Kenai, Atticus, Hodor

Because my life couldn't be busier right now (work is crazy, I've been on travel for work for 3 weeks in 3 different places, I had the club ride to prep for and help put on, the OD is this weekend...), I'm going to schedule a series of posts with some backlog media from the past week or two for your viewing pleasure.

Always guarding his food because he is convinced the cats will take it.
He goes in his crate with the door open *just to be safe*.

Om nomnomnomnommmm. Mike was making Atticus be a "show cat". Atticus took the time to eat fingers.
Kenai photobombed.

Hodor! HODOR. HODORHODORHODOR. hodor.

This is how Atticus likes to sleep with me. By sitting on my chest/neck/face. Le sigh.

Hodor had JUST moved his paw off of Kenai's. <3

What's that? You're trying to cut this to prep it to make a saddle cover?
Oh, let me HELP. -_-

Strange sleeper....

Cuddling SO HARD.

I'd placed Ashke's halter-bridle out for

Kenai just doesn't get it.

Kenai at the office with me sporting his new Dublin Dog collar.

And his Dublin Dog nomad pad. This thing has a rubber/plastic polymer bottom and rolls up like a sleeping pad.
IT IS AWESOME.
You all can expect a Dublin Dog giveaway on this blog in the near future...as soon as my life calms down a little bit. :-)

I got up in a hurry one morning, a flurry of things I needed to complete before rushing out the door.
 I didn't have time to let Kenai out *immediately*. So in the 2 minutes I was out of bed doing a couple things, he stole it.
This is so very UNLIKE my husky dog that I couldn't help but laugh and take photos.

Updates on All the Animals

(presented to you in the order the animals arrived into my life)

Kenai: Still rehabbing from his groin injury. He's getting stronger, but we're still not there yet. I need to really buckle down and start getting him out for daily walks so he can build back what he's lost in terms of muscle. It's been particularly difficult of late to get him out because of my foot being effed up from Q trampling me a few weeks back. (We (doctor and I) suspect a hairline fracture of the joint that connects my big toe to my foot due to the pain that I am still in over two weeks out from the injury. No there have not been x-rays to confirm because foot fractures are hard to x-ray and even if I got an accurate one it the diagnosis would still be the same as without one: rest, ice, stay off it.)

I hope to get Kenai out on some more adventures throughout the month. He's certainly loving having a yard to himself though this spring! He's at a point in his maturity level where he is perfectly content to lounge in the yard or on the small porch and observe all that passes by his little kingdom.

Griffin: He's progressing very well with his training! Both mentally and physically. Mike and I did a 9.5 mile training ride a couple days back that involved 2200' of climbing. We did all of this climbing at a trot or canter to really work those butts! (There was plenty of downhill walking, too, where they could recover!!) Griffin's got a great head on his shoulders and I'm so totally thrilled to see where he goes in the future.

With the horse field now open across all 40 acres (both on the flat and in an open field atop a small mountain/large hill), he's getting even more exercise when in the field than he was before. The herd really utilized the ENTIRE area and moves a lot throughout the day. (It's really an incredible facility for 24/7 turnout!) His constant turnout, nearly-constant play with the other geldings during turnout, and his more-focused workout sessions have me very much considering his first LD late summer/early autumn. He trains on terrain as rough as or rougher than any race we'd participate in, so he's quite prepared. Ultimately, we'll see what the summer brings for him, but considering what his typical week is, I think he could definitely be ready for a nice, slow LD in several months!

Q: With two or so rides with Mike since her super psycho session US with me, she's doing well. We've begun the SmartMare Harmony (which contains the raspberry leaf and chaste tree berry herbs (among others)) and the Mg supplements. Surprisingly (or maybe not so surprising because she could potentially be craving the mineral), she gobbles down both supplements with almost zero masking with a secondary substance!! She's visibly thrilled the days I show up, ride the 4-wheeler to the upper field where they've been a lot lately, and just present her with a small handful of grain/supplements.

