In a couple of ways!
We're nervously awaiting a couple more storms bringing a lot more rain, so the horsey events scheduled for this weekend have been postponed. We're signed up for a clinic next weekend so I do still have some riding plans on the agenda - it's just going to be about dodging the weather.
Saddle fitting: the fitter came out, wasn't happy with Sophie's condition for her age. (Neither am I, to be fair). So, a saddle is on hold - no point spending $$$$ only to have her shape change. One quick vet consultation later and we're switching her diet up a little and are scheduled in for a couple of exams to make sure there isn't a physical reason she's eating so much and not maturing/putting on more pounds (unfortunately not until January - the logistics of getting the vet here (or Sophie to the vet) in person are complicated).
On the plus side, the vet is OK with her weight, didn't seem super concerned about how slow she is to mature and suggested just a small diet change. I am fine to keep her in work. The saddle I am currently using fits Sophie well. So, (despite feeling a bit like I am) I am in fact not doing it all wrong.
On the downside, this week has been a struggle. I took the fitter's feedback to heart and was pretty upset. I know she meant well and I respect her for saying it, but getting weight, topline, and muscle on this pony is a real struggle and something I thought I was making progress with.
Anyway, we have a plan and onwards we go!
From my reading of this, the fitter hadn't met Sophie before? If so then it seems like she didn't know where you had started. It seems like you are putting a lot of thought and work into her care and training.
ReplyDeleteWishing you relief from all the wet weather.
First time meeting her. But yes, good point - there has been a lot of progress! Even though it was discouraging to hear I can’t argue with her thoughts and it was nice to have an outside opinion from someone impartial who doesn’t see her every day.
DeleteThank you!
First time meeting her. But yes, good point - there has been a lot of progress! Even though it was discouraging to hear I can’t argue with her thoughts and it was nice to have an outside opinion from someone impartial who doesn’t see her every day.
DeleteThank you!
It doesn't matter how well intentioned, those comments sting. I'm coming from a similar place with comments recently about Nay (even if I don't necessarily agree, I still take them to heart). That said, Sophie has progressed and changed a lot over the last year or so even if it may not be obvious to someone who hasn't seen her before.
ReplyDeleteI'm learning that it's not always a matter of more calories or more feed or more hay, but sometimes just finding the right balance of nutrition that works for the horse. It seems I own the world's pickiest horses (Subi eats alfalfa cubes but is picky about which brand he'll eat and Nay Nay won't touch a million different things -- though he likes most snacks and only snacks) and finding diets that work has been rough. I'm not sure I have this solved, but I try.
At the end of the day, I figure it's a balance. Offering the best food that I can that my horses will eat. The best food in the world won't do any good if my horses don't eat it or if someone gets sick eating it (ie: Nay with soy). Subi gets sugary grain, but he eats it and my vet is 100% ok with it. She'd rather he eat consistently something that is less great than not eat something that universally considered healthier and better. Anyway, all of this is to say, you've made a bunch of progress and those of us who see pictures can see it. The last piece is just muscle and maturity as you said. Hopefully the pieces will come together.
This is exactly where we're at! Calories are currently well in excess of what she *should* need, but she picks at her food a little and is never overly excited about it. Vet has recommended switching the grain and vitamin part of her diet to a high protein balancer instead, fingers crossed that helps.
DeleteUgh I spent a LONG TIME feeling frustrated about Charlie’s condition as he went thru the whole post track / pre sport horse transition. Everyone kept reassuring me that we’d get thru it tho, and ya know. We eventually did (plus obvi with all the wellness and diet adjustments etc that you’re working on too). Sometimes I wonder if there aren’t a lot of internal changes happening that aren’t externally visible, but that make it feel like a plateau in development?
ReplyDeletePart of my challenge is that hay sources are pretty limited here, so year to year I'm often just buying whatever I can and then trying to balance out how much they need and what supplements are needed. Sometimes I just feel like I've got it right, then a new load of hay comes in (or pony goes through a growth spurt!)
DeleteI would wonder what horses the fitter is familiar with. Different horse breeds develop at different rates. Carmen did not broaden out until she was seven.
ReplyDeleteShe was definitely surprised at how 'tiny' Sophie is in real life. I suspect pictures don't convey that if you're more used to warmbloods and the like. I do think her comments were fair and accurate, though.
DeleteSophie is 5, is she not? For her age, I think she looks great. Additionally you have taken your time with her, bringing her along in a thoughtful way.
ReplyDeleteKuddos to the saddle fitter for NOT selling you a saddle - many would have. For that alone, I would use her services again.
How is Sophie with things around her bum? You can purchase a resistance band system (or make your own as I did) that would help Sophie to step under herself evenly and the abdominal band helps remind her to lift & round. The bands helped out immensely when I was rehabbing my horse back from a serious hind leg injury which required months of stall rest, hand walking, etc. Here is a link to a grenade system: https://equinefitnesssystem.com/products/all-purpose-saddle-pad-with-clippable-resistance-bands or I can tell you how I made mine via email.
Yes, 5! And a very immature 5, in my opinion. I'm going to give it 6 months and try saddles again then. I did appreciate there was zero sales pressure and she's totally open to sending me saddles in the future to try out now that she's seen us in person. The resistance bands are super interesting and something I actually almost bought for Bridget....I'll revisit that - it's a great idea, especially in winter when we're not trail riding in the back hills as often.
DeleteNot a grenade system, a pre-made system. My apologies as it was auto correct that said that. Goodness, you must think I am crazy crackers. I assure you, I am not. :-)
DeleteSome days it might not hurt to light a grenade system under lazy B’s bum :D
DeleteSullivan is 7 this year and he grew nearly an inch in the last year. It's taken a long time for him to fill out, so I feel your pain.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm getting REALLY tired of all the 'but she's tiny!' 'Oh she's so narrow' 'do you think she is going to fill out?' comments :D Her full siblings are not as tall, but way chunkier than her and both her parents are pretty strong looking, so I have hope it's in there somewhere.
DeleteFingers crossed you don't wash away in the weather
ReplyDelete