The Aspiring Equestrian

The power of a good massage

2012-01-30T17:37:00.001-06:00

From Saturday... I had blog posting issues...

I am feeling a bit better today in the knee department, still tender to the touch from where I impacted with the ground and a little swollen plus a little achy but I must admit, nothing like what I was expecting.

And after my massage today it feels even better. I feel like I hit the jackpot with my masseuse. She works out of the spa at the gym which means I get an amazing discount and she is just so very, very good. This was my second appointment with her and I am hooked! Her approach to massage is to find the spots that need work and work on them, she has talent. It doesn't always feel the best because let's face it... When you have big knots and tight spots they don't feel good to be worked on!

I had a 90 minute appointment and she spent a solid 30 mins on my bad leg. She says it is super tight from my toes on up to my backside and lower back, in fact it's the tightest leg she has ever worked on. Somehow the muscles that run across,the top of my feet and up the front of my shin were all extremely tight. All I know is that when I leave my leg feels so much better and moves freer and it is good.

She also explained that she thinks the rest of my body aches and pains and tight spots she works on are all directly related to that leg. That as I try more and more to be back to normal that the leg deficiency is causing my basic carriage to change causing imbalances and tightness all over. I guess I already knew that... But it's nice to hear someone else say it. She did recommend that I try self massaging the front of my leg, shin and ankle a couple times a week that it may help to extend the relief that I get from her working on my leg.

The other reason why I love her is that for gym members there is an awesome discount for massages! For 90 solid minutes I paid $89. And that includes all the good stuff, the heated table, the sound proof room, the relaxing music and nice smelly stuff.

I don't know if anyone else likes to get massages but that price is pretty darn unheard of especially when it is with such a good masseuse!

I do need to check with my insurance company to see if I have any insurance benefits that may apply, probably not with how the insurance benefits seem to be getting slimmer and slimmer but it doesn't hurt to ask.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Home

Some days I should stay in bed! And various monthly musings

2012-01-26T14:29:00.001-06:00

This month is flying by! It's been an extremely busy one.

My daughter has moved back home to save money for the wedding. We played room switch-a-roo which through the house into chaos for several weeks while we got 3 rooms redone at once. Ugh... The house is almost back to normal with just several lingering piles of items needing to find a home.

I welcomed the New Year with a head cold. In fact most of the family that was together over the holidays got colds. Oh well, it was so worth getting together.

My gym membership is wonderful! I discovered deep water classes that use a water jog belt, which I just happened to get for Christmas. Basically you put the water jog belt on around the waist and get into deep water and jog. I wasn't too sure what to really do so I took a couple of classes and oh so much fun! And the best part was I got a really great lower body workout with no pain in my leg!!

Jump to this week... I had a doctor apt on Tuesday morning and received my first Synvics knee injection. It is an HA derivative that is a synthetic joint fluid replacement. I ca get one every 6 months. I had to take it easy for 48 hours.

Jump to 6am and I was heading out the door to go to the gym and whamo.... I slip on the ice and smash land right down on my bad knee. I just laid on the ice and cried. Cried big giant alligator sobbing tears. I mean seriously, enough is enough.

I headed back inside, wiped away the tears, blew my nose and grabbed the ice pack and Aleve and iced for several hours. Luckily, it seems that a bruised kneecap, a little soreness and a little swelling is the worst of it. I think that because I had my brace on it really kept the knee all lined up and protected things quite a bit.

I am blaming it on the crazy winter weather. One day 8 inches of snow, the next crazy winter thunder storms with tons of rain and that back into freezing with ice now everywhere.

Ok... On with life we go. I guess I am taking It easy for a couple extra days!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Home

Welcome 2012!

2012-01-01T10:47:00.001-06:00

My family and I said goodbye to 2011 and welcomed 2012 in grand style and all together!

We started the day by participating in a 5k run/walk in Rehobeth Beach, DE. Several ran and my mom and I walked, we made the 3.2 miles in just around 55 mins! It was a beautiful day and the race route was very scenic.

We then celebrated the rest of the day at home together with yummy foods that everyone prepared, a great big UNO game, several bottles of wine and bubbly, a little bit of dancing and some fireworks to bring in the New Year!

The best New Years I've had in several years!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Millsboro, DE

Christmas at the Beach

2011-12-28T20:20:00.001-06:00

My Christmas/birthday/New Years holiday vacation with family is splendid. Crazy how fast time goes by when one is having fun and surrounded by loved ones.

Christmas Day we went down to Henlopen State Park and went for a nice walk out on the pier, along the beach and around the nature center. My dad is currently in a wheel chair so we took turns pushing him about for fresh air. It was so nice to get out and about, the weather was perfect sun shining and birds chirping. :)

Half of us went walking and the other half went for a Christmas morning run. We all needed it after our Christmas Eve indulgences!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Millsboro, DE

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T15:35:00.001-06:00

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year! I am spending Christmas, my birthday and New Years in Delaware with my family, it is such a wonderful treat.

I also want to thank those that left very thoughtful comments on my last post. I have decided to keep on blogging!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Millsboro, Delaware

Finding the good side and do I stay or go?

2011-12-20T11:58:00.001-06:00

I have decided to take some time off from writing this blog. There are so many reasons. The biggest is that I am just no longer riding. No horse, no lessons, no nothing.

I do hope to get back in the saddle again,but it will just be for pleasure riding. I have had to accept the fact that it's not in my cards to continue with my equestrian pursuit.

One can only dwell on it for so long before deciding that the best thing is to focus your life in other areas and move on. This doesn't mean that I will not give it another try this spring. It just means that I will not go back to where I was, ever. And I am OK with that. I am actually finding joy and delight in other areas of my life that were a little neglected or underdeveloped due to my horse habit.

There is a good side to be found in everything that happens in life, you just have to be willing to look for it and perhaps work on it a bit. I do miss it, not gonna lie about that. However, I am happy with all the good memories and positive experiences that I had over my riding career.

I also pretty darn positive that if things were different... Like I owned horse property or had a LOT more money than I would still have my horses. But I do not have either so I will just be happy with what I do have.

Now... My biggest question is what to do with this blog? after all I am only ever going to be an Aspiring Equestrian in my dreams...

Maybe it's time to say goodbye...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Home

Keeping horses in my life

2011-11-14T15:29:00.001-06:00

I seem to finally be adjusting to not riding on a regular basis or even at all for now. I do have a plan in place that will hopefully allow me to return to riding in some form at some time.

That plan looks a bit like me getting my butt in gear and getting in shape. I have been slowing getting stronger and ever so slowing losing weight. Now that Fawkes is sold I am going to look at joining a gym/ health and fitness center that has a pool and aqua program.

I have been using the pools when I travel as well as the elliptical machines. I'm hoping to hold off on any joint injections until after the holidays. At that point I will try getting back on a horse and see how it feels. On the plus side I have been trying to not use the brace while I am working in my home office and it seems to be going well. I can get around the house with relatively little pain and it gives my leg a nice break from the brace.

For the time being I am happy enough to keep my horse fix by doing work for the website www.chicagoequestrian.com. I was able to attend the National Horse Show in Lexington last weekend as a member of the press. It was very, very cool and rewarding to be a part of the action.
I have some great pictures that I will share with you in my next post.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Home

So very bittersweet

2011-11-07T20:42:00.001-06:00

Fawkes officially has a new home. He has been out on trial for the past month and they have decided to purchase him. I am happy and sad.

I really dislike conflicting emotions. I will miss him very much.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Home

A bit of Halloween Egg fun

2011-10-29T00:05:00.001-05:00

I made these super fun hard boiled eggs for my deviled egg plate for the Halloween party tomorrow.

I would love to take all the credit for them.... But, my husband saw them in a magazine and I just copied them. Still super fun for Halloween.

Not hard to do. Just need to use some dark colored food coloring paste. Boil your eggs, knock the eggs with the back of a wooden spoon so they crack and crackle a bit them put them Ina bowl with the food colored water. Put the bowl in the fridge for a couple hours and then peel them. Wherever the cracks were the food color dyes the egg white and you get these spiderweb looking hard boiled peeled eggs! Just make sure to wear rubber gloves, it makes it harder to peel the eggs but much better than having violet fingers.

- Steph... From my iPad

Location:Home

Squeaking away

2011-10-25T20:42:00.001-05:00

My brace started squeaking a little bit yesterday. Just here and there a few times I noticed a little noise. Then today after a very long day consisting of an early morning flight, followed by a tedious drive through NYC traffic to a meeting that consisted of me sitting for a couple hours and then back into the car to crawl over the George Washington Bridge and finally to my hotel. Whew!

I checked in and changed into my workout clothes. Stretched a bit and felt like every joint was squeaking. But no, as I walked down the hallway every step had a faint squeak.

Into the hotel gym, not in an area to take a walk outside, and only thing available was an elliptical machine. I hadn't used one of these in forever but I figured they are supposed to be easy on joints. I ended up doing 35 mins! Yay!!! But every step I took was accompanied by a squeak!

I left a voice message with the brace people at the doctors office. I figure it is probably a good time for a fit check anyway. They can check the fit and figure out the squeak, probably just needs a bit of oil.

I am interested in seeing how my knee feels tomorrow after doing a new exercise...

- Steph... From my iPad

Location:Spring St,Elizabeth, NJ

Weekend with the family and dealing with feelings

2011-10-24T09:04:00.001-05:00

I had a great weekend spent with my little family :) we had fun! Did a little bit of everything. Creating, cooking, Halloween stuff, movies, dog walks. Just a good time!

I really needed it... On Friday I had a bit of a down afternoon. The weather was perfect, a gorgeous fall day and my brain immediately went to 'must get to the barn to get in a beautiful outdoor ride, perfect weather' and then reality set in. And I was immediately in a foul mood for several hours. I hate when that happens. I tried my best to accept it, feel it and then throw it out!!! I struggled for several hours, washed the carpets, cried and bitched out loud to the dogs. Luckily I had several hours home to myself and the game plan of letting myself 'have the feelings' was successful.

I think it worked, I had a wonderful weekend with my family :)

Steam punk Pumpkin for the Halloween party.

Homemade Apple Pie :)

- Steph... From my iPad

Location:Home

Portland, Maine

2011-10-20T15:55:00.001-05:00

I had one evening in Portland Maine. The weather was grey wet and generally miserable. I did not let that stop me!

I drove the 2 plus hours up to Portland from Boston in grey sheets of rain, just barely able to make out the last of the fall colors.

Once to Portland, I immediately set out for a walk through historic downtown area to find a place for dinner. Me, my trusty umbrella and my e-reader found a great tavern with a sign that proclaimed Lobsters love Guinness! My kind of place :)

They sat me in a quiet window seat, I had a yummy seasonal pumpkin bear, mussels and of course lobster. It was so yummy and the place was so nice and unpretentious.

This morning I woke up hoping to go for a walk along the water front and watch the sunrise. Well I'm sure the sun did rise but there was so much fog and cloud cover and mist that you could only tell by the gradual lightening of the grayness. Still, it was a nice 2.5 mile walk along the Eastern Promenade Trail in downtown Portland. The trail goes along the waterfront and an old narrow gauge railway. I had a very nice walk and made it back to my hotel just as the skies decided it needed to do a bit more than just mist. Lucky me!

Downtown Portland, looking out to the docks.

Eastern Promenade Trail with the narrow gauge train. (mini train)

Tug boats bringing in the Caribbean Princess to port.

City beach

More trail

These were cool, parking spots for people's small crafts. Canoes, kayaks, dingys, sculls and surf boards. Like bike parking.

All a bit different from my last beach pictures in Miami!

- Steph... From my iPad

Location:Logan Airport, Boston, MA

Super spicy hot vodka

2011-10-12T16:19:00.001-05:00

I used 20 of the habanero peppers from my garden to make spicy hot vodka.

In just 48 hours the vodka went from plain old vodka to oh so yummy goodness, and the best thing about it, it was super easy to do.

After steeping the sliced peppers in the vodka for 48 hours, I strained it and used a funnel to put it back into the original bottles.

- Steph... From my iPad

Location:Home

Miami part 2: board walk and photos

2011-10-11T07:44:00.001-05:00

I made it home late last week from my week in Miami Beach and was flat out exhausted! I think I slept/vegetated for two straight days.

Work wise it was a great meeting. The trade show portion was very well attended and we rarely had any downtime on the booth. Dinners with customers and old friends in the medical radiation industry every night. As you can imagine six straight days of this is very tiring!

I did get to go on 2 very nice walks along the Miami Beach boardwalk. Going about 3 to 3.5 miles both times. I did try walking a little along the beach but it put too much pressure on my knee to make any real progress for a fitness walk.

The first three photos are from my walk.

These next three photos are from my hotel room which looked out on the waterway. There were some amazing homes along there! Waaaaaay out of my price range ;-)

- Steph... From my iPad

Location:Home

Miami part 1: swimming with the fishes

2011-10-11T07:34:00.001-05:00

This post is actually from last Friday (September 30th) somehow it made it into my wrong blog and it would not let me re-post here.... So I just did a good ole copy and paste!

So, what a crazy day for me! Woke up early, took a 2.5 mile walk on the Miami Beach boardwalk followed by a 30 min swim in the ocean with my kick board and a school of fishes to accompany me. It was so cool! There I was about 25 yards of the beach, flat water, me with my trusty kick board and goggles and a small school of fish. They were about 5 inches long, silver with yellow tails and they just decided I needed company and encouragement on my swim. I certainly was not complaining!

The day just progressed from there. A seemingly endless number of hours in sales meetings, followed by a lovely company reception outside in the hot and humid air. Next an impressive thunder storm, drinks, dinner more drinks and holy cow it turned into 1:30 am! Not possible! Too many people out... A cab back to the hotel which happened to have the lobby turned into a giant night club with me wanting to run after all the girls and pull down the non-existent dresses and skirts! Holy moly!!! things so darn tight and short they could not possibly be considers clothes.

