March Break--wait, what break?

As usual, every time Spode has a break, it means the exact opposite for me! I'm not actually complaining though. Even after a whole week with her, I still couldn't help but canter over to her when she came to the gate. (While she believes it's because I'm so eager to see her, it's actually because I'm so eager for the treats in her hand! It's a win-win).

This week has been a bit unusual because Spode moved me into the next field. Yep, I'm officially in the "fat paddock", though thankfully it's still got winter free choice hay in there or I would definitely be complaining to management (most likely by breaking the fence into the next field). The 2 chubsters who usually share the fat paddock are separated right now due to an unfortunate stall rest appointment. Spode offered my lovely companionship to the lonely halflinger next door until the chubsters can be together again. Of course, Spode is so fed up with my weight that I may find myself returning to the fat paddock in the summer when they're back to limited hay... I hope not! It's giving me some incentive to work harder to get this weight off before Spode makes any terrible decisions.

I suppose technically it's the opposite of a fat paddock at the moment, since only 2 of us are sharing this bale! Bliss!

In the meantime, I'm enjoying my sleepover. I get to boss the halflinger around, which is a brand new experience for me. Yep, I'm the big man finally! I even get to boss the mares next door sometimes if they get too close to me. I am so macho!  (Spode is less impressed. Sigh. There's no pleasing some people, old sports) I love being the boss, and living so close to mares is a whole new experience. They smell very interesting, especially Cookie, who I've taken a bit of a shine to except at dinner time.

Going through the mares' field to get into the barn is always a delightful experience! 

Spode gets a kick out of it--I have definitely increased my smiling lately! 

I've been in that paddock a whole week now with no sign of it coming to an end yet. For the sake of Chubster number 2, hopefully it doesn't last too long! I am no stranger to stall rest, and it's no picnic! Being the social horse that I am, I'm sure to say hello and goodbye to him every time I go to the barn. I'm such a gentleman. I'd definitely invite him to my party. (But then, everyone comes anyway). 

In other news, Spode has officially deemed this the year of the canter. I'll be 5 very soon, so Spode is planning on riding me a lot more now that I'm a bit more mature. She's determined to work on my cantering this year since we didn't really do much last year. Too focused on the trot, but it's time to actually move past the "green broke" classification for canter. Which means cantering for more than just the long side or the straight section of the field. Sigh--time to grow up I suppose. 

Walk to canters are my favourite thing to do and Spode's favourite to ride, so we started off with just working on that transition and cantering for 4 strides. We did this bareback because it was bareback day, which made it twice as much fun for Spode. That's also one of the reasons we did walk to canter instead of trot to canter, as that transition is not quite so clear yet. Bit easier to sit my leap into canter at the walk instead of the trot! 

Why bareback you ask? 

This fit last month! 

Because Spode can't even use the weight tape anymore! My saddle does not fit, so we're back to the wintec, which fits better at the moment than my dressage saddle. My poor shoulders are just too big. Anyway, Spode is making sure she rotates so that I don't get sore in the shoulders with my chubbiness. So bareback day is a must (in her head anyway). 

Does this braid make my ears look gigantic, or is that just me? 

Spode is feeling a bit frustrated with how difficult I am to fit into anything at the moment. She only just got through the blanket struggle, then the bit struggle, and then it was on to the bridle struggle, and now saddles. Luckily I don't have to wear any other tack! Spode might go on strike and tell me I'm going to be a natural horse and just go with a rope around my neck (well, I think that's plan anyway... one day!) 

I did get the bridle issue sorted thankfully. 

I miss the green highlights, but at least my nose fits into this! Thank goodness for the broadband and reins! 

I just need more flashy bling to make up for the lack of green! Get on it, Spode! Gatsby needs his flash! 

I really need to lose some weight, even I know that, but for the most part Spode should have known this was an issue when she bought me. The very first purchase she made was a halter that didn't fit. It was a warning! She got herself into this (and I'm so glad she did! I'm so spoiled!)

Aside from riding to lose weight, Spode also made a video with me which I shall post later on. It was for a school project, so I made sure I behaved myself. Can't leave her Toronto classmates with a bad impression! She had some Toronto friends come for a visit actually, which I thoroughly enjoyed because it means I don't have to work very hard. Yep, pony rides are the best. 

