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Having established in my mind that Heather was a head shaker, I now needed answers. One Google search brought me to this very useful information.
I read the symptoms listed and ticked every single box. The description of the horse acting as though it had a bee up its nose was so accurate. Like having a light at the end of a tunnel, I was satisfied and somewhat pleased to have found the answer.
I was also quite excited at the prospect of putting some of the information given on the Lincoln site, to the test. Strangely I was now looking forward to riding in the rain. We did...and what a difference! No head shaking. She was more responsive, forward and obviously much happier. Though without the distraction of her affliction, she was now quite spooky, suddenly having realised that there's a world beyond her nose! Waking up to her surroundings.
Next, I bought her a full nose/mouth net, which attatches to the nose band on her bridle. Took me a week or so of feeding her out of this net, before I could get her to wear it without too much protest. The down side of the net is that it makes her look like some sort of equine "Hannibal Lecter". Quite a few people commented on her "muzzle guard". So I didn't disappoint and confirmed that she has a taste for small children!
Aside from the aestetics of the net, the proof was in the riding. A little worryingly, she did snort and blow at walk and standstill. But this was different and I think due to her whiskers touching the net. Once trotting and cantering, especially in her worst places for shaking, along a wooded track, she was fine. No disturbance. A real milestone passed.
In my hopes, I could now see a way of breaking the viscious circle that she was caught in. If I could ride her like this regularly with no shaking, I had a chance of getting her fit. So if she's fit, she will be more able to work, and work happily! The head shaking only becomes apparent when she is working in trot or harder. One idea is that the increased blood pressure over sensitises nerves in the nose. Possibly aggravated by more air rushing past these "itchy" nerves at faster paces. She has learned a fantastic defence against all this. She naps, she plants her feet! No movement, no irritation in her nose. Rider gets fed up eventually and she gets to stand in the field again.
The only drawback of the net, is that after an hours hacking. The net is full of all the little odd things that a horse amasses in its head and snorts out. Usually unseen. Caught in a net, they make quite an ugly collection.
Yesterday, my brother Jim, ground out a gutsy and almighty effort to conquer the nemesis that is the Snowdon Marathon. This event lives up to its reputation of being both the most beautiful, but also most challenging of all road marathons held in this country.
Jim told me back in June, that he was going to train for this, with some colleagues from the British Mountaineering Council. I know the lonely hard miles needed to train for such an event only to well. Back in the 80s when marathon running became a fashion, I completed two in quick succession. Strangely I had been thinking about doing another only last year. So I was tempted. I also remember the agony and pain involved in the actual run...
So gladly went along yesterday to give whatever support I could. As soon as we arrived at Llanberis the place was alive with people limbering up, stretching. Some looking like it was an everday event, others looking like lost sheep, new boy at school. All sorts of shapes and sizes, men and women. Fascinating to watch. All the time, I knew deep inside that I should be getting ready, not to watch, but to run. I'm made for this kind of thing. Instead it's Jim who's got the running shoes on.
Kirstine, Jim's girlfriend, and me walked the couple of miles up to see the start at Nant Peris. I was surprised at how many...over 1500, competitors there were. The sharp chiselled athletes at the front like greyhounds....then a good couple of minutes to the everday guy, like Jim!
Drove round to the other side of Snowdon and parked at Rhyd Ddu. Within a short while, the low cloud turned to light rain. Then the wind picked up. It got really miserable. We stood and I clapped as Kirstine cheered runners on for what seemed like hours. Taking turns to get in the car and warm up. Some of the runners were congratulating us on our effort! This was about the 16 mile point. Andy, then a while later Tina passed. No Jim. Began to be a little concerned. Eventually, a wet, bedraggled character loomed out of the mist. Befriended by a guy wearing a Scooby-Doo suit! Re-supplied and with 'Stines waterproof top on, off he went.
We drove round the other way and parked up halfway along the last and final climb to Waun Fawr. Still raining, still blowing. What a horrible day to be in the hills, let alone running 26 miles! Caught Jim and Scooby, still together and grimacing. I knew it was still tough going, but they were now at 21 miles, sure to finish.
They did...still together, they'd kept each other going in the true spirit that brings total strangers together to perform what to most of us are superhuman achievments. Congratulations to everyone who attempted that race, especially those who were on the course longest! Jim thoroughly deserved his sports massage at the end, getting the attention of not one but both masseurs.
I am re-inspired and will give it some serious thought for next year. Really, my minds made up.