I must be getting old! 2am and I left the 'nightclub' lobby and called it a night. Thinking WOW, Miami Beach Is very much like Las Vegas!

- Steph... From my iPad

Location:Miami Beach, Florida

Walking between the rain drops

2011-09-28T18:19:00.001-05:00

The weather here in Chicagoland has been cold and rainy. We have had a string of days of clouds and constant rain. Yesterday I actually had to be quite creative with my workout and I used my Wii to get in the majority of my steps. It was fun and a nice alternative to walking in the cold rain!

Today, however, was a different story. I had a late morning hair appointment and on the way home I had to drive right past a small forest preserve. It was raining when I headed out for the appointment but when I headed home the rain stopped. I took the opportunity and stopped for a nice walk. Fall has definitely arrived!

The walk was a good one. Full of lots of life. Baby snakes, toads, big grasshoppers and little crickets, a white egret and a red tail hawk. The sky's were heavy with ominous clouds but in the almost 3 mile walk it didn't rain.

Tomorrow I leave for a week of work in Miami. At least we get to stay at a nice hotel on the beach. I have never spent any time there so hopefully between the trade show, meetings, customer events and dinners I can find some time to enjoy myself.

- Steph... From my iPad

Location:Home

Ahhhhhh.... Home for a week and a little of this and that.

2011-09-21T21:24:00.001-05:00

I took a home office week this week. Every once in a while it is just good to stay home and work from the office. It is amazing how much stuff piles up. Both literally and figuratively!

I have been very busy with actual work as far as web ex's and conference calls scheduled every single day. So many of them in fact that I don't even have a block of time to make the drive up to the barn and back to see Fawkes!

What I have had time to do is clean, and I mean super clean. The den/office is sparkling. I don't think it was even this clean and organized when we moved the furniture in. Hopefully I will have time to clean the bedroom and bathrooms too by Friday.

Unfortunately, I am in appliance hell. My brand new washing machine decided to burn up and there was smoke pouring out of the vents in the back. I almost thought about calling the fire department. I pulled the plug and put on a fan to draw the stinky burnt electronics smell out of the house and luckily the smoked stopped. Good news is I have full coverage for 5 years, they have to fix or replace it, bad news... They can't come until next Tuesday. And on top of that the ice maker in the freezer went out so they will look at that too.

At least the appliances broke when I am home and have time to schedule and wait for the repairmen!

The weather has been very nice fall weather. It seems we went from hot summer to cool fall in the matter of a couple days. I have been getting to the forest preserves to go for walks every morning. The place closest to me is only 15 minutes with traffic so easy to get to for a nice walk in the morning without taking up too much travel time. It brings up lots of good memories that can be a little bittersweet to me. Bittersweet because these trails are the only ones that I ever successfully rode Fawkes on. He is sooooo not a trail horse, but I did get him out there several times. :)

Fawkes will be heading back out for another trial next week. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this is a great fit for him.

- Steph... From my iPad

Another nice walk

2011-09-20T07:17:00.001-05:00

Maybe I should change the title of my blog to the traveling equestrian!

In my quest to get my leg back into shape and to lose weight and be healthy so that I can eventually get back on a horse, I have been making sure to keep moving.

Anyone that has arthritis or an animal with arthritis knows that you just need to keep moving. This moving along with my 10,000 step goal and my goal of losing weight has me going for lots of walks.

Last week I was in Bloomington, Indiana. A small college town about an hour southwest of Indianapolis. The gym at the little hotel was tiny, ick. I don't like working out in a teeny windowless space if I can help it. So, I headed to the front desk and asked if there were any nice walking routes or parks with paths nearby. Just my luck! The city had recently finished the conversion of an old rail line that went right through downtown into a trail way. The B-line Trail. And even better it ran directly behind the hotel and was about 2 miles in either direction.

Perfect! Off I went. It was a lovely space. Wide, nicely designed, clean and safe plus well used. In most areas the path was a wide asphalt path with limestone sides for a softer walking/ running area.

I took a late afternoon walk and an early morning walk and it was quite nice.

Here are a couple pics that I took with my iPod.

- Steph... From my iPad

Location:Bloomington, Indiana

Stanley, Idaho trip

2011-09-14T22:08:00.001-05:00

There really is not much to say. If you have ever been to Stanley basin or to the Sawtooth Mountains you would understand.

Let me just say that by chance I had the opportunity to spend a lovely 48ish hours with my old friend, Idaho. Just that short amount of time spent in the mountains with my girl was such a great way to sooth ones soul.

Plus, I was able to go for several short hikes. Yipeee :) Nothing more than a couple of miles at a time but I will take it!

Here are some of my favorite photos.

- Steph... From my iPad

Carousel all natural

2011-09-09T14:15:00.001-05:00

More pictures from my walking adventures in Philadelphia.

I have always loved carousels ever since I was a little kid, probably because of the fanciful horses! They are always so imaginative and beautiful. These carousel animals were made from all natural materials and pretty cool looking.

- Steph... From my iPad

Location:Philadelphia

FitBit and Philliadelphia

2011-09-08T19:34:00.001-05:00

A couple weeks ago I purchased a FitBit. Not sure if everyone has heard of this amazing little gadget. www.fitbit.com

It is a pedometer, calorie tracker, mileage tracker and more. A friend of mine was showing me his little FitBit while we were up in Vancouver for work. I was intrigued enough to ask lots of questions and to do some more investigating.

Basically it has helped to keep me moving. When you have a goal of number of steps to make each day and something telling you where you are at it is much easier to get it done. The other thing it does for me is that it takes the emphasis off of 'working out' and puts it on living a healthier lifestyle.

The goal (at least my goal) is to hit 10,000 steps a day. I believe that this comes from national recommendation on living healthy from one organization or another. Becoming More aware has created much more awareness overall. I even have my hubby interested in it :)

The only downside is that this little things costs a whopping 99$! I have found it worth every penny but only because it use every single part of it (the purchase price includes a website membership with trackers/logs for food, activities and sleep and feedback info and cool badges and stuff) There is also a premium membership that costs extra but I don't think I need that at this point.

One thing that I have noticed just in the several weeks I have had it is that my legs are getting much stronger. YES!!! I have noticed that it is a little easier to climb up the steps. Going down is still an issue but I think the stronger I get the better it will feel.

Last week I had the pleasure of spending several Beautiful days in Philadelphia. The work schedule was such that I had a block of a couple hours each afternoon between appointments and customer dinners. Since I was staying downtown I took the opportunity to get some fresh air and take some nice long walks. I perused the liberty square area one afternoon and the other I headed all the way down to the Art Museum. I would have loved to do the Rocky Run up the steps but that's a bit out of my abilities at this point!

Luckily, I had my little point and shoot camera with me. Enjoy the pics :)

- Steph... From my iPad

Location:Flying over the Midwest

I disappeared again!

2011-09-06T15:16:00.001-05:00

Well, once again I have been a bad blogger. It's not that I don't have much to say or much to chat about it's just that my blog is supposed to be about my riding, horses and equestrian stuff. And as most of you know right now I just don't have a whole lot to say about that right now.

Fawkes is back at the barn, both good and bad. Real good because I got to go and see him and love on him for a bit but in that same trip I took my tack trunk and saddle home with me. It's bad because I would love for him to have a happy new home and a job to keep him happy and get rid of the ever crazy monthly board payment.

Big sigh...

I have a plan that the doc agrees with and I am fully committed to. I am finished with PT visits and on home exercises only. The brace helps immensely but I cannot ride with it on. So the plan is to wait till January to try again. In the mean time I'm supposed to lose weight, increase activity and strength and in December or earlier if I need it go back to the doctor for synvix injections.

Then, with fingers crossed I will be able to take the brace off and just use a pull on sleeve brace for when riding. if that goes well I will try doing some regular rides to see how that goes. Then work from there.

So, as you can see I really don't have a heck of a lot to chat about with regards to horses. Honestly I try not to dwell upon it too much because it just makes me crazy or cranky or sad. Depending on my mood!

Maybe I need to just rethink the nature of my blog...

- Steph... From my iPad

Location:Somewhere North east USA

Where have I been?

2011-08-24T10:48:00.000-05:00

I realize it has been a good 2 weeks since my last blog post. Yikes... too long. I guess part of me is still trying to get over my funk and come to terms with my new reality.

The problem is that my new 'riding' reality is in such a state of unknown that sometimes it is just easier to put my head in the sand and concentrate on other things for a while.

Other things being all the places I have been in the past month!

Boston (for Work)

Boston Harbor next to the Aquarium

Vancouver (for Work)

Seaplanes from Hotel

Winter Olympic Torch

'Digital' Orca... Looks like a Lego Orca to me. Next to the convention center.

View of convention center with the grass roof and downtown from Stanley Island.

Lexington, KY (for Work) no pics this time

Cancun, Mexico ( For VACATION!!)

My amazing family hanging out in the pool!

A beautiful Sunrise on our last day.

Philadelphia (for Work) no pics... I stayed at the airport hotel. Although there were some spectacular thunderstorms while I was there.

Home for a Relay For Life! Lisle, Illinois had their very first Relay for Life. On fairly short notice my husbands work decided to put together a team. We were small but mighty! We did not last the entire night. There was just not enough attendance and it was a bit too creepy walking by yourself. We stayed until 1 pm and in the 7 hours that we were there I managed to walk 9 miles!! I was amazed. I would not have been able to do it without the brace. I did have to take my time and take lots of breaks and adjust the brace a bunch of times. The next day I was tired and my legs were tires from all the activity but the knee was no worse from the walking.
I did have some minor discomfort now and then while walking but nothing compared to what cancer patients go through!

Elite Electronics Relay for Life Team

Doing my best to stay positive and to de-funk myself!

Progress in PT and scary story

2011-08-08T18:16:00.001-05:00

Writing to you from a quick work trip down to Lexington, KY. I love Lexington and I normally hate such a quick trip here, it is nice to have at least a little time to check out what's going on at the Kentucky Horse Park. This time I'm OK with it. We leave for vacation in like 34 hours... Not that I am counting down :)

In PT this morning we made what I think was some significant progress, although I am feeling some discomfort in my knee know.
I actually did several sets of step downs off of a 4 inch step! I was nervous because the first one hurt a bit. Not nearly as bad as last time we tried it. But after doing several it seemed that my knee loosened a bit and I managed about 25-30 step downs.

The brace really helps, unfortunately it only helps when it is on because it is mechanically holding my knee joint in a position where the pain is greatly reduced. I use a small private PT firm that is owned by several top PT's in the state maybe even the country. They use many alternative and advanced techniques and work closely with some physicians in new studies. Today my therapist told me his partner called him about a new venture that they may be doing with an ortho group. It is basically using an isolated frequency that has been shown to regenerate and stimulate cartilage growth. He did not have much info yet for me but wanted to see if I was 'interested' uhmmmmm.... YES.

Of course I need to get more information, but as far as the little bit that I did get it doesn't sound like it would make a anything worse, so why not give it a shot.

Every little bit of possibility gives me renewed hope!

On to the scary story, a horse person that I know from an old barn, a very very nice gal, had a very bad fall from her horse while out trail riding in one of our local forest preserves. She reportedly suffered severe brain trauma. I heard the news and was about sick to my stomach. I have no idea if she had on a helmet or not. If she did then that must have been one heck of a fall, if she did not have one on then this is one horrible way to learn a lesson.

Please send prayers and healing thoughts to Nikki and her husband Kevin. I know that they are in need of them right now!

- Steph... From my iPad

Location:Newtown Pike,Lexington,United States

Vancouver, Fawkes, my Anniversary

2011-08-07T19:50:00.001-05:00

Not much news on the horse front. Fawkes is safely at his temp home. He has had a thorough vet check and marketing has started.

On the home front things have just been super busy! Busy but also good. I had a 7 night trip to Vancouver for work and had a little bit of free time at each end of the trip.

Vancouver was beautiful, clean, cool and dry. It was just lovely. The sea food was superb, the sun shone every day. The conference was a productive one.

My favorite part of the trip was that I got to rent bicycles twice and ride around Stanley Park. It was the first time I was on a real bike since before I broke my leg. At one point I was so happy I almost cried. It was only about 7 miles round trip and i was very slow but very happy. I'm such an emotional being right now.
I also got to go to the top of Grouse Mountain and do some walking around, not actual hiking but not paved sidewalks either. I have a bunch of pictures to download, so breathtaking.

The conference was a bit hard on my leg. Without the brace i would have never made it through. As it was, I had to battle some serious edema. The standing/high bar stools for 9 hours a day is not the greatest.

I made it Home just in time to celebrate my 17th wedding anniversary! I am still in awe over 17 years, I love my husband and am looking forward to many more great years together!

Sunday I spent all day wedding planning with my little girl and having a home nail spa day getting ready for our Mexico vacation coming up.

As you can see I have a zillion things to keep my mind occupied from horses while I work hard on getting stronger and better. My plan is to give it time and figure it out.

- Steph... From my iPad

Location:Home

Avoidance...

2011-07-28T21:46:00.001-05:00

Coming to you live from home. This has been a busy week. Not really very good or very bad. Let me do a quick recap.

Saturday: great progress with the brace. Unfortunately extreme temps combined with extreme humidity and no brace sleeve left a raw spot on my calf that had some blistering. I was warned of this.

Sunday: not to be deterred. I slathered up some gauze pads with antibiotic ointment stuck it on my leg, used some hypoallergenic paper tape to hold it on. Cut off the leg of an old pair of silky like long underwear to make my own sleeve and set off to a horseshow for the day. After 13 hours or so outside I removed the sleeve, felt ok. Pulled off the first piece of tape and took my skin with it. OUCH. Gently pulled off the other 2 pieces of tape and ended up with rings of blisters around my calf. Sigh..... Great.