Through this month, I plan to ride her more and really work on the WAY that I ride her to try to support her through her spookiness and help (hopefully) be a better leader for her in her weak moments. We're a team and I've been a pretty shitty team member lately. I need to step it up. It's going to be a challenge for me, but I'm willing to tackle it. I'll be better for it.

I also plan to work more on jumping and flatting exercises this month. With every additional ride I had on her since introducing the ported kimberwicke into our work, she's gotten better and better. She's using her body SO MUCH MORE efficiently. And when she's "on the bit" she's really, truly on it, not fighting it or behind it as she would so often be when we were using the double-jointed snaffle. And she SEEKS the contact out to boot! All of these changes are likely a combination of the bit + my aids being feather soft in comparison to how they were with the snaffle. She really seems to enjoy our non-trail work a lot more than she did before.

Don't get me wrong, she's still a pill about trying to rush home at times, but I'm able to redirect those attempts without HAULING on her mouth to get her to listen and not run away with me (something that yes, indeed, she has done in the past though I never documented it on the blog).  Rapid transitions between walk, trot, canter, halting, and backing are amazing with this horse. She buckles down and focuses.

She's always a challenge, but we're really getting some breakthroughs this month that leave me optimistic for the future - albeit a little intimidated, too!

Atticus: A mouse a day keeps the vet away? 'Cause this shitten is a bomber mouser. He brings me one daily. And now that the starlings are fledging, he's honing his starling killing skills. He has yet to bring me a half-dead animal that he has played with and tortured. He tends to EAT nearly everything he brings to me (as most times they are half-eaten when I see them and later they've disappeared completely, often only a gallbladder remaining, haha!

Little shitten is also much less shitten of late and more sweet cat. He's quite the cuddler and not afraid to tell the world about it. I'm pretty freaking thrilled with him. =)

Hodor: Hodor...is....well, Hodor. Still the most simple of cats. Still the most clueless of cats. But he's also one of the sweetest, most loving cats I've ever encountered. He wants nothing more than to have you to himself for a few hours so he can lie beside you (he squirms if you hold him) on the couch and just be pet, pet, pet. This cat craves petting more than any animal ever. He follows you around plaintively mewing until you pet him if you don't make time for him. He even goes so far as to stand on his rear legs to try and get you to pet him!

His ultimate love of just wanting to curl up beside you on the couch (seriously, he'll rest his head against you and put a paw up on your leg and cuddle HARD) and be loved has had me considering rehoming him to someone who wants a cat to love - I feel guilty that I don't have enough time to give him! He's that perfect cat that so many people wish they had. One who is super sweet and loves affection and attention - but without picking him up and holding him close. He sleeps politely at the foot of the bed, loves dogs, has never hissed at human or cat or canine. His only vice? If I don't pet him enough or if I'm gone for a few days, he spitefully throws up near my bed. This has only occurred when I have not given him enough love.

So if you're ever nearby, and you want to give a kitty some lovin's, there is a certain orange cat in a barn who'd love some pettin'!

2013: Another Trip Around the Sun

I've met a lot of new folks via blogging in the last few months. I'm enjoying catching up on the high points in your lives through posts like these that are beginning to crop up with the end of the year. I hope you enjoy catching up on my old pursuits, too!

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Starting the day the right way on the mountain with the National Anthem

January: I fulfilled a mini-dream of skijoring with horses. We had fun. I enjoyed many long weekends with ski patrol. I posted about the myriad of things in my saddle bags, and took time to dote on the pretty mare and her feet.

Joshua Tree; Photo by Mandy Weston

February: I skied more with patrol. Took an incredible trip to California to visit Mandy in San Diego; we also went to Joshua Tree! When I returned I embraced my horses "flaws" and reflected on Griffin's issue with a creek.