We managed to have one ride in the sand ring today. There was a dry 20 metre circle that Spode and I were able to make use of. Hopefully by Easter it'll be a 40 metre section!

Ah... sun and sand. It's like being on a beach for a horse lover in the spring! 

No room for cantering out there though, so back into the arena we went. We did eventually manage to do a circle in there! One week's work--not bad! Summer goals are definitely attainable! 

Will I be able to absorb all these dressage articles into my brain if I smell them for long enough? Spode thought I was reading them at first until she realized that it was my blind eye on them! 

Man oh man, this is hard work. Thank goodness Spode has to go back to school this week! 

All in all, a great week with the Spode! Old sports, I am more than ready for summer even if it means lots of work for me. Maybe I'll do some self exercise in the paddock this week to keep myself fit for more canter work when she gets back. My life is so difficult... I know that weight tape is going to be on hand a lot next month! Maybe if Spode notices that I'm losing weight fast, she'll give me more treats? That's how it works, isn't it? 

Until later, old sports.

Jay. 

I think that weather might have been my fault...

Ok, confession time. In my last blog post, I was complaining about our unseasonably warm winter thus far. I think the great horse gods wanted to teach me a lesson by delivering this arctic front to us. Sorry, old sports! I jinxed us!

What a weekend for Spode to come home for. But hey she worked a lot at the barn and everything took twice as long with the cold weather, so that's a big chunk of my board paid for again. On the other hand, I also had my first spring vet appointment this weekend. It's more likely that she was still at a loss this weekend. Sorry, Spode! I didn't mean to get an auto-immune disease!!

This weekend I had my teeth filed down. Once again, they were super sharp. See, Spode? That means I need more food! Gotta wear down my teeth more! Crunchy treats please. Never mind the fact that I'm about 400 pounds over weight right now. I need more food, okay!?

Oh how I missed sedative. It's been a while, Miss Vet! 

Although Spode was at the barn a lot this visit home, I feel like I didn't get to see a whole lot of her. The vet appointment took a long time, and I got plenty of play time in the arena (except for Saturday, because that was just stupid cold and Spode had too many water issues to deal with!).

I need to make more time in my day for crazy bucking sessions, I've decided. 

In fact, the only interaction I had with Spode on Saturday was her checking that I was warm under my blanket, feeding me my dinner before it froze, and giving me a handful of treats for good measure. I only got ridden once even though she was home for 5 days. Had a lovely hack this afternoon out of the wind. Still, it's not exactly going to help me lose weight, is it? And because Spode is doing her teaching practice, it means I only get 2 days with her between now and mid-March. Not much exercise happening then either because of the limited time. Yep, I think March break is going to be rather hectic...whatever--as long as I have Spode, it's all good! And treats. Treats are good.

Maybe if I hold her glove hostage, she'll spend more time with me! (Not likely--just means she'll never take off her glove to take a photo again! Crazy humans)

So in addition to having my teeth dealt with, I also had my first spring vaccine... which I promptly reacted to, despite also having banamine and a dog vaccine instead of the horse one that doesn't agree with me. Oh well, the reaction was not nearly as bad. My energy level is already back to normal. Just one more thing to add to Spode's list of medical concerns! It feels like my job.

My eyes are a little bit different since they were last checked too. Partial retinal detachment in my left, and 2 small retina scars on my right. And we're calling my protein spots "cobwebs" now, which distort the light a little bit. Basically, I can still see but it's pretty blurry. Nothing we can do about that, but good to have an update. The retina detachment is something Spode and I have worried about since getting my initial diagnosis of recurrent uveitis. We're lucky it's only partial though, and it may or may not be progressive. If it is progressive, at least it's a slow process. And Spode is so close to being done with school so she can get back to establishing routines and building our trust levels again. It's a big help when I can be confident in Spode, but it's touch when she's only around periodically!

I can still see those treats, just so you know. 

And my dinner, obviously! 

Anyway, that was pretty much my past few days. I was glad to have my toasty blanket. I never got even the slightest bit cold all weekend. Pretty content just staying close to my round bale. Now Spode has re-wrapped me in a thin sheet ready for the impending winter storm. Ok, horse lords! I get it! I will never complain about a warm winter again! Just stop!