Monday: headed off to Boston for a night, sans brace. So sad. Brace helps unbelievably.

Tuesday: worked with customer and headed home.

Wednesday: 3 sleeves arrived via 2 ups shipments. Hmm mm... I could have made my own for like 3$ not the 24.99$ each. Oh well. Live and learn, I thought they were something special. Tried out the sleeve with antibiotic and non stick gauze, no tape. Felt pretty darn good.

Thursday: day off from brace to give the wounds an extra day to heal, packed and packed some more.

Tomorrow/Friday: I leave for Vancouver until next Friday for a big tradeshow for work.

So, what was NOT on the list. Getting in the saddle. What has me bummed more than the blisters... Fawkes leaves on Sunday to be shipped to a barn where he can be sold.

Avoidance: I don't want to talk about Fawkes being shipped off. It makes me somewhat sick to my stomach that I can't even ride or take care of my horse. I'm sad, angry, mad, depressed, etc, etc, etc... Over it. It needs to be done, it's the right thing to do. He likes a job, he needs a job, he needs a great young rider to love him. My head knows it is right but my heart is sad. Maybe mo sad because I think what if I don't get to ride anymore. So sucks.

- Steph... From my iPad

Location:Home

Oh so hot...

2011-07-20T22:52:00.001-05:00

I am down in St Louis for a couple of days for work and oh my, oh my, the weather sure is brutal. I am pretty thankful that I am at our home office without any customers in tow and do not have to put on any business suits this week.

Every where you turn people just look like withered flowers. Ick. I sure am glad that Fawkes is being taken care of and is getting nice cold showers every day and a fan to keep him cool. The poor horses and it sure does suck for all those at horse shows this week. I hope everyone is being smart and taking care of their very special equine friends and not overdoing it! Nothing worse than seeing a horse over worked in such extreme temps.

The hotel I am at has a lovely big pool and at 6:30am this morning when I went for a swim it was already 89degrees. The water felt great though and it was quite nice to be able to wake up and go right for some nice exercise in the pool. I, admittedly, am not a very good swimmer. However, with patience and practice I believe that can change. And swimming and water exercise don't hurt my knee so.... I have been practicing my strokes as well as some basic water calisthenics that my physical therapist recommended.

I had a very successful knee brace day. The one area that was really rubbing I was able to attach an extra pad an that helped very much. I think the other areas are more pressure points from the brace doing it's job and will take time to get used to. I do notice a marked difference and improvement when wearing the brace. So... So far so good.

I was even able to work out in the gym more comfortably with the brace on. Rode the bike a bit and did some upper body machines and stretches.

If all continues to go well with the brace I will give it a try in the saddle next week and see what happens.

Stay cool out there!!!

- Steph... From my iPad

Location:St Louis,MO

My DonJoy custom knee brace arrived

2011-07-19T20:58:00.001-05:00

Monday morning the DonJoy rep from my orthopedists office called to tell me the brace had arrived. He wanted to know when I wanted to come in and have it fitted and be taught all I need to know.

I did not want to waste anytime and made an appointment for yesterday afternoon.

Let me first say that if this custom brace has the slimmest profile then I don't even want to see what the others look like. They must be massive.

On the positive side it fit very well, it was awkward and made me walk funny but I could make it up a flight of steps with no problem, so that was a good test.

The brace is set to 'push' my knee joint over by 4.5 degrees. It pushed from the inside of the knee which causes the outside part of the joint, my damaged part, to open up and then the top of the brace transfers some of the force on the joint to the bottom of the brace bypassing the joint completely. I must say I was a little skeptical on how it was going to really help. But ohhhhhhhhhh, now I understand.

The instructions from my doc was once I get it wear it immediately as much as possible. The instructions from the brace guy was 'please don't do that' he wanted me to wear it one hour the first day, increasing by one hour each day up to day seven then wear it all the time.

What I did was a little bit in-between, I did a couple hours the first day and today I wore it to the airport and on my flight and to the hotel. I actually would have taken it off a little earlier but it is not so easy to put on and take off. I think it will take my skin a little getting used to. The pressure it puts on different areas definitely will take time to get used too. I have some red spots and one area that I rubbed a little bit. It certainly did not help that it is 99 degrees with like 70% humidity in St. Louis and anything against the skin rubs!

The great and awesome news was that I walked throughout the entire airport, up and down the ramps on the jet bridges and not once did my knee hurt. When I finally got to the hotel and took the brace off, I walked down the hall to the ice machine and just going four rooms down I could feel my knee pain.

Just that bit and I could feel the difference. Whew, After spending $1000.00 out of pocket I would have cried if the damn thing did not help!!!

Not the best picture... I took it with my iPad. It has four big Velcro straps and goes a little over halfway up my thigh and about a third of the way down my calf.

I honestly have no idea how this brace is going to ever work in the saddle... I guess I just need to get used to it first, I can Imagine that it will feel normal quickly. Especially if it performs as well as it did today.

- Steph... From my iPad

Location:St Louis, MO

A weekend away: antiques, wineries and books.

2011-07-15T20:36:00.001-05:00

My husband and I are taking a weekend for ourselves! It seems like it has been sooooo long since we have gotten away together. Last summer required me being in a wheelchair and constant care and icing and seemed to never end.

This summer, although I may not be 100% better, i am so much better than I was last summer!

Today we spent the day alternating between antique shops and wineries. It was a perfect way to spend the day in southwest Michigan.

We had lunch at Tabor Hill Winery in a small dining room overlooking the vineyards. It was very romantic.

Some of the antique shops were nestled away on back roads, amid rolling green hills of farmland and vineyards. Very charming.

The second winery we went to today was the Round Barn Winery, Distillery and brewery. In the tasting I tried the bourbon and vodka and several wines. The vodka was great! As well as several wines. The bourbon... A bit young for my taste.

-My equestrian find of the day was at an antique book store in the little town of Niles, Michigan. They had several excellent copies of the early American hunter/jumper riders. Stay tuned for a future post on these awesome finds!!!

Steph... From my iPad

Location:New Buffalo, Michigan

A few quiet but pleasant days

2011-07-12T20:56:00.001-05:00

I am on vacation this week and enjoying a couple days home with a mini stay-cation. Thursday to Sunday my hubby and I will be driving over to lower Michigan for a long weekend.

So what have I been doing with myself yesterday and today? Just relaxing and enjoying my time. Doing leg exercises, working in my garden, playing in my sewing room, cooking. All the things that I don't usually get the time to really relax and enjoy. I found a new garden center today and it was nice to take the time to peruse instead of thinking of all the other things I need to get done in my busy day.

Tomorrow after therapy I will pick up my trailer from having it's yearly maintenance and electrical repair and then head to the barn for a visit with Fawkes.

Hmmmm... I could get used to this lifestyle.... Now, if I could only win the lottery!!!!

- Steph... From my iPad

Location:Home

Ahhhhh....summertime

2011-07-09T18:34:00.001-05:00

Today is turning out to be a perfect summer day. I slept great last night, woke up early, ate a great breakfast out on the deck with my hubby.

By 10am I was sitting on Fawkes. Since the both of us are on 'summer' mode (a fancy way of saying not 100% sound!) we decided it was just going to be for a walk. We headed out to the outdoor arena and walked for a bit. Somedays I am perfectly content walking and paying attention to lessons and being in learning mode. Today was not one of them. Donovan, Brenda's son was also just walking his horse. We were moseying along together when he suggested a trail ride around the property. I perked up that idea. The horse he was on is a perfect companion for Fawkes. Calm and unruffled and could care less.

Off we went. It seemed a small slice of heaven walking around the large property on nice large paths. One woman and one boy, chatting happily enjoying horses and life.

Ahhhhhh....

I spent the afternoon working in the garden. Making sure to use my little seat and give my leg lots of rest. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in whatever I am doing that I just forget until pain level gets to high. Today I was careful and have enjoyed a nice long afternoon in the yard. My veggie garden is exploding! Unfortunately the bunnies have thwarted my efforts and have snuck in. They ate all the sugar snap peas and green beans. Oh well, guess they want yummy food too.

-

... From my iPad

Location:Home

Kryptonite... And the brace

2011-07-07T20:23:00.001-05:00

Unfortunately I had a bit of a side effect from the cortisone shot that knocked me out for a good 24 hours. I often get a side effect from any kind of corticosteroid. Whether it is in joint injection or pill form. It is a system wide steroid flare. Even when you are injected directly into a joint the corticosteroids affect your entire body. A flare is when there is a flare up of pain which is thought to be from a slight crystallization of the synovial fluid that lasts for about 24 hours. That's one thought anyway. All I know is that when it happens it hurts. Every joint in your body hurts for a full day. NOT FUN.

Once that's done with everything is fine and moves along as would be expected.

A question came up from a reader about having surgery to fix the cartilage. The physician showed me that my cartilage is destroyed from the bone surface up due to the way I crushed the bone. Unlike when the cartilage is damaged from wear and tear, where it is the surface of the cartilage that is damaged and can be smoothed out with arthroscopy.

As far as PRP goes, I will keep all my options open! Even if I need to get more opinions as time goes on. My doc is not opposed to doing them he is more of the opinion that they will not really help my situation.

Yesterday I was measured for my new custom unloader knee brace. The idea of the brace is that it will take the pressure of the side of my knee that I smashed to bits and help keep the pressure off of it. I was pleasantly surprised by the friendliness of the girl who did my measurements. She asked me tons of questions about my activity levels, what my favorite sport to participate in, what I did for work, etc. My biggest concerns were of course riding and work. Both of which were answered to my satisfaction. The brace has a slim profile and should be worn against the skin, it should fit under my breeches. I will have to figure a way to get a half chap on. Maybe I can come up with a custom design to make. I will have to wait and see what happens, see if the brace helps my riding.
I was also quite happy to hear that if needed, I can wear it while swimming. I have been thinking of taking up water exercises to help get back into shape and stay more active.

I have to wait about 10 days for the brace to come in. I chose a plain black with black straps. Best for work. I had a choice of almost 40 colors! Maybe hot metallic pink would have been cool... Not!

- Steph... From my iPad

Location:Home

I wish I had SuperMans body! ... Another Dr Visit.

2011-07-06T02:33:00.001-05:00

Well, it's 2am Chicago time and I am sleepless. I should not be but I am.

I had my follow up visit with the orthopedist today. The visit had not waiting room drama, I got in to see my actual Dr in a timely fashion. And I actually got to see my doc and had my notes ready full of questions.

We had a good discussion. Not one that I particularly liked. He is as displeased with my level of progress as I am, actually maybe more than I am. I suppose when your job is to make people better and things don't work they way you want them too that it must be difficult. He asked how I felt. I told him that if I had been at 100% and "normal" and then felt like I do now I would be highly unhappy and complaining bitterly about my damn knee hurting. However coming from where I have been I don't feel like I can complain so much. He asked about my riding and I just made a face. It told him everything he needed to know.

I asked about long term prognosis. He answered with: your cartilage is all torn up and permanently damaged, there is most likely more scar tissue and arthritis, although everyone is different and I can't tell you exactly how much or how bad.

I asked about treatment options, including alternative methods and PRP treatments. He answered with: PRP may or may not work, it was popular for a while but is inconsistent. Cortisone and steroid shots can help and can give about 3 a year but long term not good for the already shot cartilage. He also mentioned about synovial fluid replacement/augmentation injections of HA. Just like we do for horses.

We chatted about my physical therapy and both agreed that while the progress is very slow, as long as it is helping we should continue.

We came up with a game plan, I don't know that I like it but don't really think I had much of a choice. We did a cortisone injection and tomorrow or more like later today I am being fitted for an unloading knee brace that I am supposed to wear as much as possible over the next 3 to 4 months. This brace is supposed to help relieve some of the pain and pressure in my knee joint. I looked it up on the Internet and it is primarily used for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee joint. Docs theory is that we need to get the pressure off the knee joint and let it heal and give it a break. Hopefully this time will help.

My restrictions are no high impact exercises or activities of any kind for the time being. I can do my PT and ride my stationary bike and go for rides on my horse. Good thing we have a couple really big three step mounting blocks that I can get on and off at. Guess my original plan of making it to a show in the fall is down the drain, time for a new goal. I'm thinking more along the lines of a pain free ride or maybe a less pain ride or maybe one that does not cause pain. Even if I just get on and walk.

As I sat in the docs treatment room waiting for him to come back with the cortisone shot I actually contemplated the thought of not riding a horse. Of giving it up and I practically made myself cry just thinking about it. I felt like my heart was being squeezed in two and I couldn't breath. Definitely the wrong thought to have!!

Thankfully my hubby was with me and could drive me home. As usual, after a cortisone shot I spent the next thirty minutes trying to keep my stomach in place. I get so damn nauseous every time, totally unpleasant. However, I do think it is a psychosomatic response.

All in all, I have to be positive that the doc has not given up and me and that we have a plan to move forward. But really deep down I think it is starting to wear me out a bit. I feel like telling anyone who is listening to just be careful, protect yourself because human beings just don't have superman bodies. We may have superman mentality and god willing that is enough for us to overcome our physical weaknesses.

- Steph... From my iPad

Location:Home

Happy 4th of July!!

2011-07-04T09:58:00.001-05:00

Wishing everyone in the USA a very Happy 4th of July! and for all those international friends hope you're just having a great weekend.

I have spent the weekend with friends and family. Saturday saw me overdoing it quite a bit causing my leg to bitterly complain yesterday... As usual, hindsight is 20/20! BUT, it was such a GREAT day :) we had friends over for a BBQ, Hot Air Balloon festival for the balloon glow and fireworks and some music.

