This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello, folks! Well, Loki is not all paid for - and am just waiting for the seller to forward his registration paper (NFHR) and B.I. :-) Finally - I can *really* say, he's *my* boy! (grin) Two weeks ago, we had to go to the vet - swollen sheath. I recognized the signs - it was smegma build up, pretty large beans. Vet gave him a shot of happy juice, and got the area well cleaned out. While there - asked the vet (who is familiar with Fjords) about how much weight does she think he still has to loose? (He's lost around 75 lbs already!) She said -- at least another 100 lbs. LOL - my poor chunky monkey! ;-) So we're upping the diet program - same feed, but now daily lunging for about 15 minutes. I've been bare back pad riding him in the pen (as have not been able to send him to trainer till after have picked up his saddle, of course.) So had not actually put a saddle on him. Well, trailered him to Cheryl's home last Fri. for a saddle fitting session - (thanks again so much, Cheryl!) We now know he'll take an Aussie wide tree (instead of an Aussie draft tree.) Tracings are nice - but I *hate* to have to rely on them, for buying a saddle. Here - the only Aussie shop or tack shop carrying Aussies, will not allow a horse on property. It's because Down Under is in the city - very small parking lot, busy city street - apparently, they had a horse get loose, run into the traffic.... Well, you get the ugly picture. So now, Lance the manager, explained to me they can no longer allow horses on the property (liability issue). So it has to be withers tracings, or a form, etc. Next step is to save a bit and get the saddle - then can send my Chunky Monkey off to the trainer for his two week evaluation & "tune up" for trail riding. Am told by Kurt McNabb (of the Wyoming driving clinic) that he's been saddle ridden about a dozen times, accompanying the wagon trains under saddle. But most of the three years that they had him, he went as a driven horse hitched to a student driver's wagon. So - we need to find where he is for saddle work - and how much more training he needs (if more) before he and I can hit the trails. In the meantime, 24 yr old Duchesse (our Standardbred) is putting up with being "stuck" as my trail partner. ;-) I think Loki will make a great trail buddy for me - he trailers very easily, and rides pretty quietly. If standing at a stop for a few minutes, he'll get a little restly, and paw some. But nothing outrageous / trailer damaging. In about a month - we move to our new boarding stable, in Bennett, CO. The place where I'm at now is unfortunately selling their land - but the 2 yrs I was there, it was very nice. :-) The new place is an old trail riding buddy of mine - we use to ride the mountains often. Sadly, he's not been trail riding off his property since we parted ways about 5 yrs ago (been working a lot, no time.) Now he's slowing down some, and casting wistful looks towards the Rockies. I hope to be able to encourage him back to what I know he loved to do, as much as I still do! It's odd - he was the one with the trailer and means to get around, back then. While in those days, I was the one barn-bound (no trailer.) Here we are a half decade later - now I have my own trailer and am riding often, while he's barn-bound. I remember he (like I) preferred to ride with someone versus alone. Hope I can help him get out, again! Well - yesterday (Sunday) I was to go on an overnight camping trip up at White Ranch. Been looking forward to it for over a month. My Welsh pony has been practicing with packs, to be a pack pony and help take the camp gear back to our site (a 2 mile pack in.) We've been training for our first packing trip all summer! Soooooooo, a week ago, Duchesse was stepping out of the trailer and skinned her cannon. I medicated and wrapped it right away, of course. In about a week, think she'll be ready to be ridden again - she's healing clean. But it was clear - would have to postpone the camping trip, no way could she heal in time to still go. Then last Fri., Loki startled backward - right onto my foot! Can one say "Ouch!" and 1200 lbs on my arch?? LOL! Luckily, just a nasty brusing and a foot brace for a week (doc's orders). So - a second reason no camping trip would be happening yesterday. Makes me wonder - - is "someone" up there trying to tell me, I should *not* go on this trip?? LOL! Hmmmmm, does seem like some strong "hints" being tossed my way! (big grin) Fate?? :-) Happy trails! Sher in Aurora, CO Like to ride weekdays? Colorado _http://groups.yahoo.com/group/COWeekdayRider/_ (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/COWeekdayRider/) Trail book for equestrians, Colorado _http://RockyMountainTrails.net/Book.html_ (http://rockymountaintrails.net/Book.html)