Climbing rocks with Q mare

March: Kenai demonstrated a valuable lesson to me. I celebrated his 3rd birthday, too! I took another trip, this time to Colorado to ski a lot. Griffin conquered his issue with the creek. Then I took another trip to NC to horseback ride in the Uwharrie where Q proved how awesome her feet really are. I tried to pony Griffin with Q as I'd done on past occasions, but after this incident I quit. Then, after a silly scare with what ended up being Q just shedding her frogs, I researched and reflected on a hoof for all seasons.

Before the injury at No Frills

April: In a quest to climb more this year, I made my first vertical escape this month. Spring also means foals, and this year we got to play with a Gypsy Vanner sporthorse foal (that Q later tried to steal). Q powered through her workouts, impressing me thoroughly. I also started some riding sessions on Griffin. And finally, Q and I competed in our first ride of the season: No Frills. It didn't go as planned, but I reflected on the things I learned and realized I had a lot to be thankful for.

Visiting Dom and Ozzy in NJ

May: The first of many busy, busy months! I climbed. All over. And went to a climbing festival! Q began to heal from the freak incident at No Frills. I celebrated her 7th birthday, and continued to monitor her healing. After a scary moment, she was released from stall rest early which gave me time to go investigate the rock that presumably caused her injury during the fall. Griffin exhibited that he is a shithead as he threw shenanigans at me all month; he has redeeming qualities though. I ended this month with another trip - this time to NJ to meet and play with Dom, her friend Margaret, and all the horses.

Such a pretty boy he's turning into!

June: June began with an anecdote about Griffin trying to kill small, defenseless animals. The kitten - Atticus - I brought home from NJ began and Kenai began their love connection. Griffin pulled a huge shenanigan that left me hurting after his first trail ride. I went climbing some more. Q healed up beautifully. I began working her again; we experimented with dressage and I got her back on the trails. I ended the month with a quick invite and acceptance to ride in my first 50! Scioto Run taught me a lot.

Saiph riding Q when she visited

July: I moved into my own place: a barn! Q gave lessons to my friends, enjoyed some LSD, jumping, was a parade pro, and shared riding with a friend who dearly missed it. Griffin turned 3 this month. He's changed a lot since I got him. I embraced a summer of stay-cationing in WV with many pursuits and explorations. The highlight of the month was hands-down the visit from Saiph and Charles though!

Completing my 3rd 50 on Siena; photo by Nancy Sluys

August: I competed in my second 50. Kenai's surgery date arrived and the beginnings of post-op were very trying for me. In one big weekend, one of my best friends got married and my new jumps arrived. I tested Q's trot to have a better idea about how to continue her training. Griffin continued his shenanigans as an angsty teenager. I had an impromptu bareback jump session on Q that thrilled me to no end. I competed in my 3rd endurance ride and loved every minute.

Me on Grffin and Dom on Q when she visited

September: Dom and Mike and the dogs visited WV; we all had a blast! Q continued to be amazing in her workouts and on the trails; we even did a 20 mile jaunt for fun on the rail trail where she proved how incredible a trot she has. These experiences coupled with reflections made me realize I'd overcome the hurdle of thinking 50 miles on a horse was an impossible feat. I took an interlude from horse play to climb Seneca for the second or third time this summer. While not working Griffin heavily or often, he was worked a lot this summer. September brought some great lunging sessions over jumps with him and two rides that showed me his best and worst sides. The big purchase of the month? A new saddle!

Me and the best crew ever (Charles, Saiph, Hannah) after completing Q's first 50

October: Q and I experimented with a jump grid/bounce setup some. Then I headed to the DC area to visit Saiph and Charles on my way to Cape May for my annual trip to band raptors. I had a blast on both parts of my trip. I was also quite crafty this month as far as equestrian thins went. Lots of interest in my craft pursuits led to a mondo-entry on how to tie your own rope halter. After months of rehab and preparation (including re-teaching Q to trailer), Q and I headed to Fort Valley for Q's first 50. It was amazing. Q was amazing. Our crew (Saiph, Charles, and Hannah) were incredible! I had few issues with gear for the ride.