So yesterday the family and I just hung out at home and enjoyed a fun lazy day together. 1960's sci-fi movies, BBQ, fresh veggies from the garden and then a great evening playing cards! We even caught some more fireworks from over the trees in our front yard.

So far the knee is feeling a bit better today, we shall see how it goes. Tomorrow I see the orthopod and Fawkes gets a visit from the vet. We both need a little maintenance work ;)

- Steph... From my iPad

Location:Maple Ave,Lisle,United States

Saying Goodbye to my childhood home

2011-06-30T12:51:00.001-05:00

I was working this week in Northern New Jersey. I always like coming to this area because it is like coming home. In fact the home that I grew up in, located in Teaneck, NJ, was the only childhood home that I knew.

I was born there, had my first 20 birthdays there, had countless parties there communion, confirmation, graduations, and on and on the list can go! I was even married in the backyard!

My parents lived there for 40+ years and next week the house goes to new owners.

While in the area I stopped by on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings to see my dad and help out with some last minute cleaning and packing. I even got to see my little brother, Willie, who came in from NYC to help dad out as well.

Last night when I backed out of the driveway, I had to take a deep breath and hold back the tears. It was the very last time that I would say goodbye to home. Seems slightly silly that a place could hold so much sway over me. I do realize that it's not so much the place but the memories that the place evokes. As I stood in the empty living room I could close my eyes and vividly remember every Christmas spent with my brothers and sister, the deep smell of the fresh Christmas tree, the laughter as we opened our stockings by the fireplace. The smell of bacon and pancakes being cooked by my dad. Mom sitting with us and smiling as we enjoyed our goodies. Fast forward to adulthood and the same group enjoying mimosas and laughter on a crisp winter morning.

I have thousands of great family memories in that house... Now I just need to remember that it's the people who make the home not the House. Still a little sad!

- Steph... From my iPad

Location:Teaneck, New Jersey

Cancun, Mexico in August

2011-06-28T07:19:00.001-05:00

Over the weekend, while out and about with the family. Me, my hubby, Melissa and her BF stopped for lunch at Cheeseburger in Paradise. The place was decorated like you were at the beach in some lovely tropical paradise. Ahhhh... We all sighed wistfully thinking it would be great to go on a beach vacation.

It feels like it has been so long sine I could go on a vacation, not be broken and just enjoy myself without feeling so needy and dependent on others. My hubby mentioned wouldn't it be nice to go hit a beach somewhere for a couple of days. Enjoy the beach, a bunch of books and just relax? I agreed wholeheartedly. We looked at each other, looked at Mel, and somehow decided to check out the Internet and see what we could find. The only caveat was that it needed to be all inclusive and relatively inexpensive and somewhat easy to get to.

Mel did a search of all inclusive Marriott vacations and long story short we are booked for an ocean view room for 5 nights all inclusive (all food and premium liquor) at the CasaMagna Marriott resort in Cancun.

We run a slight risk of Hurricanes as it is the start of hurricane season but oh well. Can't predict the weather no matter when or where you go!

The best part about it.... I had enough hotel points to get the entire thing for free! So Cancun here we come!!

- Steph... From my iPad

Location:Chicago, O'Hare airport

Better but still not 100%

2011-06-26T21:20:00.001-05:00

I made a trip up to the barn today with the family. I brought my breeches with me to change into just in case he was perfectly sound and begging to be ridden.

Melissa and I groomed him. What a great feeling to be grooming a horse with my daughter again. We used to have such a great routine down to tag team grooming and after years and years we easily fell right into it. Made me smile to myself to remember all the wonderful memories of my daughter and I and horses.

He had no discernible swelling and still no heat so I was happy with that.
I grabbed a lunge line and brought him into the indoor arena and quietly asked him to move out. He picked up a quiet trot. And while he was greatly improved he was still off just slightly going left. To the right it was a little more noticeable but again not terrible. Nothing to make me have that sick in my stomach feeling. In fact if it had been the dead of winter I most likely would have attributed it to a little stiffness and arthritis.

I hand walked him for about 15 min and gave him one more dose of banamine. After discussion with Brenda we have decided on a plan of 2 more days of rest with hand walking. The vet is scheduled for a barn visit later this week so if needed he can give Fawkes a look over for good measure.

I guess part of me is not too worried because we are not actively showing and currently he is really just my babysitter while I get my riding act back together. I am being extra cautious because he deserves to be treated well! He has given me so much so I don't mind taking the time to make sure he is OK and that I don't make something worse just for my own selfish reasons.

I'm out of town again this week from tuesday to Thursday so he will have plenty of time to chill and be spoiled by Brenda.

- Steph... From my iPad

Location:Home

Fawkes is ouchy

2011-06-24T20:43:00.001-05:00

I made it home by 8:15am this morning. Kind of strange to have been reverse commenting from the airport in the morning rush hour. I was bleary eyed after getting up at 3:30am to make my flight out of LaGuardia.

I did a little work via e-mail, grabbed a 2 hour nap and then went on up to the barn. I needed some barn and Fawkes time on a Friday afternoon.

The rest of my barn teammates are all off at a little weekend horseshow so it was just Fawkes and I. I knew he had not been turned out yesterday so I decided I would groom him, tack him up and if he seemed a little up I would let him run and get his bucks out in the indoor arena.

So that is just what I did, I spent a nice 20 minutes grooming him and just enjoying the nice quiet and cool afternoon. After I tacked up I walked him into the indoor, tied up his reins and let him go. And go he did! He decided to play racehorse and would not stop. My whoas and easy boys did nothing. I tried the interference thing by slowly getting closer and all that did was get him to do beautiful giant figure 8's with a lead change at X every time. When he was finally done, after a good solid 8 minutes, he stopped, snorted and walked right up to me.

Of course by this point he was huffing and puffing and I was not convinced that he was going to behave. So to cool him down a bit and make sure he was not still in racehorse mode I grabbed a lunge line to just trot him a min or two and whamo. He was off on the right front. Damn. He did have his feet done on Wednesday so I think between getting his feet done and running like crazy racehorse he came up a little lame.

Good thing is that there was no swelling, no heat in his front feet and no pulse detected. I cold hosed his front legs a bit and gave him a dose of banamine. I have one of the other trainers at the barn checking on him tomorrow and giving him another dose of banamine. I'll go up Sunday and jog him to see how he is doing, hopefully he will be better and I will hop on for a nice walk. If not then the vet will get a call.

- Steph... From my iPad

Location:Home

Knee update

2011-06-23T20:06:00.001-05:00

I want to say thank you to all the wonderful comments on my last post. They were uplifting for me.

Figured I have not given a knee update in awhile. I had a doctors appointment several weeks ago and I actually think that was the catalyst for my recent funk.

It was a bad appointment. So bad that when I got the email survey from the doctors office in gave them hell. The short story was I waited almost 2 hours only to find out the doctor left for the day thinking that I was a no-show and I got to see the PA and she wanted to just shoot me with another cortisone injection. Which I refused until I talked to the doctor. All the nice calm questions that I had planned to ask went out my head and I left the office without ever getting an apology from the front desk staff regarding the huge mess up. In fact the only person who apologized was the nurse. I was so mad that I could not even stop at the desk to check out or make another appointment to see the doc who left while I was waiting.

I was so mad that I was almost in tears. That was a frustrating experience that I don't want to relive.

When I did finally get a hold of myself I was mad at myself for not asking all the questions I wanted to. Goes to show that I should make sure to actually write them down and bring them with me.

I did finally call them back and have a new appointment for July 5th and after talking with his head nurse as a go between the tentative plan for that visit is to proceed with the cortisone injection AFTER he answers my questions.

The questions are not even that difficult. I want to know how the joint surface looked at the last surgery, what about arthritis and residual cartilage damage and some idea on long term prognosis before we look at a replacement. All valid and good questions, especially when looking at getting more cortisone injections into the joint. The joint can only take so many injections before the steroids start causing there own damage. But, if we are looking at having the possibility of having to do a partial or full knee replacement down the line then maybe it does not matter?

It is obvious to me and my PT that there is residual damage and/or arthritis in the actual knee joint. From the standpoint of where I have been it is not that big of a deal, meaning I will manage it but I feel that to manage it properly for the long term I need to have good information on what is going on in there.

My actual PT is continuing to progress. It moves at a snails pace and I am anxious to get it done with. I have progressed to working on stepping up a 4inch step. I have a very difficult time going down, sharp pain and unstable. But, high fives all around! I can do up the small steps! In fact, yesterday at the Met Museum in NYC I was able to walk up half the steps leading up to the front entrance normally. WOOHOO!!

I do believe that when I can walk up and down a flight of stairs I am going to throw myself a big ole backyard BBQ party to celebrate.

For now I just continue to work daily at getting stronger and finding ways to easily manage the leg with the goal of eventually being in the saddle pain free!

The view of LaGuardia airport and upper Manhattan behind it from my hotel room. I should have been on an airplane and headed home but between bad weather and air traffic I've been rescheduled to 6am tomorrow morning. Oh well... The price of a paycheck!

- Steph... From my iPad

Location:LaGuardia airport Marriott

My theory...

2011-06-22T10:44:00.001-05:00

Ok... Here goes, my theory as to why I have been such a bad blogger.

At first I was quite confounded by my apparent disinterest in updating my blog, after all I really enjoy blogging and sharing. While I found that I was actually missing the process I was also feeling major denial.

We have all heard the saying 'if you ignore it, it will go away' well we also know that this is just not quite true!

Not to be corny here but let me try another saying 'the truth will set you free' I'm not 100% sure that is always true but in my case figuring out the truth helped me to feel better and unblock my blogger mind.

So, what is the truth? The truth is that I am scared. Scared that my knee will never be the same, scared that my riding will never be the same, scared of what the doctors say. Let me put it this way... I have the biggest case if denial ever! Shoot, yeah I broke my damn leg, shattered my tibia plateau, tore the he'll out of the meniscus, destroyed the cartilage in my knee, developed a nasty lesion in the anterior ligament and had three surgeries to try to fix it all. Never mind the 6 screws and big ole metal plate... I should be just darn fine, after all isn't that what we are led to believe. Don't worry, the medical professionals can work their magic and make you just like new.

Big sigh.

Maybe I am gullible, stupid or just ignorant and not wanting to face the truth. Or some combination of the above. Either way, I think I just hit a wall. I worked so hard (and still am), I believed completely in my ability to overcome all obstacles and when the time came to get back on my horse I lost my faith.

What I mean, is that I am getting on and trying my best and letting my heart fill with the joy of just being back in the saddle. But the second I try to push it or think of getting back to what I was doing I get scared. My knee hurts just posting, I have to limit my left lead canter because I can't sustain the weight in my right leg. I feel like I just jumped in a grand prix when I get to canter poles on the ground. And it scares the heck out of me, I never even considered that it would be this hard.

With all that said it is completely understandable to me why I needed to take a little furlough. I did not ride for 3 weeks, I did not pressure myself, I just worked hard on my exercises, enjoyed my life and gave myself a pass and the time to think and contemplate. It was what I needed.

After the time off, I finally got back in the saddle on Friday and again on Sunday. While my knee did feel sore and I have a long uphill road to go, I felt re-energized and ready to fight again for what I want. It was a good feeling and made me feel happy again.

Lessons learned: it's ok to be scared, it's ok to take a step back and take time, and never, ever give up!

- Steph... From my iPad

Absentee blogger and Derby Days

2011-06-20T18:25:00.001-05:00

Once again I have found that I have once again slacked off on my blogging. I have a theory as to why but more on that later.

In the meantime, I actually have had some horse activity in my life! Last Saturday I helped out at a local/regional hunter jumper show in the sponsorship of a hunter derby with ChicagoEquestrian.com. It was great fun to be a part of bringing a professional and well done Hunter Derby class down to a more local level. It was exciting for the riders to partake and no matter how nervous some of the riders were going into the ring every single one of them came out with a smile on their faces. Most saying how it was so much fun to ride a course that was not just outside-diagonal outside-diagonal. They were challenged and enjoyed it.

Monday last week I had the pleasure of auditing an open water jumping clinic given by Diane Carney and Thomas Cerra. It was an excellent clinic that took a group of riders from hunter/jumpers and eventers from a small liverpool to a large liverpool and eventually 9 of the 14 moved on to jumping an Olympic sized open water jump. The clinic was extremely well done and I enjoyed not only the clinic but also the rare day of nice sunny weather that the Chicago area has had.

Last Tuesday I spent at the show grounds, Lamplight Equestrian Center, watching all the special derby classes. The started at 7:30am with the Pony Classic then to the USHJA National Hunter Derby (a 3foot derby class with 53 entries) next was the USHJA International Hunter Derby Class and the last class that ran about 6:30pm was the Jumper Speed Derby. The speed derby was a single class, no second round, and it was by time only. The fastest rider around the course won! Any rails down were converted to a 4 second penalty and refusals did not count as penalty only time on the clock. The only real penalty was elimination if the horse and rider were separated or if the rider went off course. It was extremely exciting, nail biting and had you holding your breath for each horse on course. There were at least 4 or 5 eliminations and one rider was eliminated before they even started because the hot jumper horse jumped right out of the ring before even going through the start timers!

I got some great pictures and Showplace Productions did a great job with setting a beautiful course.

Above: horse and rider over the Olympic size open water jump.
Below: over the triple bar to prepare the rider for the open water.

The rest of the photos are from the Derbies.

- Steph... From my iPad

Location:Home

A few pics of my garden

2011-06-10T17:34:00.001-05:00

Here are a couple pictures that I snapped of my garden early Wednesday morning prior to leaving for my business trip. I am thrilled to have my garden back this year :)

And I must say that I love my iPad with 3G! It makes my life a bit more easier, fun, productive as I sit waiting forever in the airport.

- Steph... From my iPad

Location:Airport Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA

Frustrated and busy

2011-06-09T19:02:00.000-05:00

Ugh.... I just wrote a nice long catch up post on my new iPad and it somehow just got lost in space.

