home on day one off meds since my surgery. Maybe it's a sign that it's time for a new chapter that doesn't revolve around my eye sight. We're hoping.

I was pretty sad to see Spode go today. I didn't want to let her leave, but she promises we have two more days together before she heads back to school. It's not nearly long enough, but it's better than nothing!

I'm just going to keep following you and herding you away from the gate until you get the picture that I'd like you to stay, Spode. Please?

Until later, old sports.

Jay. 

"You always look so cool"

Alas, alas! The summer has come to an end. Did you know that that is how The Great Gatsby ends? The leaves start falling into the swimming pool and Fitzgerald's Gatsby clings to the idea of the summer (and, surprise surprise, Daisy) by taking a final dip in the pool, another sign that he is clinging to the unreachable past. And then... 

Oh, I just can't. The ending of The Great Gatsby always makes me cry, and if I start crying, Spode will call the vet in a panic thinking I'm going blind again from my uveitis. Let's ignore that part of the novel, shall we?

God damn it, Spode, my eyes are fine I tell you! I'm just a bit emotional at the moment!

Anyway, I am feeling a bit melancholy and would like to take a dip in the pool if only I didn't have extreme premonitions about swimming pools thanks to Fitzgerald's Gatsby's bad experience. (What was that noise? I could never relax in a pool. I also may not be able to find one big enough). Instead I have been clinging to the final days of summer by having a long, luxurious bath (complete with an oatmeal rinse--Spode pampers me like no one else). After this bath, I proceeded to get grass stains all over my stockings. Spode was annoyed, but what else says summer like green splodges on your knees and hocks?

This is the best part of baths, no? The slower to dry, the better!

Aren't I handsome, old sports?

Or maybe this is the best part of a bath?

Life is good. 

The other summery thing we did was go on a hack. This made Spode's year, I'm pretty sure. She sang and talked to me the whole time. I was called Superman on more than one occasion. Talk about the highlight of the year! It was my first time going out alone but I acted like I've done it for years. Spode loves to ride alone--one of her favourite things to do, so the fact that I also love it has pleased her a lot. I foresee a lot of solo hacks in our future.

So relaxed, Spode can take photos. No texting and riding, kid. 

Today was our last ride of the summer. It is either ride number 30 or 31. Spode sort of lost count, and now she is going to stop counting anyway. I won't be ridden again until December at the earliest. It's time for my holidays. I have a work schedule that's opposite compared to everybody else: I work all summer and get the rest of the year off.

I expected a ride like any other, but that was not what happened. It started off very well. I stood nicely while Spode got on, we had a nice walk while I looked over at our new arrival at the farm:

Ain't he cute? His name is Camelot. He is quite distracting in a paddock next to the ring!

When I was focused I had my trots and then Spode said, "Ok. Time to try something new for our final ride... CANTER!" At first I said no, but after a few attempts I finally agreed. I made Spode's year, I think.

I can do it, I can do it!

Spode was so pleased with me. I got lots of hugs and treats and pats. Spode's face hurt from smiling so much. What a great end to the summer.  

Spode and I said our goodbyes after a bath. The last thing she said to me was "You always look so cool."  For my literary friends, that's what Daisy says to Gatsby to say that she loves him. I am feeling the love today. Miss you, Spode! Promise I'll be good! (Cough, cough. I was crossing my hooves when I said that!)

Until later, old sports! Spode's mum is going to come out to see me so maybe I'll have time to blog when that happens. We'll see. As I said, I'm on holidays now so I might not be typing as much!

Jay.

"You always have a green light that burns all night at the end of your dock."

Hello again, old sports. I'm busy enjoying my last week of summer with Spode. I've been a little clingy this week, I have to admit. I know something is up. I've been getting even more pampering than usual, and that's saying something. I've been playing the part by consistently trotting over to her when she calls me rather than just walking. Spode is pleased. And sad. I am kind of looking forward to the riding holiday though.

Anyway, we've mostly been doing the usual. I've been on another hack and Spode has dubbed me a pro. It's more fun than being in the sand ring. I like leading my buddies along too. I have trouble with the uneven ground though. Spode says I need to learn to keep my balance going up and down hills, but it's good for my butt, apparently.

Spode has also started fussing with my mane again because it suddenly got even crazier than usual. Observe:

It's my punk rock look. Leave me alone. I'm a teenager. 

It would be okay if they were dreads. Not sure braids are hip right now, mum. 

Oh god, why did you do that to me!? The other horses will think I'm prissy. (Excuse the ugly, too large halter, I broke my green one. Wait, did I just contradict myself? Yeah, I like green...)