After last nights lesson success, there's no way that we're going to school today. A nice hack for both of us, with perhaps a little test or two along the way to keep things interesting. Sometimes wonder if she isn't thinking the same thing...
One thing I do want to work on though is her one sided-ness. Which became even more evident in last nights lesson. She finds it very difficult to canter on the right rein. Her trot is also very stiff on this side.
Soon crossing the green bridge, always a nervy place. We turned right to head towards Kickety Brook. My plan was to take her round the route clockwise. Split from the loop and take her up to TGI Fridays bridge, then back homeward along the banks. Then instead of home, head round the Banky Meadow route. So plenty of potential sticking points.
Her attitude and willing could hardly be faulted.She was eager and mostly had ears pricked and legs striding forward. We had plenty of canter attempts. However out of at least the ten I counted only one correct lead picked up on her right. Not very good. I was giving the clearest aids, even a little flick on her near hind quarter as I asked. Most times I pulled her back and asked again. Though considering where we were just a short while ago. Just to have her cantering willingly in a direction away from home is still some achievment.
She hardly noticed when we left the loop and headed up towards Fridays. Within seconds we were rocketing along the banks. Pulled her back..asked again..wrong leg!!! Never mind, this is fun..lets goooo!! Her fitness is so much better. She just flies along...so smoothly. There's a Heron standing on the bank further up. Takes off and flies above, landing back in the same spot after we've passed. Not that I'm looking backwards at this point. I have to pull her up, or else we join the Manchester bound A56!
Same on the return. She doesn't need asking twice. In fact for the first time ever I have a little trouble slowing her. I took her off the banks and into a scary little wood that runs parallel. So by the time we came back onto the banks, we'd both had a chance to settle.
Back over the green bridge and the big test. My readiness for a struggle was wasted. She put her feet in toffee for a few strides, but nothing firm leg applied couldn't overcome. So off towards Banky Meadow..away from home again. This horse is coming on in leaps and bounds. I'm so pleased with her. So pleased with myself, because I really have done the donkey work. I've put my trust in her and at last it's all starting to really come together.
She needs a clip. A year ago we were standing still and never worked up more than me being red faced! With all this cantering and fun, she sweats up quickly. So we walked the rest of the way. A chance to enjoy being out in the Autumn air on horseback. I love that gentle rythm of a horses walk, when there's no fighting or pushing on. Some of the leaves have fallen and there are berries ripe for the birds. Squirrels toing and froing, far too busy to be bothered by us and some of the leaves have finally turned colour. Back home, I towel her dry..with some initial objection, which gives way to a blissful lip quiver! Turned her out and she stayed at the gate...silly mare. What a great day.
I need to write while this is all so fresh...I've been looking forward to today since last Thursday..a week!
Mel has been taking lessons with Ange through the Summer. She's really coming on as a rider. I know how it is in these earlier days. Barely getting one lesson a week, it's difficult sometimes to feel you're progressing. But Mel has done so and now really has to only keep going. She's got the basics and now like me, just has to keep putting in the effort and polishing everything up.
A grey Autumn day...but perfect for riding. No wind..no rain, bit chilly, but not cold! Mel started her lesson on Flossie. In the meantime I got Heather ready. The idea being for me to escort Mel on her first hack from the yard after her lesson with Ange. Took H into the indoor and warmed her up. My first time on in four days. No big fight needed today. She's got the wind in her sails...perfect. Unfortunately, after her lesson, Flossie has come up with her old injury to her back and a never healing sore. Poor horse really needs a Mummy or Daddy..she's not on loan at the moment. So doesn't get the pampering needed to sometimes ease the life of one of the schools more used horses.
For a few brief moments I think we're sunk. Then Ange suggests Mel rides Wilma out. Before I can blink, Mel is alongside me onboard. H is happy to lead off the yard..almost eager and we're on our way! With only half an hour we go down towards the canter field. I can't believe how comfortable Mel is on a horse she's never been on before and riding out for the first time. As we turn for home, after some walk and trot, it's Mel who asks if we can canter!! All goes so smoothly and Mel looks so comfortable and happy. This has been a great morning...