I am alive, I am fine, life has been crazy the past 2 weeks. Not all good, not all bad... Just life.

I think Fawkes has forgotten who his mom is, I have seen him once in like 14 days and that was too watch someone else ride him in a Hunter Derby class. I leased him out for last weekend to someone that needed a good mount and it was good for him.

Back to the regular scheduled Programing real soon!

- Steph... From my iPad

Location:Tower Ave,Hartford,United States

spoiled plans, lots of PT and life

2011-05-25T17:18:00.000-05:00

I did not get to make it to the barn this week. Blah

I had planned on going yesterday however between the washer breaking and an unnatural influx of work to do I was just unable to make it.

Sometimes trying to squeeze everything in just doesn't work out. Good thing I have learned not to be upset by it, a little bummed yes but upset doesn't do anyone any good.

I had 2 very good PT sessions this week already. One and Monday and one earlier today. I can definitely feel my knee right now it is a bit sore but the good kind of sore, I think!
We have been steadily increasing the PT difficulty and add a small challenge every session. In hindsight, maybe it is a good thing that I could not get to the barn. I'm pretty sure with the way it is feeling riding would have been a bit more challenging than I would have liked.

I am currently just hanging out at home, waiting to head to the airport for a trip to Pennsylvania. Every time I get ready to leave the house the phone rings with a message that my flight has been delayed. At least American Airlines was nice enough to call me before I got to the airport this time!

I am looking forward to the long weekend. Riding Fawkes and new washer being delivered on Saturday, Canoeing with Melissa, Dorian and Rick on Sunday and then relax and maybe some gardening and BBQ on Monday.

Then nut balls June starts! From May 31st through Fathers day I have something going on almost every day and have a crazy travel schedule. Oh well.... maybe I'll get lucky and win the $144 million Power Ball tonight. Oh Yeah, that would be nice!

Sunday Ride and Garden pics

2011-05-23T17:18:00.000-05:00

Yes! I made it to the barn again on Sunday to ride :) I am very happy that I have been able to keep up my resolution of getting out to the barn to ride more often.

I have already seen/felt a difference in my endurance and stamina and I can better recognize how my leg feels while riding and when I need to take a break and when I can push a bit. I have found that it is a thin line between being sore from not using muscles and body parts that have been dormant versus doing something that actually causes pain.

My ride yesterday was in the outdoor arena and I spent spent the time just hacking away and enjoying Fawkes and the good weather. There were a set of poles set as a 5 stride line so I practiced a couple of times cantering down the line and varying the number of strides.

I must confess to looking at the jumps in the arena and the thought inadvertently pops through my head.... but, I won't try any jumping until I can do the stairs properly. That's the deal I made with my Therapist and myself so I will stick to it. Besides it would just be a stupid move on my part!

After the ride I walked Fawkes around the property a bit just to get us out of the arena for a while. He was pretty good, did lots of looking and one little scoot when one of the kids ran out of the barn. Other than that he was a good, good boy.

slowly life returns to normal!

and now some photos from the garden

Iris bud

my iris patch... I use to have only a couple Iris but every couple of years I dig them up and split up the tubers and replant and now I have a nice full patch of beautiful Iris.

close up

potted herbs right off the deck from the kitchen for easy access. I have another set planted in the veggie garden.

seeing stars :) the back of my shed.

my green bed... I love all the shades of green!

the peonies are getting ready to flower!
and so are the lilacs and the honeysuckle bushes and all the lovely smelling late spring bloomers.

Friday ride

2011-05-21T21:08:00.000-05:00

Friday I had a flight home from Lexington that got me into Chicago by lunchtime.

At my car by noon meant I could be at the barn by 1 and get in a ride and be back home by 4. I was totally down with the idea! Every week my leg gets a little stronger and every week I spend a little less time worrying about how it feels.

I got to the barn and for once the sun was shining. I was just in time to join in on a lesson that Brenda was giving. I'm not sure why, if my riding more often but less time in the saddle is working or if I was still so excited by watching Margie Engle the night before that I felt like my riding was stronger. Or maybe i was all in my head! Either way, I was outside on Fawkes enjoying a Friday afternoon riding after a long work week. It was great. I was able to sustain good form for longer periods of time. After my normal warm up of posting at the walk I was able to work at a posting trot longer and even felt like I was able to more evenly distribute my weight in the canter. Brenda had us practice some equitation tests to mix things up. She recited to us what she wanted for the test and we had to interpret and perform correctly and then we discussed together. The first test was figure of 8 at a posting trot then figure of 8 at the canter with a simple change at x then halt at x. I was glad that Fawkes and I like to practice lots of changes of gait and I try to practice precision. I rode the test correctly but my simple change was wonky due to my weak right leg. The next test had different gaits for each loop of the figure 8 and then down the long side at a canter with 2 changes of lead then halt. I would have preferred to have done flying changes but my leg really is not strong enough yet to even try it.

It was a fun ride and it was a great way to end the work week!

I finished up at that point while Brenda continued on the lesson with Sarah over jumps. Of course while I was thinking that I was doing such a great job keeping up with Sarah, Brenda had evened the playing field because Sarah had no stirrups for the entire lesson. Ugh... I would not have lasted 5 minutes without stirrups. LOL!! It was still a great ride for me.

Pictures from The Hagyard Lexington Classic

2011-05-21T20:04:00.000-05:00

Uceko and Kent Farrington over skinny vertical, 1st Place.

Margie Engle and Lord Spezi, over Yellow Oxer on a rollback turn. 2nd Place.

Christian Heineking of Germany and River of Dreams over the triple bar. 3rd Place.

Ian Millar of Canada and Instyle over the triple bar. 4th place.

Ian Millar of Canada and Star Power over the yellow oxer. 5th place.

Once again, I took waaaay too many pictures. Almost 800 for the evening. These were the best of the top 5 finishers. I also took some video with my Nikon camera. (i finally figured out how to do it!) I did not have a tripod and the video mode on the DSLR does not have anti shake control so it is a little shaky. However I just can't help sharing the video of Margie Engle.

This video is of Margie Engle in her first round of the classic and wowzers does she make riding that high spirited horse around a 4'9" course look like a walk in the park.

I do have additional pictures on my facebook page.

Kentucky Horse Park

2011-05-19T23:07:00.001-05:00

Once again, I am blogging from my crackberry... err, I mean Blackberry.

I had the pleasure of not taking customers to dinner tonight and instead taking myself over to the Kentucky Horse Park to watch the $30,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic. This class is a FEI class and a CSI** jumping event.

Let me tell you, it was so darn nice to spend an evening watching some awesome horse and riders go round in such a beautiful setting!

As a total BONUS to me, I finally, got to watch Margie Engle ride in person!! She has always been an inspiration to me and I had no idea she was riding in this classic until I picked up the order of go sheet. I wanted to grab some random stranger and tell them how excited I was! Coming to an event like this solo is almost torture for me! I was probably chatting out loud to myself the entire time without realizing it! LOL

I took a ton of great pictures that I would upload right now if my laptop was behaving... Hence my blogging from the blackberry...

It was a beautiful evening at the Kentucky Horse Park, I watched some very talented horses and riders go round and also watched some not so talented riders on super horses go round! I guess with an entry fee of $500 for the class if you really want to play with the big dogs you can... Even if you should still be at home practicing your open water. Oops... Did that just come out?

I suppose what I really mean to say is that if you are riding in a class with the likes of Margie Engle and Ian Millar and family you should make darn sure you can at least get around the course! Just my opinion on what I would do!

There were also a bunch of international riders from Ireland and South America which was nice to see. I really enjoyed the evening!

Pictures to come soon!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

A Tuesday Ride

2011-05-18T08:02:00.001-05:00

Greetings from O'Hare airport. I really wanted to get in a quick post last night about my ride but ended up being busy. It was season finale of NCIS and NCIS LA and those are the only 2 shows that I watch. So I multitasked and watched tv while folding laundry and packing for my trip down to Lexington.

I did make a trip to the barn in the morning! Trying hard to keep that goal of more trips to the barn and less intense rides. It worked out for me yesterday. The weather was beautiful but a bit on the cool side, it was nice to see the sunshine. I did just ride in the indoor arena. Normally I would have warmed up and then headed outside. However, I vowed to keep my ride at a max of 40mins with a goal of 30mins of real work.

I did change the set up of my knee brace. I wore a bigger brace only this time I was able to fit it over my breeches and half chap. It helps that I have lost a little weight :).

I took my time walking and warming up with a posting walk. Boy that is just not an easy thing to do. I have a hard time finding that rhythm and really have to relax to feel it. It just feels unnatural. After that I worked hard at working in the trot and doing as much posting as possible to strengthen without hurting.

I also was able to get in some good canter in both directions. Although by the end I was unable to put equal weight in my stirrups.

All in all I was very happy with my ride and even happier to get some Fawkes time!

Now I am off to UK in Lexington for a couple days. Hoping to get over to the Kentucky Horse Park if I have time.

Hope everyone has a good rest of the week.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Busy weekend: another ride, dinner and a graduation

2011-05-15T19:58:00.000-05:00

The rest of my weekend was just as busy as my week! And I am quite enjoying some nice relaxation time this Sunday evening.

Saturday afternoon I made it back to the barn for another ride and mini-lesson with Brenda. I honestly think it is just going to take much longer to get back to where I was than I originally thought. although, isn't that always the case?
My knee was not wanting to cooperate as much on Saturday. Probably because I had a rather longish ride on Friday and have not been on in 2 weeks. Brenda immediately asked me how long I rode on Friday and when I told her she just shook her head. Her thought is that I should spend less time on each ride but try to come and ride more often! and then said she could not blame me for it because she knows how much I miss it. I must admit to having that poor me moment... the 'why me????' along with the deepest wish of just wanting to be fully better, to be able to run, jump, ride whatever and heck even run up and down the stairs just for the darn fun of it!

Then a nice deep breath and back to being thankful that I am even back on my horse.

The ride itself was not too bad I just had minimal endurance but we worked with what I could do and loved it. I am going to try to take Brenda's advice and get to the barn a little more and not push it so much when I am there. It's just that darn commute that can be such a killer when I am busy with home, therapy, work and life. However, that has a plan to be changed by mid to end of summer.

I just need to be patient enough to let myself heal a bit more so I can bring him closer and be back involved with his day to day care. hmmmm... that good old patience thing again!

Saturday evening we had some friends over along with Melissa and Dorian and my hubby cooked another fabulous dinner. yummy. brussel sprouts, asparagus, chicken roll ups and scalloped potatoes. This was followed up by an amazing homemade cheesecake. I think he put our friends into a food coma! I can't wait for the summer when the veggie garden is in full production, yummy!

Today we spent the day at The University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana for Dorian's undergraduate graduation from the School of Architecture. I am so very proud of him and am looking forward to seeing all the great things he does with his life. (He is going to make one darn good son-in-law!) In the fall he starts back for his Masters in Architecture.

Congratulations Dorian!

The four of us drove down early this morning and packed a big picnic lunch with us. We were really hoping to have some good weather but that just did not happen. It was cold and drizzling/raining all day. We picnicked indoors instead.

Ricak and I having some fun with the graduate.

Melissa gets a kiss :)

Along with Rick, Melissa and I there was also Dorian's dad, his sister and his mothers boyfriend. They met us down there for the Architecture ceremony. Unfortunately his mother did not make the 2 1/2 hour trip, she had a bad stomach ache or flu thing going on this morning.

After getting back home the four of us went out to celebrate! We let him pick the restaurant and ended up at a Japanese steak house for an excellent celebratory meal :) (and we all have great leftovers for lunch tomorrow!)

Unexpected INK

2011-05-14T14:33:00.000-05:00

Yesterday evening we had plans to go to the InkFest Live: The Urban Tattoo Expo in Chicago.

Both my husband and I and Melissa have tattoos and a friend of ours had a car that was on exhibit at the show so we thought why not? We can go support our friend, have some fun, check out the tattoo expo and do something different.

Well, It was a blast. There were definitely some strange people there but also lots of normal people as well. It was mostly just rows of tattoo artists that are set up in spaces defined by portable chain link fence, along with some clothing vendors and such. There was a stage area with some bad music being played that also hosted the tattoo competitions.

The weirdest thing was when they took some girl that had hooks through the skin of her back and attached her to the chain and hoisted her up. gross.. Not sure what would make someone want to do something like that?

I have been wanting a new tattoo for a while and thought now was as good a time as any to celebrate my leg finally being on the mend! It was nice to be able to walk around and check out the portfolios of dozen of artists and to see and talk to them. I happened upon an artist that I really like and connected with from out of Ohio. I hemmed and hawed about it and then decided that if he had the time then it was meant to be. Turns out he was originally booked but some guy cancelled and he could take me. That was it! I signed up.

We discussed my style, what I liked and did not like and when he told me that he preferred to do his work freehand I was very happy. My first tattoo was done freehand and I preferred it that way. He first drew the design in pen and sharpie and then we talked colors and price and away we went!

The freehand pen and sharpie drawing

getting inked

The final product

girl hanging from hooks in her back

can you see those hooks???!?!?!

Staying on the same page

2011-05-13T16:47:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note to say I rode today. Once again I feel calm and centered and happy.

It was very, very quiet at the barn. I was by myself riding and it was perfect. Some days I love to just ride all by myself and some days I love the hubbub of a crazy arena. I think because it has been almost 2 weeks since I rode that it was perfect to be alone with Fawkes.

I started indoors for about 30 mins. I warmed up slowly. First walking and then posting at the walk a couple times around in each direction and then moved on to trot. I was being very careful to not aggravate the knee so I did tons of transitions and changes. 10 steps of sitting trot then 10 steps posting trot then adding in a 15 meter circle after each and then down to a 10 meter circle or 20 meter circle every once in a while. I did this both ways and then picked up a canter but only about 2-3 times in each direction.