Yeah, I know you're please about it. But what about me?

I am done with my braids now because Spode is heading back to school anyway, so she won't be able to rebraid. Hooray. I'll be back to being Gatsby the Punk Rocker in 2 weeks, tops. 

Today Spode came out with an armful of green stuff and we had our first Green Day (hey, I like that band! What a coincidence!). Check out our matchy-matchiness. 

The mighty green machine! 

I cannot recall if I clearly explained why all my stuff is green. It has to do with my literary name, but of course. You see, Gatsby long lost love, Daisy, had a green light at the end of her dock. Fitzgerald's Gatsby can see it from his house and is always reaching out to it. It's a symbol of hope, dreams, the past, the future... It is his American Dream. My green equipment is a symbol of our hope: dressage bridle, polos, bells, pad--we've got stars in our eyes (oh boy, I wish that wasn't quite so literal in my case...)

So, old sports, now you know. The Great Gatsby and the colour green just have to go together. It helps that I look pretty flashy in Kelly Green too!

I was not on my best behaviour today. I didn't really want to be ridden but once I got in my groove I enjoyed it.

See? I am a good boy really. Sorry about the start, Spode.

After that, Spode's mum hopped on for a super short ride. I was very good for her, so Spode was pleased. 

Spode grabbed a few pictures before we called it a day.

Do you think I've grown taller, old sports?

I'll hug you to death if you'll let me. (Actually, I mostly wanted to chew the reins. I am teething... again!)

Yup, I think I've grown again for sure!

Every time Spode leaves I beg for more attention. The end is near. I would like her to stay put so she can feed me endless treats. You don't need to go to school for that, Spode. You already know all there is about spoiling me. You're hired!

Wait!!!

Will I fit through this hole? Is that more food in your pocket?

Yeah, Sunday is going to suck. Still, I have my horsey friends and I get plenty of attention from others. I'll manage I suppose. I sure will miss all the treats though. And Spode... I guess.

Until later, old sports.

Jay.

Um, this was not in my job description...

So sorry, old sports. This is my second post of the month! I am such a slacker. It's not my fault, Spode has been keeping me too busy to write. Like her, when I get home from a long day at the office all I want to do is watch TV with my buddy Senator. I don't have the energy to type. Do you know how hard it is to type with these giant hooves of mine? The delete button is getting worn out.

Anyway, we're on ride 23 now. We're sure on a roll now! I had most of last week off because it was too wet and who wants to ride when you're soaking (not me or Spode, that's who)?

She basically cleaned my masks everyday and rotated them. That was it, but it's a hard job keeping these things clean. Especially when I eat them.  

So I got a few days off followed by a free lunging day. That was a bit frightening because the kids were tearing around on scooters with hockey sticks. I wasn't spooky, just looking, so Spode was very impressed with me. I got plenty of treats for nothing! That's my kind of day.

And you got a picture with my ears forward. It's a win-win for everyone. 

After that, Spode and I went on our first ride in the fields. I'll admit, it was a little scary at first. The corn was blowing in the wind and making noises. I'm a big boy but I'm not tall enough to see over it. And it was my first time out with more than one horse, so that was another hurdle of the day. After a few minutes of jigging and prancing, I settled into a nice walk. It was a very long ride but pretty fun. I got a bit frightened when I had to make a turn with the woods behind me, but it wasn't so bad. I wanted to canter to get away from it but Spode said whoa. I made a compromise and cantered on the spot. Spode said I could learn to pirouette out there, whatever that means...

My other spook was at a tree trunk that popped out of nowhere (ok, I'm a little embarrassed about that one!). I just went sideways a couple of steps and then sheepishly continued on my way. It was a great ride. We walked all the way and I learned to put up with other horses near me. I'm up for round two!

I sort of thought round two would be today, but alas, I am back to the sand ring. I still had a new experience today though. Spode brought a friend out. I trotted up to see them and then they brushed me. Nothing out of the ordinary there; Spode has brought friends out to visit before. Spode tacked me all up and out we went to the ring. Spode hopped on (but first I had to make things difficult for her by chewing on my reins. I may have went too far this time--apparently we'll be working on that tomorrow!) and off we went for a brief ride. She told me she was just making sure I was my usual self today. Then she got off and gasp she asked her friend Pam if she wanted to ride me! What!? Two rides in one day? And I thought Spode was going to be my only rider for life!