Bring on the freezing rain! I'm ready! 

Until later, old sports. Stay warm!

Jay.

My Philosophy of Teaching

Hello, old sports!

Aren't you proud of me? I've been pretty good about keeping my new year's resolution so far, no? 3 posts this January! I'm on a roll! (Ahh, I could do with a nice roll actually. I'm all hot and sweaty today in this balmy weather. Be right back)

Ugh, so itchy!

Seriously, Spode, who ordered this weather? I'm boiling! 

Thanks, old sports. I probably shouldn't complain. Last winter was freezing, we all need to remember that! 

Anyway, Spode and I had a good mini-vacation. Well, vacation for her. As usual, it means more work for me, but I was pleased to see her. Spode's been rather stressed at the moment, so I did my job of making her feel calm and content again. Lots of treats for me is a part of that formula. Perfect team. 

Basically Spode is in her happy place whenever she gets to brush me for extended periods of time. My tail provides joy quite often, especially now that it's starting to grow back from me rubbing it... 

Spode also greatly enjoys making me look like an idiot. Gawd. I'm a horse, not a moose! 

Whatever, this is just a part of life with Spode, and I accept it. Especially when she's stressed out. And boy, has she been stressed lately. Impending graduation, job searching, and school craziness is driving her a little crazy at the moment. We had a few bareback rides this weekend: a definite sign that Spode just needs to chill. 

Don't worry, Spode. I got you. 

Spode has to make this movie for one of her school assignments describing her philosophy of education. She has to choose a metaphor for teaching and, surprise, surprise, she chose me! Anyway, I could have done it all myself. My philosophy of teaching: be there for Spode. Doesn't matter if I'm good or bad, as long as I'm still there. I have the easiest job in the world! Not tough, really. I just have to be authentically me. If I can make her laugh, I'm golden. Funnily enough, she laughs more when I misbehave I think. Sheesh, and she wonders why I don't have better manners... Ooh, and if I can be like the literary Gatsby in subtle, fun ways, that's a bonus. I'm helping to teach her further literary analysis. I've got the handsome thing down pat at least. 

Spode's philosophy is a bit more complicated though. It's going to involve a lot of work. Today she wanted a video of us doing join up, which may or may not play a small role in the final product (the joys of having a perfectionist for an owner). It was all going well. I was totally focused on her and ready to work, but then there was a whole bunch of noise outside, and horses were coming and going. I couldn't help but get distracted and lose my focus on her. 

Ok fine, you have my attention. Momentarily... 

Sorry. That took me longer than usual. Ooh, what noise was that!?

So I'm not sure the video will be any good for her. And today wasn't the greatest day for running around. Man was I hot! I've got way too much hair for this weather. I was a wee bit foamy by the end of our session. 

Speaking of weather, I am all set for a Canadian winter that we're apparently not getting. Check out my fancy new clothes!! 

It's so me!

And a perfect fit! Size 90... 

And perfect timing, I also got a pretty new blanket bag from auntie Breanna! 

Good thing, because my locker is FULL of blankets at the moment. There was no room for anything else! That's what happens when you have a blanket-obsessed Spode for an owner. I have more coats than she does.  As it should be, am I right?

This one is not really my colour... 

But you can't deny that it fits well! I got a small rip in it the first night wearing it though. Spode was less than impressed. 

Finally, Spode also got me a new bit (Yes, it's basically been like Christmas at the barn, much to Spode's bank account's dismay). I was starting to be a little fussy with my bridle and after checking the bit, she realized it was a bit tight. So now we've officially progressed from a 5.5 to a 6 inch bit. I have a big head, apparently (it's my ego, I'll admit it!). There was immediate relief for me and I stopped with the head fussing immediately, but I was still bothered by my noseband which has become far too small. Spode is on the lookout for new bridle deals, but in the meantime, I've gone Western--sans noseband. I feel like it makes my head look long. But it feels good on the hairs on my chinny chin chin not to have a noseband. Ah, bliss. I do miss my green highlights though, especially since my hair covers my sparkly broadband during the winter. Come on, Summer!