I dismounted him and walked to the outdoor arena. Since I have not been on him out there yet I decided to first handwalk him once around the outdoor and make sure we were both comfortable. I probably did not need to do this but better safe than sorry and it let me stretch my leg out for a few minutes. The outdoor had just been groomed, I love a freshly groomed ring! There were a couple very wet spots to stay away from but since I was not planning on doing too much it was just fine for me.

I wanted to test how well in tune Fawkes and I were to each other. So I practiced a bunch of gait transitions. Walk-halt-trot-halt-trot-canter-walk, etc, etc.... I also added in walk serpentines with a halt at centerline each time. We stayed in the halt until I felt him relax and give and then asked him to walk on. These exercises really helped keep us both nice and relaxed which was good because in the 20 mins we were outside the wind really started picking up and temperature must have dropped a good 15 degrees. The exercises also went so very well, I was pleased that the two of us were on the same page.

I rode him around the front of the barn to dismount closer to our door and he was an angel. Had his ears perked and watching the trees that strted swaying and rustling in the breeze but never spooky. I kept a nice supportive leg on him to keep him reassured that all was OK.

On the leg front... my PT is progressing painfully slow. We are so careful about adding in one change at a time, letting me adjust then making another. The issue is that with knees and the knee joint the old adage 'no pain, no gain' does not apply. So we have to be careful to take it slow.

Patience, patience, patience.

Belated Mothers Day Blog post and other stuff

2011-05-11T06:20:00.000-05:00

I have been a busy, busy bee and for once it has been so nice to just be able to do stuff.

I may not have been blogging but i have had time to keep an eye, somewhat, on what's been going on in my blogger world. I just wanted to give a shout out to my blogger friend Jean in NJ. Jean, my heart and thoughts and tons of healing prayers are with you! You have been a wonderful friend through all my ordeals with my broken leg and before that with my ankle. I hope you are able to find a great doctor to work with you and get your knees fixed!

My mothers day weekend was amazing, simply a wonderful weekend. The only thing that would have made it better was seeing Fawkes and going for a nice ride. (Patience is a virtue that I sometimes struggle with!)

Saturday was spent at the spa with Melissa. She treated me to a massage and a mani and pedi. To make the day complete she joined me :) we had so much fun doing everything side by side with a couple glasses of wine! I truly enjoy my daughter, she is such a lovely young woman.

Sunday was spent out in the yard and the garden. Melissa and Dorian spent the day, and Holly too. Having the extra help was so great, we got so much done and I feel like I have reclaimed my yard and with it a part of my life. So strange how just being able to plant flowers and get the yard cleaned up can make you feel so good. I will never again take for granted these things. Last year was so bad and just having the flowers all around lifts my spirits.

I need to give a big thanks to Dorian for getting my vegetable garden in order. He spent hours pulling the weeds, digging up all of last years weeds and by the end of the day Rick and Dorian had it rototilled and ready for planting.

I may not have been able to spend the day with my Mom and the rest of the family but I still had a wonderful Mother's Day.

Getting ready to hop on a plane, more to come soon! I promise.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Not too much happening in my horse world

2011-05-06T08:43:00.000-05:00

As many of you can imagine, my crazy travel last week was just a bit overambitious on my part.

This week I am paying the price for it and have been ordered by my physical therapist to take it a bit easier and try to stay off Fawkes. Admittedly, I was a bit 'pissy' over his proclamation and then I thought about the crazy week.

Monday: on a plane, then drive to Butler, PA
Tuesday: back home on a plane
Wednesday: after PT on another plane to Dayton, OH and another rental car
Thursday: after spending 9 hours with customer, back on another plane home.
Friday:after PT to a day long meeting in Chicago
Saturday: spent half the day at home improvement stores and running errands with the hubby and then the other half painting my new potting bench.
Sunday: drove 6 hours round trip to cheer my daughter on in her first triathlon.

Monday (this week): in physical therapy wondering why my leg was hurting so darn much! I was literally having these weird shooting throbbing pains in the side of my knee and upper lower leg. My physical therapist uses a special technique called strain/counterstrain to identify where the muscles are guarding and causing pain as well as to relieve the pain. He said my leg was in the same 'bad' shape as when he treats people at the end of marathons. Then looked at me and reminded to breath and have patience. And... oh can you stay off your horse for a good week.

Needles to say, I immediately went home on Monday and reviewed my upcoming travel schedules to make sure that I am only doing one trip per week for a while. Sacrificing my leg for work and then having to give up everything else due to pain is just not worth it! Life is to darn short.

Fawkes is being ridden by Alexis and Sarah, both of whom are getting ready for some upcoming shows so are enjoying having an extra ride for the week.

SO what am I doing instead... well the weather is finally nice so I have been doing some work outside. Being very careful to not overdue it :) and also been working in my sewing room. All while trying very hard not to think of all the time I could be spending with Fawkes.

Below are some of my favorite pictures from Melissa's triathlon. I am a very proud momma!!

Western PA

2011-04-27T15:23:00.000-05:00

Just a couple pics of my quick trip to Western PA. I never did get in that giant tub... I think if it was in the bathroom I would have. I like a nice steamy hot bathroom when I am in my tub and I kept thinking that by the time I got done with a bath in that tub the entire room was going to be nasty humid and I would have a damp suit to put in in the morning!

Now maybe if I was on vacation... :)

While working on Tuesday, I provided my customers with lunch. I usually ask them to take care of it and give them my corporate card. I told the gal taking care of it to order me a salad with dressing on the side and since it was a local place just something that was recommended. Well, my salad came and much to my surprise it had fries with cheese on the top. I was perplexed. One of the other girls must have seen the look on my face and told me that it is a Pittsburgh/Western PA thing. That everywhere in that area if you order an entree salad they all put fries with cheese on top. hmmmm... so much for a somewhat healthy lunch!

fries on my salad????

Much to my dismay, another line of thunderstorms came through the area as I was trying to fly back to Chicago. This time I only spent 5 hours waiting in the airport! (unlike the 9 last week) And I actually made it home and into bed by midnight.

Flowering trees in Western PA

PT this morning went well and now I am getting ready to head back to the airport, headed off to Dayton, OH.

I truly hope that everyones week is not so darn hectic as mine is!

Greetings from Butler, PA

2011-04-25T20:15:00.000-05:00

I think western Pennsylvania is a very beautiful area. All the trees and hills and valleys. Driving up from the airport I had about an hour drive to see my customer and I was lucky enough to have beautiful skies and sunshine showing off the new green of spring. The trees are all just budding and from a distance look like they have been smudged with green pastels. Every so often tucked into the newly budding trees are beautiful flowering dogwoods.

It really made me want to detour to one of the state parks and go for a nice afternoon hike or even better find a nice horse and go for a great trail ride. ahhhh, now that would have been a perfect afternoon. oh well, as I drove north and east the clouds were building up behind me and just as I pulled into my destination the skies opened up with big fat drops of rain. The kind of rain that makes big splatting noise and 10 minutes later moves on.

Early this evening I checked into my hotel, a Fairfield Suites, and I was upgraded to a King Spa Suite. ohhh a room upgrade. Always appreciated however this upgrade was a first for me! There is a giant jacuzzi tube just a couple feet from the bed. I was laughing to myself... I wonder does anyone actual use these things?

I have such a busy week and no time to go to the barn. Blah. I always seem to get a bit cranky when I don't get enough horse time. Seems to be worse in the spring. I am so glad to be on the path of being better. However, I think I may actually be entering into one of the hardest parts of my recovery. I'm not quite better but I'm not quite broken and I have to be so careful. Patience is going to be needed in spades!

Another great ride

2011-04-24T18:01:00.000-05:00

Well, It seems these days that any and all rides I get in are great ones! After all, how can they not be after being unable to ride for so darn long.

Saturday afternoon, the family and I headed up to the barn. Melissa, Dorian and Rick all came with me. I had quite a cheering section. I must admit that it was very nice to see the faces of my family smiling at me and encouraging me every time I rode past them.

It was a sufficient enough workout that once again, I am soooooo sore! I can't help loving being sore.

I started off my lesson with posting at the walk. (I skipped that step last ride and I was sorry for it). Then some standing/2 point at the walk. Then after about 10 mins moved on to a posting trot. This week the lesson was about moving forward and straight. We did lots of work over poles at the trot and canter. The trot work was supposed to be done all at a posting trot. However, I had to modify slightly and work in some forward medium sitting trot on the short sides of the arena.

Trot is the hardest gait for me. 2 point being the worst, I can only maintain a 2 point for 5 or 6 steps before I lose my form completely and my knee hurts. The muscles and supporting ligaments and tendons have just not regained their strength and elasticity enough to hold stable in a posting trot.

After the trot work we moved into canter work. My endurance is surely getting better. I was able to stay in a forward moving canter in both directions for a good 6-8 times around the arena going through a set of poles set at a one stride and then to a forward 7 strides to a another pole. That last pole was close to the end of the arena and the idea was to stay forward and straight to that pole and if a lead change was needed to do it over the pole.

It was one heck of a workout!! I was beet red and out of breath and happy at the end of each exercise. For once I was sufficiently glad when Brenda started setting up jumps and I knew that I was done. Whew. What a great day :) Family and horses and friends!

Sometimes it's the little things!

2011-04-22T13:09:00.000-05:00

I had a huge breakthrough in my therapy today. For most people this may sound like such a trivial thing, but when you have found yourself fighting to regain the use of a leg every little accomplishment has significance.

Part of my strengthening exercises is to do straight leg lifts. I do these on the floor on an exercise mat that has a slinky/sleazy/spandex type covering. I have to work both legs. I start laying on my back with one leg bent and the other straight. I then lift the straight leg about 45 degrees for 15 repetitions and then switch legs. I do 4-6 sets of these alternating legs.

Up to this point I have had to do these with no shoes on, just socks, so I could slide the foot of my bad leg from bent to straight and vice verse. I completely lacked the strength to pick up my foot and straighten or bend that leg and if i tried the pain was excruciating in my knee. I know, sounds like such a simple task!

Well, today I was finally able to do this exercise with my sneakers on! I had enough strength to pick the foot up and bend and straighten the leg while lying down and did not have to rely on sliding my foot.

Yes, I am a total emotional sap over this stuff and I actually had tears in my eyes. Next step... the stairs. I cannot wait to do the stairs like a normal person! Once I can do the stairs then maybe I can work on squats and then, only then can I start to entertain the thought of jumping once again.

Little by little I am regaining my leg!! WooHoo!!

More on Midwest Horse Fair

2011-04-21T21:09:00.000-05:00

I really wanted to share more early this week but life got in the way, and so did the weather!

I was supposed to have a quick overnight trip down to Indianapolis this week. Down Monday evening and back Tuesday at dinner time. Well the crazy Midwest weather had me sitting in the Indianapolis airport for almost 9 hours... ugh. I almost went back to the rental car agency to get a car and drive home. But, I was tired, it was getting late and there where bad storms with tornado warnings and driving 4 hours in bad weather while tired and having a sore knee did not sound like a good option. So I waited and waited. Finally pulled into my driveway at about 3am. This effectively wasted my Wednesday as well because I was dog tired. I had enough energy to go to PT and do any necessary work and that was about it.

I was even hoping to get to the barn this week but nope... work had other ideas. We are in the last 2 weeks of out fiscal year, so very busy.

Thank you to everyone that left a comment on the 'liberty' post. It was very much appreciated.

The rest of the Midwest Horse Fair was pretty good. I enjoyed the clinic given by cowboy Mike Major. He was very attentive to the horses, the atmosphere, and the riders in his clinic. It was nice to hear that good basics are the same throughout all disciplines. Very basically he said it took time to develop horses, you needed to do it smartly, slowly and listen to the horse. No gimmicks, no tricks, no promises of shortcuts.

I also enjoyed watching Steffen Peters work with 2 riders that are moving up to the FEI levels. It was nice observe a dressage clinic for upper levels. One rider worked on canter pirouettes and the other rider worked on tempi changes.

I also watched a session of Nick Karazissis, Hunter/Jumper trainer from California. He was OK, not my style of teaching. I think a successful clinic for both the rider and clinician somewhat depends upon the 'clicking' of both parties. I thought he was a little gimmicky and I would not have liked it,.

The breed presentations were also very interesting. Some of them were obviously very well thought out with tons of work and preparation and some of the presentations were not so good.

Flag drill team on Quarter Horses

Icelandic horses (one of the only groups to all be wearing helmets!)

Vaulters on a haflinger

Mike Majors demonstrating cutting.

Steffen Peters with a rider moving up to FEI levels

Beautiful mane during the 'Baroque' presentation

Can you see the stars? The theme for the fair was Stargazing, it was fun to see how the riders played up the theme.

The Grand Prix on Saturday night was fun, lots of great Chicago area riders, most notably Charlie Jayne. Charlie was shortlisted for the 2008 Olympic games. Since I had my handy dandy backstage pass I got to spend some time chatting with Charlie and his sisters Maggie and Haylie before and after the course walk.

The prix itself was not set very high. The arena is sort of small and spooky for a big Grand Prix track. 8 riders went into the jump off and they made it very exciting to watch. I think it was a great example of showjumping for the community at the fair.

I need opinions!

2011-04-18T21:34:00.000-05:00

Hey fellow blogger friends and horse lovers.

I need a huge favor... I wrote a blog post for Chicago Equestrian about an example of Bad Horsemanship.
And I really want/need some others opinions. It really has nothing to do with the Chicago area and everything to do with horses.

I experienced a really, really bad demonstration of horsemanship this past weekend and wrote a blog post with some photos and videos.

Others thoughts would be greatly appreciated! (I don't think I am over reacting... but who knows)

Thanks in advance!