I put up a bit of a fuss at the mounting block to let them know my feeling on the matter--after all, they never asked me what I thought of this plan, but Pam got on anyway. I really didn't mind once she was on, but Spode was more than a little tense. Holy helicopter parenting. Pam is a good rider and once I relaxed and made it very obvious that I was listening, Spode backed away more and let us do our thing. Baby steps, Spode, you're doing fine! It's like sending a child off to kindergarten or something. She's a hoverer.

You really don't need to follow us, Spode.

See? I stopped when she told me to. What more do you want out of me!?

She eventually let Pam have a trot on me, and I made sure I was on my best behaviour.

We're doing just fine! Heck, we're better than fine!

Spode was very happy with our ride. For the first time with someone else on my back, Spode said I went better than expected. She is one proud mama. And she said I look even bigger and better than she had imagined. Happy day for everyone.

One small step for Spode, one big step for me. But then again, every step is big for me. 17.1 and still going up! 

I'm a pretty fantastic 3 year old, huh? Fitzgerald's Gatsby always was a mature man. Just living up to my name, as usual.

Until later, old sports. There will be more riding for me this week!

Jay. 

Baby I was born this way!

I had my 19th ride today. Baby, I was practically born broken in! I am such a pro now, Spode trusts me with almost anything. This week I have been doing some crazy stuff, so let's start at the beginning.
I started off the week doing some extreme trail stuff. You know, like a western horse (shh, don't tell Spode!). First, I played with a great big ball--my favourite!

Spode let me loose so there was no pressure. Ooh, is that a new toy?!

Thanks, Spode. I love it!

Then I tried out the new extra narrow bridge. It's actually a bit too narrow for me and my big Clydesdale butt. I fell off it even though I was walking straight.

Good ground driving practice too! 

And then for the grand finale! No pictures, old sports, but they set up this great big box. Underneath the box is a tarp, and on top of that... a sea of plastic water bottles! Scary, right? No way! I sniffed at it and then stepped into the box. I crushed lots of water bottles and they made weird sounds, but I really didn't care. Yawn. I'm born broke, I tell you!

Next up, I had some road practice. I saw trucks and trailers and lots of very fast cars. No problem, Spode (Spode is WAY more scared of traffic than I am! I don't foresee much riding on the road for us). I was more frightened walking past the tall corn field blowing in the wind. That was a bit scary because it sounds like an animal hiding in the corn ready to attack me. Yikes. But I got over it with time.

When I'm scared I remind Spode that I'm quite tall. That's what happens when you actually lift your neck up!

Stay close, Spode. There are lions and tigers and bears in there, I'm sure.

I also did some regular stuff. I am in training to be a dressage horse, after all.

Back to being a "warmblood"

Aw shucks. If you keep telling me how beautiful I am I'm going to get a big head. Even bigger than it already is!

Spode also spent some time just hanging out with me, which has been great. She seemed a bit hyper stressed this week so I did my duty of being her chill dude to talk to. It's a pretty easy job, really. Much easier than dressage and just as important, Spode says! Fine by me. 

Care to share a nibble of grass with me, dear Spode. It'll make you feel better!

My eyes have been reasonably good this week. Having some irritation issues in my right eye and occasionally experience vision issues. Today was not good walking into the shadows, but when I adjust to the light I'm okay. We just take things slow and Spode was careful about helping me find my way and find my dinner. I hate that the most--can you imagine not being able to locate your dinner!? It takes a lot os sniffing around sometimes...

So aside from hanging out and doing lots of fun things, I'm also just living an everyday horsey life. Deworming came and went (I managed to work my tongue magic and spit out a tiny bit again!) and I've been galloping and bucking with my buddy Senator. I'm a pretty happy guy.

Today Spode was the happy one because ride #19 was a special one. We went bareback! Spode said it's a very important lifeskill for me. Any horse of hers had better be a bareback pro, because she likes to do that lots. Fine by me. It's nice to chillax that way. I was a little uncertain about it initially but then I just acted like usual. We had a great ride!

Old sports, we have a happy Spode!

I was happy because she let me smell the pee spot in the ring... I know, it's a bit of a weird habit!

Hmm, who was in here before me?

I made a silly face, so Spode was happy I had smelled the pee spot in the end!

And we even had some awesome bareback trots! So much fun! Spode says I am super smooth and we will rock in sit a buck. Huh? You want me to buck? Or is that something else??

I can't actually dressage yet. Just a lucky shot. One day I'll do this on purpose, Spode says. Fine by me!

So a great week for us both! We're a happy team. Spode is thrilled with my training progress. I just keep telling her that we're born for each other!

Until later, old sports! Who know what we'll be up to next week!

Jay.