Next time Spode is home, we have a date at the dentist's. Not my favourite, but I'll also get my eyes checked and the first of my spring vaccines. Ah, the joys of auto-immune disease... Spode and I are just thrilled.


Until later, old sports.

Jay.

Ok, it was me. Yes, I called the university and told them not to run the workshop.

Spode might be kind of mad when she reads this one. Boy was she mad when she came home (unexpectedly) this weekend. See, she was not supposed to be here. She came home last weekend, just 4 days after Christmas break, because she was not meant to be here. Why? Because she had an important workshop to do 2 weekends in a row. Because her world basically implodes if she hasn't seen me in over 18 days (that's the danger number. When Spode hits day 18 without touching a horse, be prepared for a mental breakdown at any moment for no apparent reason. "Hey Spode, how are you?" Cue tears. Seriously, it's a thing), Spode decided to book her bonkers train schedule to work around it while still seeing me.

However, then the university threw a spanner in the works, a horseshoe in the mud, if you will, by moving the date of the workshop without informing anyone. Cue a mad panic of changing train tickets and phone calls to work and parental units just to see me.

What? You think this innocent face had anything to do with it? Nonsense! *cough, cough*

So after Spode had finally come to terms with the change in schedule and the increased money spent on the train, she got even worse news: the workshop has been cancelled altogether. What she doesn't know, however, is that it was cancelled because I used my horsey hacking skills to decrease enrolment in the workshop, leading the university to abandon the project altogether. I'm pretty smart, eh old sports? Of course I am, don't answer that. I basically got 2 extra weekends with Spode as a result, as she once again frantically started changing tickets around. This means more treats, more brushing, more wild rides with the Spode. All part of my plan, muahaha. Hey, Spode might be (just barely) fine going more than 2 weeks without seeing me, but I never said that was okay by me. In an ideal world, my danger number would be 5 days. After that, I start mauling the barn manager and any other boarders who dare to come into my field for a reason other than to pet me and love me. It's just not fair! The end of March cannot come soon enough...

Seriously, I don't know how anyone resists my face, bug eyes and all.

Anyway, we had a lovely unplanned weekend together. Seeing me cheered Spode right up, and I made sure to give her an exceptional ride that first day. Never better. Of course, that couldn't last all weekend. Jeez, what do you expect? I want to have some fun too. Spode was a bit frustrated with my lack of focus and hyperactivity the following rides, but I figure it all balances out in the end. Right old sports? 

Not every ride can be like this, Spode. 

No, sometimes instead your ride ends with you having to hand walk a very hot horse. That'd be me. Sorry. I didn't feel like going slow today. Still looking incredibly adorable though, no? You know you love it. 

Spode nevertheless had a bit of a frustrating weekend as a result of, well, me. My body actually. Turns out finding a turnout blanket that doesn't choke me is harder than it looks. 

Does this cooler make my head look huge? Yes? Well that's because my head is huge. So are my shoulders, as it happens. 

Spode was ready to pull out her hair. She gave up and ordered me two blankets online. If they don't fit, we might see a breakdown again. Why the sudden urge for blankets? Well, first of all, it's Spode and Spode LOVES blankets. Of all the equine accessories, there are few things she likes more. You can imagine her disappointment the first winter with me that it turned out I didn't need a blanket. But this year's weather has made my coat more meagre than usual, and with the riding and sweating, I'm just not as tough as I used to be. I've actually been chilly a couple of times. Yes, me! So now Spode has decided to go into full on blanketing mode. I'm actually size 86, but I have a giant size 90 rainsheet because that's the only thing that fit my chest (just barely!). This of course means I have plenty of length, not having a particularly long back to begin with. The blankets she ordered will probably be the same, so we might needs to have some altering... What a pain. Yes, it turns out horse shopping can be just as painful as shopping for humans. The blankets she ordered should arrive by the next time Spode is back, so we're crossing hooves and fingers in the meantime. 

I'm expecting a full wardrobe next time, Spode! Even pink would be fine (quite appropriate considering my name, actually)

The other frustration was with the hairs on my chinny chin chin. My beard needed a trim. The bridle was making me sooo itchy! We went back to the flash this weekend to see if that would help with my itchy lips, but not much difference. Out came the clippers. Hard to tell if it was better or not today. Now I'm a bit itchy because of the fresh trim, so we'll see how itchy I am next weekend. I also just need a bigger bridle in general. I'm on the last hole. But I go down an entire hole in the summer when my hair is back to normal. Ah the joys of being an oversize horse but not quite a draft. A good fit is hard to find, old sports. 