Barn Photos

2011-04-16T13:08:00.025-05:00

These photos were taken at my lesson last Saturday. About half were taken by me and the other half taken by my hubby. Thanks Hubby!!

They were taken to try out a new Nikon VR Lens.

Sarah on a lesson horse

Emily on her pony 'Taxi'

This old lesson horse was not amused by all the arena craziness.

Brenda: always something to learn!

ME! Cantering through ground poles set at a one stride. I don't even look too uneven! (Just a little more weight in the left stirrup... not unexpected)

Fawkes and I :)

Alexis schooling with no stirrups

Crazy Saturday morning arena!

Midwest Horse Fair

2011-04-14T14:01:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow morning after physical therapy I am headed up to Madison Wisconsin to the Midwest Horse Fair.

This year I will be going for the weekend AND I have an all-access press pass. I am the official photographer for the Chicago Equestrian website. I'm pretty excited about it.

It will be tons of fun... I just hope the weather holds out and it doesnt rain on us all weekend.

Girls weekend of hotel room, horses, all access press passes, and horse stuff all day, everyday. Can't go wrong! All i'm missing is the hubby... but, I'm sure he would be done with the festivities after a couple hours, nevermind the whole weekend.

From Hunter/Jumper, Dressage, Eventing, trail riding, western competition, driving, vet lectures, shopping and much, much more.

Friday Night is the Rodeo
and
Saturday Night is the Nutrena $40,000 Grand Prix... I am super excited for the Grand Prix. Due to the proximity to Chicago many Chicago area riders will be competing. I heard that last year's inagural Grand Prix was a huge hit with a very exciting course, I'm sure this year will be just as good!

A succesful doctors apointment.

2011-04-12T18:59:00.000-05:00

This post has nothing to do with horses... and everything to do with me. OK, well a little to do with horses.

I forgot to blog about my doctors appointment last Friday. Friday morning I headed over to my orthopods office for my Rt Knee checkup. It was a good feeling to walk straight and even into the doctor's office. I seems almost silly and trivial to feel so excited and proud over being able to walk correctly. But, I feel what I feel and there is no denying it.

The doctor took a look at my knee, grabbed hold of it, pulled on it, poked and prodded it and said things are looking good. He prescribed another six weeks of physical therapy with a minimum of twice a week and if possible three times a week. I can do that, I can make my work schedule fit with therapy of twice a week.

He also asked about my riding. He wanted to make sure that I was getting back on and to make sure that my knee was feeling good while on. We discussed that my knee and the rest of me is pretty darn week but that things are moving along nicely.

My doctor than proceeded to ask me if all Jumper horses cost as much as a really, really expensive sports car. And if all jumpers had to bought over in Europe and imported to the US and then he expressed how he thought it was crazy that the horses had to be 'vet checked' and that everyone involved with the sale got 10% of the purchase price. It turns out that one of his partners daughters is getting into the Hunter/Jumper world.

He simply could not believe that it was so expensive. I told him that the monthly upkeep was going to be just as shocking as the purchase price! I left that office visit thinking that I sure hoped that the family with the daughter getting into Hunter/Jumpers had a good and honest trainer, someone that would teach the girl to love and respect horses, not just how to get a good ribbon.

Anyway, the appointment was a good one! Finally! Follow that with my awesome lesson on Friday and then follow that with a successful work trip. Things are looking up :)

Greetings from Philadelphia

2011-04-10T21:11:00.000-05:00

Hi my blogger friends! It sure does seem like it has been a long time since I have blogged away from home on a work trip.

A quick note to say that flying this evening was no problem. Big sigh of relief from me! I navigated the airports, the flight and getting to the hotel just fine. I may have been a little slow, but too bad.

My leg is tired and achy but no pain!

Speaking of 'pain' my knee may not hurt but every other muscle in my entire body is sore! I rode in lesson #2 saturday late morning. It was actually a group lesson. There was me, dying from lack of activity for 10 months, a junior rider with no stirrups on her saddle and a visiting student in with her horse from Indiana for the weekend.

Like my first lesson I warmed up at the walk with some posting and then standing. Then we all moved into trot work of 5 steps sitting, 5 steps posting. Then all posting, then variations like sitting short sides, extend down one side, medium posting over poles the other long side. This time I was able to do some short stretches of 2 point at the trot. 5-6 steps then post, then another 5-6 steps. I just did this a couple of times.

Then we moved to a canter. I was not hopeful about keeping up at this point. So I figured I'd just do my best and see what happens. Well, much to my darn surprise I did really well! The exercise was to canter around the arena and over a set of poles, fitting in a one stride. These were set up in the middle of one long side. I was able to keep up pretty darn good by cantering down one long side, around the short end, over the poles to the end of that long side and then a brief walk break at the other short side. This brief walk break served 2 purposes, to get my leg situated back into proper position and let me breath! Holy cow am I out of shape!

I did this a couple times in each direction and then we were done. Somewhere in that 30min ride I found all the lost muscles. My core, my back, my thighs and even my butt. Oh and let's not forget my arms. Whew, it sure feels good to be feeling sore muscles :)

Hope everyone had a great weekend!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

My first lesson in 10 1/2 months!!

2011-04-07T20:47:00.000-05:00

I haven't stopped grinning all evening!

Who would have thought that a 30 minute walk/trot lesson could make me so darn happy. I guess somewhere deep down I was afraid the day would never come. Obviously, I am no where near to being where I was on the day I broke my darn leg. But, I am OK with that. I was back on!!

The lesson was exhausting, I am so out of shape and have zero endurance.

The lesson was done in the indoor arena, using only half the arena. It started with simple walking and going waaaaaaaay back to the basics. At the walk I was to feel my horse, feel the rhythm, move with him and maintain a steady contact. Then at the walk posting for 4-5 steps, sitting for 4-5 steps. Feeling the horses movement for posting at the walk is strange. I had to concentrate on feeling the outside shoulder move up. We also did some standing/2 point at the walk and several turns on the forehand.

Then to the trot. We started with posting 5 steps, sitting 5 steps. Progressed to posting half the circle and sitting half the circle and finally onto posting the entire circle several times around. Of course there were plenty of walk breaks in between the exercises. I did try a 2 point at the trot but that was a no go. Not strong enough yet to keep the knee joint from sliding about and hurting.

I worked in both directions equally and had alternating intense looks of concentration and big stupid grins on my face. It was so good!

We did start out with no ace in him, but about 10mins into the lesson an ATV or dirt bike was zooming around on the property adjacent to the barn and the buzzing noise was a bit much for Fawkes. The first 'buzz' came by and I felt every muscle in his body tighten and his head shoot up. Brenda quickly whipped out a small dose of ace. She was prepared! It was pretty funny. My poor buddy was not liking the noise. I had to talk so sweetly to him and rub his neck until he finally let out a big deep sigh and started breathing again.

I will need to work on adjusting him to that particular noise. I was thinking to start with that I can turn him out in one of the small paddocks while the 'buzzers' are out riding the dirt bikes. I don't think I am yet strong enough to walk him on the lead rope and expose him to the offending noise. Or I could possibly have some one else with 2 good legs walk him on a lead in the outdoor arena under my supervision... I'll have to think about this a bit more.

Luckily he is pretty smart and once introduced to new and scary things and shown that he will be OK, he then learns that he is not going to be harmed and the flight reaction goes away.

I am hoping to get out to the barn again this weekend :)

Holly gets spayed, Melissa gets an apartment

2011-04-06T16:35:00.000-05:00

Little Holly was spayed yesterday. I always feel so bad for them when they have those silly collars on. I went and picked her up at the vet this morning as soon as they would allow it. I simply could not stand for her to be at the vet in a crate, scared and shaking, all day long waiting for Melissa to get home from work.

So, I went and picked her up. Poor thing was so darn happy to see me. Made my heart smile. I sure am going to miss the wee little dog! Melissa signed a lease for an apartment today. I am very happy and excited for her... she will have her own place, in a good environment, and only 15mins from work in traffic. She drives a solid hour now. It is definitely bittersweet for me, I have gotten used to seeing my little girl everyday. And I sure am going to miss having little Holly around!!

Holly looking all sad with her collar on.

I did my first worktrip yesterday, I had to drive over to northern Indiana and spend the day with a customer. It was a very good test on my leg and it went better than I was expecting. Next week I'll have my first flight out, I usually like to plan several days out at once but am being smart and starting back slow. Just an overnight with flights, that will be the ultimate test.

Life is rapidly returning to normal

2011-04-05T09:01:00.000-05:00

There were some days when I thought I could never say that my life would return to the 'normal' that it used to be. Of course, every ones definition of normal is a bit different and I am quite sure that my normal would and could drive others insane.

I like my normal. I am happy, for the most part, juggling all the different areas of my life. Always on the quest to be better and enjoy my family, my husband, my hobbies and my work. I figure that since I am not independently wealthy, nor do I seem able to win the Mega Millions or Power Ball, that I should at least do my best to enjoy my job.

Spring is finally in the air, my leg is steadily getting stronger, I am OK with my slow and steady progress with getting back to riding Fawkes, I am starting to travel again for work. (I actually was beginning to miss O'Hare!) Work on the website ChicagoEquestrian.com is picking up and I am finding time to play in my sewing room. It really is quite amazing what you can accomplish and enjoy when your not broken, drugged and stuck to the couch.

I feel a bit like I am coming out of hibernation and I sure hope this feeling stays with me because I sure do like it!

I was very bummed about not making it to the barn over the weekend. I really need to get more horse time. Come late spring/early summer I will be on the hunt for a new home for Fawkes. Something much closer and somewhere that I can keep my trailer on the property so when I want to trailer out for clinics/shows/fun stuff it will be nice and easy. I know that right now I am totally spoiled. Come on, you all saw the pictures of my current barn... I t may be hard to give that up but it will be so worth it!

I am planning on getting up to the barn on Thursday afternoon, can't wait!

Barn photos and back spasms

2011-04-03T09:17:00.000-05:00

I have been busy and it has felt good to be busy :) that was until the middle of last night when the muscles of my upper back decided to do a double whammy of spasms. Oh wow, I have never really had muscle spasms like this before. At about 2:30am I sort of woke up my hubby to rub my back, at 3am I took a prescription dose of Aleeve, at 4am I was out on the back deck in the hot tub, at 5am I took some pain killers and remembered the heating pad. By 8am the muscles had calmed down. Now it's 9am and I am on the couch blogging... I was supposed to be at the barn riding but that's not happening today. Muscle spasms and no sleep make Steph one cranky woman!! Hopefully I can get in a nice peaceful nap today.

On a good note, I did get in an excellent ride on Thursday afternoon this week. I am making steady progress in my riding. I get stronger every time and can post a little longer each time. My knee is a little sore while posting but I have no lingering pain afterwards which is a good thing. I think I may partake in a flat lesson this week so I can work on my position.

Cleaning tack.

Itchy

Fawkes making faces... he is so ticklish and makes the best faces when being brushed!

View into the indoor arena

Sweeping the aisle.

Short post... just a bit tired.

In search of the Pelicans

2011-03-29T21:40:00.000-05:00

There was a rumor floating around that a small flock of American White Pelicans had stopped over at a small marsh lake in a suburb about 20 miles west of me.

I had heard about it last week, on the local talk radio it was reported that these pelicans would be hanging about for several weeks. Well, they were wrong. It must be our lovely 15- 20 degree below normal weather that has caused them to continue their migration early.

I headed out to this Kane county Forest preserve pelican hot spot late this afternoon. I had a nice chat with a local birdwatcher that frequents the marshy lake area every couple of days and he said he has not seen the pelicans since about a week and a half ago. Hmpf... local talk radio must have been reporting several days late.

Well, I had driven out and I had my camera so I decided to spend a little time in the fresh air and take a couple pictures. The terrain was well groomed, large grass paths that were mostly flat. I figured a little walk would do me some good as well. I took it slow and easy and enjoyed my little outing.

my favorite picture of the day. a close up of a seed pod.

woodpecker in the tree

ducks in flight

I was so intent on watching the duck land that I never even saw the crane on the far side of the waters edge until I got home and was looking at the pictures.

Nelson Lake, Dick Young Forest Preserve
Kane County, Illinois

It feels great!

2011-03-25T10:07:00.000-05:00

It feels great to finally be sharing accomplishments on my blog!

This week I had 2 big accomplishments that I want to share.

1. I had my first 24 hour time period without without having to take any prescription pain medication! It was sooo good.

2. I performed a posting trot all the way around the arena in each direction! How cool is that :)

Now for a little more detail on my ride.

The beginning of the week was pure frozen hell, literally. The furnace in our house died. We knew it was going to happen one day. The furnace was the original one that was in the house from 1968. The darn thing ran for over 40 years. It just would have been nice if It ran just a couple more weeks. Oh well. $2,895.00 later and furnace guys in the crawl space for 11 hours and we are the proud owners of a high efficiency furnace. No more hulking monster in the crawl space.

Unfortunately I had to contribute some of my horse savings to get the new furnace. I guess that is life. Having heat and being able to get the new furnace in quickly was way more important. Still was a bummer.

Thursday was a quit one for me with work, my computer was crunching away on some software and was gonna be tied up for 8-10 hours. So I headed up to the barn. I needed it. It was just so nice to drive myself, get out of the house, forget about the nasty weather and to just take that deep breath of 'barn' and just exhale and let every other worry just go away for little while.

We are still giving Fawkes some ace before I ride him (unless he gets used in a lesson before hand). I just have nothing to prove by hoping on a Thoroughbred in the spring without any tranquilizer in him. My safety is paramount at this point I don't even want to imagine how it would feel if he decided to grab the bit and take off to buck and play while I am in recovery mode. Make no mistake, it's just a little bit to take the edge off of his energy not to make him dull and droopy.