Griffin exhibiting natural skill over a 3'3" vertical

November: This month I made an attempt to write every day. I worked Griffin a lot more this month, too. I began setting goals for him and getting him out to do something as much as I could. I introduced, belatedly to the blog, Hodor. I topped of my climbing season with a trip to the Red River Gorge and a final one to the New River Gorge where I finally managed to obtain photos of me climbing. Griffin's natural ability at jumping really became evident. What also became evident and obvious was the transition of his grey coat from dark to light over his 3+ years of life! I also confronted the problems each of my horses have had of late and the solutions I'm pursuing.

Blankenting during the continual wet or sub-30 degree-all-day-cold days this year since both horses have slight clip jobs.
Tail clamping and shivering is happening by ALL horses in the field on the days when its cold, windy, and rains all day.

December: December has become a whirlwind of activity for me. I'm back to working 7 days a week between my ski patrol job and my biologist position. I've gone on multiple 5-7 day stints without seeing the horses due to the intensity of winter that set in so quickly + being busy with jobs. I did celebrate 3 years of blogging. Both Q and Griffin are making progress with work in side reins though. I did get out in the frigid cold to do a 15 mile training ride with a friend and her daughter on their horses. But mostly its been snow and skiing and accepting that its okay to take a bit of a break.

A Cat Named Hodor

I don't know that I ever got around to mentioning it on the blog, but a few months ago, I got a second cat.

Atticus (AKA Shitlord, Shitten, Little Shit, You Shit, and Asshole) was quite the handful as a kitten. I mean, he's going on 7 months old now, so he's still far from being NOT a kitten. BUT he's not so bad now. He's actually becoming a stately gentleman who is sweet and more or less the cat I hoped to have.

BEFORE though, before he was awful. The only time he was improved was when he had another cat as an outlet for his Shitlord-ness. And thus, my search for a second cat began.

I wanted to find (in a perfect world) a 1-3 year old already vaccinated and hopefully fixed cat, preferably female. I had decided to not go with a shelter because they (or at least the nearby ones) have absolutely insane requirements for adoption - far too many loops to jump through. (You WONDER why pets don't get adopted? THIS is why. I understand why they have loops, but good god, no. I cannot swear to you that I will forever and always meet requirements A-J, that I can get signed documents from X number of people, or that I really want you stalking around my home for X number of random visits.)

I went through a couple options before a friend informed me of a year old barn cat who was in dire need of a new home after a new dog had been introduced to the farm he was at that was a cat killer (and killed the other barn cat already!). This little orange guy with four white feet and half a white mustache was reputed to be so, so sweet and completely unbothered by dogs (a fact that added to his danger in his former living situation).

She swept him away and got his initial vaccines so that I would know Atticus wouldn't catch anything, and then I swept him away home.

The little orange cat was overly confused and yowly on the drive home. The only place he would stay calm the longest was on the dash where he could be wedged against the windshield. We joked around with naming him Dash because of it.

Upon coming home and getting to know him for a day or two I realized he was really quite...simple. So simple.

I'd tried a couple names before joking that I should call him Hodor after the lackwit in Game of Thrones which I was deep into reading at the time.

Oddly enough, when I said, "Hodor" he looked at me and mewed.

Hmm.

"Hodor."
*meow*
"Hodor?"
*meow*

Well then. Hodor it is.

And thus, I had a cat named Hodor. Who still meows nearly every time I say his name.

And further evidence of his simpleness...

It took him nearly a week to realize more of my 3 room (not bedroom, ROOM) apartment existed than the bedroom. Despite using an INDOOR (between rooms) cat door, when I installed the one to the outside it took him 3 days to understand it. It would take him another week to understand that he could come IN and not only go OUT. If I cover him with blankets its like I just shut the world off. He quits moving and won't try to come out.

But he's sweet. And he's not pissing in the apartment anymore. And even though Atticus HATED him for 3 days he never hissed, pounced, or lifted a paw against him.

And he often sleeps like this:

Paint me like one of your French girls