Anyway, Spode is gone again so everything is back to same old, same old until she returns and we get into more adventures. The previous weekend we had a very exciting weekend with the return of an old friend, who had a lovely ride on me, followed by a massage--my belated Christmas present. Oh man it felt good! So nice and relaxing (well, most of it!). I'm living the dream now. Spoiled rotten--even Spode hasn't had a massage before! Priorities, old sports. 

I felt as relaxed as Tyr today. Doesn't this just make you wish you were a horse too, old sports?

I think I'll join in. Shh, it's my nap time now. Bye Spode! 

Until later, old sports.

Jay. 

New Year Edition!

Er, so old sports. A whole holiday has gone by and I only managed to write one blog post. I am a terrible equine. So lazy. No motivation (hey, nobody gives me a carrot for writing one of these. Maybe if they did I would be more inclined to type). I'll work on it. It'll be my new year's resolution. I need to get back into the swing of keeping regular updates on my (mis)adventures with Spode.

And regular updates on future achievements! Next step, training level!

As far as holidays go, we didn't do anything too thrilling. Just the usual things. Plenty of hacks, plenty of schooling, plenty of dressage, and many bareback rides doing nothing in particular. Those are some of my favourite rides. Just goofing around and not working on anything.

Lots of hacking!

Of course, I also did some goofing around as well!

I really enjoyed having Spode around every day again, though I didn't always get to spend a lot of time with her since she was working a lot. I don't mind. She only works to keep me in treats (well, and in drugs. Vet bills, you know). She never fails to at least give me a treat and a pat on her busy days, so I can't complain.

And when she's working, Spode is the one who delivers my breakfast. Yum! 

Santa was nice to me as well. I got myself a mega bag of treats, stud muffins, AND a likit! Whoa baby!

The Motherload!!! Yum. Thanks, Santa

The best part of the holiday was having my auntie Breanna over for a visit. She only gets to see me once a year, so her visit is always very special and Spode is just over the moon, which always makes me happy too.

The only downside to Breanna visiting is that I'm forced to work correctly! 

As with every holiday, Spode realizes what a push over she is when it comes to her animals. That also means that I have a lot of ground work "tutorials" where Spode cracks down on my more "annoying" habits as she calls them. Pawing, being mouthy, pulling towards the hay, chewing on cross ties... all my favourite things. It will probably always be her New Year's resolution to be "more strict with Gatsby". It usually lasts for the month of January and that's it. I was very good today knowing it was her last day of holidays to put her in a good mood. That was all part of my plan. She'll be extra soft with me when she next comes home now. I know it. I can play Spode with my eyes closed (actually, closing my eyes is the BEST way to play Spode. You should see how fast she drops everything and ignores whatever the hell I'm doing if I squint an eye slightly. Spode goes from being firm to being hyper focused on "poor me" in less than a second)

Or being kicked in the teeth, as the case may be. Hey, can't have a Christmas break without some kind of health scare. 

Speaking of eyes, it's going to be a nerve-wracking spring for us since the surgery will officially be at the 2 year mark, which is when my cyclosporine implants are likely to lose their effectiveness. We'll be crossing hooves and fingers that I get lucky and the acute uveitis stays at bay, while the insidious one continues to be, well, insidious. My eyes continue to show signs of inflammation damage without showing any signs of inflammation. My own little mystery (maybe we should get Spode's Sherlock Holmes on the case? Does he deal with equine mysteries?). Unfortunately, that damage and my cataracts means no second surgery for me. We're just hoping, and that's all there is to it.

Look, I'm cold. Can I have some treats now? 

We also had a picture day over the holidays, and Spode's brother in law got to try his hand at riding. Silly Spode forgot to take photos of that though! 

Quite a good start to the new year. Let's hope 2016 is my year of good health! (And also Spode's year to get employed so she can afford the inevitable future vet bills I'll get for her! Sorry Spode)

Until later, old sports.

Jay.