In tonights lesson, I'm back on Heather for the first time in three weeks. If she hasn't wasted too much energy in the field during the day, I know she'll go well. She doesn't disappoint. Yes I wear my little short plastic spurs, but she doesn't fight. Goes off the leg and makes an effort. She's got energy and even makes a reasonable attempt at leg yielding. I have been practising on the way home on hacks! She canters without question on the left rein. However she still doesn't like the right rein. Must keep working on this side. Oh, thought it was a lesson for me...In a way it was. As much as learning from a good schoolmaster is valuable. Riding a lesser accomplished horse and getting results, no matter how small, is so rewarding. This is riding...and I'm so proud to be able to think that I've earned that title. I think everyone enjoyed their lesson tonight. Felt so good to take part. Can't wait till tomorrow to ride again!!
I Wanted Heather to have every chance to do well. I'd already realised that the hand-me down saddle from the school did not fit her. Though it was nice and light.
She has very high withers. Took me several visits to a tack shop across Manchester to find something. I brought five or six saddles back each time and none were anywhere near. Lastly, in the shop was shown one, an old GP, I was told modelled on a police saddle. I knew instantly it would fit, as though made for her. English leather locally made, but on the heavy side. Turns out to be every bit as comfortable as confidence giving. Needed a few repairs, but before long had it on her back. All this, remembering, I'm new to horses, let alone saddle fitting. So I sought out all the information and opinions I could. What a way to learn!
Riding wise, things were not going at all well. I was having to lead her out down the lane and beyond in hand. Then I'd hop on and ride home. Still she was head shaking...As though she was trying to throw the bit out of her mouth. I found it all quite frightening, as a couple of times she nearly over-balanced and fell, the shaking was so violent.
Her teeth were checked and yes they were sharp. Another possibility. Though I missed the visit, the dentist came and spent a while with her. So I was hopefull of an improvement.
As much as an excercise in learning about tack, I put together a new bridle for her. Again, her school bridle was a bit strung together and the browband was definately too tight. Could this be contributing to her discomfort? Bu
t despite my new tack, the head shaking continued...
Coming into the New Year, 2007, I had some excellent help at the yard, getting over Heathers napping. Plus stopping her new evasion...bucking!
Slowly, but surely I was able to push her on, predict her napping. Take her out further and for longer. Always though, trying to ask some question of her. Never letting her, or me, settle into complacency. Still plagued by this head shaking! I never did get off because of it, but I was so close. Sometimes it felt as though she was a split second from bolting. Shaking, twitching and stamping, paying me no attention. I really was frightened.
Around Easter I started to read up and find out specifically about head shaking in horses.
Last night after my paddling exploits, took Heather out on a lovely short sunset hack. Back on the yard, bumped into Claire. Arranged to meet up and look for adventure!!
What a brilliant day to go out! This Autumn weather is so good. So after a chilly start, it's tee shirts and if I wasn't riding, I'd be thinking of putting shorts on. After a short chat, we both agreed on trying to reach Chorlton Waterpark. Has been my long-term goal for this Summer, really only thwarted by lameness and headshaking. Good enough reasons, I suppose! This is going to be a long ride, about 17kms round trip. Taking both Heather and Garfield into unknown territory.
Within a short time a pattern of riding emerged. For whatever reason, Heather is so difficult to ride in company. She will really hold back and not be pushed to the front to lead. Unfortunately Garfield, the "bomber", is uncertain and will not cross horse styals or the green bridge. So a compromise sees Claire and me, leap-frogging at the appropriate places, these two odd horses. When we get to something to scary for Garfield, I push Heather, he follows. Then once passed, he goes in front. I did read somewhere that an Alpha mare, as she is, would naturally lead the herd from further back, pushing the others on...instead of asking them to follow. Maybe this is what is happening with her.
However we made steady progress, overcoming the long tunnel, short tunnels, all manner of bridges. Including the wooden bridge at Chorlton Waterpark, where there are gaps in the beams where the neds can look through at the river below! We took the advise on the sign and lead...not easily across. Even brave H took a distinct distrust to such a precarious looking and sounding construction.
We found two long sections of lower bank, where the ground and turf were perfect. We enjoyed probably the best cantering conditions I've had. Perfect, blue sky, willing horse bowling along effortlessly on a lovely surface. This was my longest, most memorable ride to date and I'm really buzzing. Again we had to do a staggered start. Garfields little legs are no match for Heathers all out long canter stride, but he gets too excited being overtaken. So at each canter I let Claire go ahead, whilst trying to hold H back a while. It's all I can do to keep her from galloping! But again we manage and I've just kept her short of breathing too hard as we get to the end.
This has been a perfect ride and makes all the hard work I've done in the last year, worthwhile. This is my dream!! I'm livin' it....