So, with that firmly set in my brain, I am able to put the pride to the side and get on and do my equine therapy.
I spent the first 15- 20 mins just walking. Lots of circles, lots of leg yields, lots of work on sitting up straight and staying even. I also did some standing while walking and some posting at the walk. I then moved into some trot work. I started with sets of posting trot for 10 steps to a forward walk for 10 steps. Then worked up to posting trot along the long side and sitting trot on the short side and then finished each direction with a posting trot all the way around the arena. Towards the beginning of my trot work, Brenda commented that my right leg was moving all over the place. We talked about it for a few minutes, about how I was feeling and how I was using my body and decided to try doing some posting work without stirrups to see how that would feel. OH My Goodness... The knee felt fine but I thought my thighs were going to burn right off. I just concentrated on how my right leg felt, about how my leg was laying against his side, how I could feel the even press against the inside of my calf. When I picked my stirrups back up, I concentrated on keeping that same feeling of not having stirrups and it worked. My position was better which in turn enabled me to post longer without my knee hurting. YAY, for my AWESOME trainer. She is always looking out for me and thinking about ways to help me succeed. It's nice to have a great trainer and an even better friend!

I did feel strong enough to pick up a canter in each direction. I only cantered long enough while in a good posture so I wasn't bouncing all over his back, which was about once in each direction. It felt good, so very good.

I am waiting to see how my knee feels in therapy today. If it feels good then I may try to up my rides to twice a week. If not, then I will keep it to once a week for a bit longer until I am stronger.

I brought a special treat to the barn for Fawkes, fresh carrot tops with a bit of carrot still attached. Oh boy was he happy with that treat! I gave my boy such great big hugs after my ride. I am so thankful that after all I have been through that I am getting back to the barn, interacting with my horse, getting on him, being able to brush him and just be around him is soothing to my soul.

Ride # 3, a little stronger!

2011-03-20T20:25:00.000-05:00

This morning marked ride number three for me. I hopped on after Laura took a lesson on Fawkes. They had a fun lesson! And I simply can't wait until I get to jump again :) Fawkes was having a fun time as evident by his playing at the end of the ring.

He was quite 'up' couple that with the massive thunderstorms rolling through this morning and I was slightly apprehensive about getting on. Although, not quite apprehensive enough to NOT get on! I should not have worried one bit. My boy is so dialed in to me, as soon as I get on he was like a different horse, he knew he had to take care of his mom. He behaved like an angel, listened to all my directions and was so very cool, calm and collected.

I started my ride off for the first 10- 15 minutes just walking. I concentrated on keeping up a nice energetic walk, even weight on my sit bones and in my stirrups and my heels down. On the long sides I did some lateral work, alternating shoulder-in and haunches-in. On the short side I posted at the walk and added in some spirals in and out. The good news... the posting at the walk did not cause any discomfort at all! YES!! Each time I ride I am stronger. I was happy with the modest progress.

After a while I picked up a trot and built up to posting trot down the long side and sitting trot on the short sides with walking circles built in whenever my knee cap started to twinge. I rode for about 40 minutes alternating walk and trot. I am sad to say that I never picked up a canter. The only reason I didn't try was because there was a massive thunderstorm and I am not a fan of thunder. I think Fawkes could have cared less! But I let the thunderstorm get the better of my nerves. I wasn't to worried about it though, I had a very good third ride and even though it may have felt like a walk in the park for my boy it was a big workout for me!

Now for a funny little story. Three of us ladies were talking about half halting and using the seat to get a half halt, the lady it was directed at has recently lost a bit of weight, lady number 2 said no worries she has enough rear end for both, that's when I interjected that I certainly take the cake for the big butt award. The skinny lady laughed and said not to worry my butt is like a hay belly on a horse just getting off stall rest, soon it will be gone! What a nice thing to say and what a great way to put my 'butt' size into perspective!

Yay for E-Bay

2011-03-19T16:05:00.000-05:00

I must say that I was a bit dubious of how successful I would be on E-bay.

Maybe it was because I had low expectations and figured I had nothing to lose by trying is why it worked out well for me. I decided that I just have too much horse stuff. Even after a major fall cleaning, large donation to FTEA (Friends for Therapeutic Equine Activities) plus a donation of well used pads to the local Humane society, I still had a plethora of good tack, clothes, etc... that I have kept in excellent condition that I most likely will never use again!

When I buy, I try to buy quality items that will last a long time. So I think that really helped when I put the items up for re-sale.

So far I have sold my Dressage show clothes, I wont be needing them, I like to ride dressage but not so much the showing part. Much rather spend my $$ showing in the jumper ring.

I also sold a bunch of extra saddle pads, stirrups, a Mattes pad and some non horsey stuff like an old Playstation.

I have added a whooping $500 to my horse fund. YES!!

I think I may have a new addiction :)

Two steps forward, One step back

2011-03-18T08:11:00.000-05:00

That really seems to be the theme of things this second half of the week.

The patella tendon in my right knee decided that it was having enough and swelled up making things slightly painful for the moving of the knee cap. What exactly does that mean? Well, it means that I had to cut back on my activity a bit and stick to lots of stretching, modest stationary bike rides and only exercises that did not work that tendon, so straight leg lifts and side leg lifts and extra ice sessions.

At first I was frustrated by this but then I realized that my body is dictating how it is going to heal and my best bet is to work with it rather than against it!

The second slight setback has been with the lovely little puppy, Holly. Something seemed to have happened and she seemingly has forgotten any and all potty training that has been done with her. Oh such a bad little puppy she has been! She even pee peed on the couch, argh! After being outside for a good 20 mins... Good thing she just makes a tiny puddle and that the couch was heavily scotch guarded when we ordered it, nothing even seeped through to the cushion underneath.

Now we are back to lots of crate time, tons of positive reinforcement when she goes outside, and very supervised time when out of crate. She seems to be a smart puppy so I'm hoping that with some patience and perseverance on the humans part we will soon be through this.

On the horse front, I had originally planned to go to the barn yesterday, however that got derailed by the knee. The horses all got their spring shots and checkups yesterday. The weather actually was nice enough to open all the windows in the house, it would have been a beautiful day at the barn.

I will try again for Saturday afternoon. My physical therapist thinks it may take a minimum of 8 more weeks before I have enough strength regained to properly do a posting trot.

This evening I am headed out to Ledges, Showplace productions A indoor horse show. Chicago Equestrian, the website I am working on, is hosting a dinner for the Chicago Area riders. It will tons of fun to host a dinner while the jumpers are going in the arena! Plus I think it will be good for me to just get the heck out of the house for several hours, I'm starting to go a little crazy :)

Exercise, exercise, exercise and diet

2011-03-15T10:15:00.000-05:00

Whew, I am doing more exercise than I think I have ever done. I feel like I am a contestant on the Biggest Loser some days!! Well, I am sure it's quite not that bad!

My physical therapy is moving along very nicely, I a still about 8 weeks away from being able to do stairs like a normal person. I still go up and down one step at a time like a toddler. The issue is that I don't have the supporting strength to put all my weight on the recovering leg and lift myself up on it. I have forgotten several times when I have a lot on my mind and when I try to take that step the searing pain that shoots out from under my kneecap quickly reminds me that it's just not time.

I am trying my best to take this insane exercise regiment and make it into a routine. 'They' say a habit is formed by 21 days of repetition. Well, that should not be a problem for me. My problem is going to be more of falling over from sheer exhaustion! On the plus side I am sleeping better.

Back to what I am trying to do, since I am on this great exercise rehab routine I am trying to take all the great points from the Riders Health and Fitness series I did last year and incorporate them into my life. I have zero excuses not to.

I had the difficult talk of weight and knee health with my physical therapist. Yes I need to lose weight to help keep my knees in better health. I will stay away from being negative against myself because that is counter productive. I did gain some weight in the past 9+ months of inactivity. I really had no room for gaining any weight I was already a little plump. Now I need to get back to reality.

So what am I doing to make some changes? In addition to my exercise, I am just starting out by making sure to drink more water and pay attention to my eating. It sure is amazing what happens when I actually just pay attention to my meals and what I put in my mouth. I don't think I had a very bad diet more of an issue of portion sizes and incorporating more veggies.

We shall see what happens. I am a big believer in small consistent changes. This works in my riding, in work situations and I think in life in general.

A sunday, fun day, family day!

2011-03-14T12:29:00.000-05:00

Sunday was a great day! Not only did I feel good, no extra knee pain or soreness from Saturday's ride, YES :) but I also got to spend the entire day with the family having fun.

Melissa at the finish line with Dorian and Holly.

We started the day off supporting my daughter at her very first 5K run. It was a brisk 35 degrees with not much sunshine, luckily the wind was minimal. I am so proud of Melissa! She exceeded her expectations and we were thrilled for her. her original plan was to run with a little bit of walking here and there. She ended up running the entire thing and finished in just about 36 minutes. The best part about it... her back did not hurt during or after the run. For those not familiar she has had 3 major back surgeries and has rods and screws in her lower back.

Going strong at mile 2!

The other great thing about the morning was that I walked all over the park getting pictures of her running at the different mile markers and I felt very good. It finally feels like life is starting to return to normal.

That's my girl! Always having fun :)

The rest of the day was filled with a visit to the bookstore, designing some new yard work projects, going out for lunch, and just hanging out together all day. It was a perfect day together.

Saturday + riding = awesome day!

2011-03-13T21:50:00.000-05:00

First off, thanks to all who left e such encouraging comments on my last post. It's not often that I feel so down in the dumps and it was a bit depressing for me.

Luckily, It only lasted for a short time! whew, not sure I could deal well with feeling that way for long.

Onto better things :) My hubby took me to the barn yesterday. We got to watch Fawkes go in a lesson and then I hopped on him for a while.

I used to get jealous when watching my horse go around with someone else on him, after all I worked so darn hard establishing a rapport with him and training him. I think part of the reason was that I don't always trust other people with my horse. That is one of the reasons why I work with Brenda as my trainer. The horse is her number one priority with everything. When considering clinics, shows, what to do in a lesson, footing, feed, turnout, etc, etc, etc... Her number one priority is always the horse first, well that and rider safety. then comes the rider in general. She is the only reason why I am currently making that horrendous commute! I know without a doubt that my horse is in the best possible hands while I am slowly, but surely, recovering.

Brenda Mueller 'The Boss', my wonderful trainer.

I digress, I have come to appreciate watching my horse being ridden and I even feel a sense of pride at watching him enjoy his job and do it well.

Brenda working with Whitney and Fawkes being a good boy!

Sarah and I watching the lesson.

After his lesson and cool down it was my turn. Oh, the pitter patter of my heart. I was so darn happy to be getting on for ride #2. This time the stitches are out, I have a small pull on knee brace on and I am ready to test things out for real. More on the knee brace in a minute. The plan for the ride was to test out how my knee felt, test how it would work with the brace, do my best to stay tall and even in the saddle and only do exercises where I could keep him between my hands and legs. (as best as possible). and practice my posting!

Me, posting trot. A little too much hand and not enough leg, but boy he does look very cute :)

me, practicing my walk. From this pic I can see how unbalanced I really am! It looks like legs from 2 different riders... and those heels, ugh do I have my work cut out for me! and I will enjoy every minute of it.

Who would have thought that going all the way back to the basics could be so darn challenging! It's like I have given myself this opportunity to step all the way back to the beginning, retain all of my knowledge but this time I have the opportunity to try and perfect the basics. When you really think about about it, it is an amazing opportunity. Rarely do we have that kind of opportunity or freedom to go back and start over.

So what did I do in my 45 mins of saddle time. I enjoyed the feeling of my horse under me, I enjoyed the view from between his ears, i really enjoyed his scent, nothing more lovely than the subtle scent of horse and clean tack while riding, I enjoyed his responses to me. His very careful way of questioning my imperfect aids, of so subtly asking me if I was sure before moving on. I was in my own world and it was heavenly.
As far as exercises, my main goal was to walk correctly, work on spirals, leg yields, shoulder in and haunches in interspersed with straight and forward. I worked at posting at the walk. Which is so very much harder than I ever would have thought. There is no rhythm to it, no momentum to push you out of the saddle, but what there is lacking is just what I need... no bounce or jolt on my knee. I can work on re-learning the movement and strengthening without the concussion. I did do a few minutes of trot work about twice around the arena in each direction with a sitting trot on the long sides and a few steps of rising trot on the short sides. I also cantered twice around to the left (bad leg to the inside) but when I tried to go to the right I had a hard time so I did not push it. The biggest thing was that he was a little excited and I just did not have the ability to confidently step into that outside stirrup to ask for the half halt to move up into a canter in that direction. I felt better to just move back to some other work that I felt confident in than to try and give him a bunch of confusing aids to get to a canter that was purely being done for my own selfish reasons.

My riding, I am sure, was terrible. My form is not there, it seemed like every time I would think shoulder back, or legs long, or breath deep, or engage the core something else would totally fall apart. OH WELL! I did not care. I was doing my best and really, really enjoying it. I am probably also being overly critical but I am my own worst critic.

The knee brace, I saw the doc on Wednesday and had the stitches out. The incision looks very good, now we move onto the hard part of PT and that is getting the patella tendon moving again. At my doctor appointment I told him that when I got on last Saturday that when I was doing the posting trot I basically could not really do it due to pain under my knee cap. He explained that this was due to a couple things the most important being that the patella tendon is tight and not allowing the knee cap to track correctly and the second things was just due to lack of strength. Good thing, both are correctable with PT and my home exercises. In the mean time he gave me 2 slip on neoprene and elastic braces to help while riding. The one i tried this Saturday was the bigger of the 2 and it has a hole cut out with a gel donut around the kneecap to hold it in its proper position. This helped immensely, while I did still have some discomfort it eased up after I warmed up a bit and the lingering discomfort really seemed from lack of strength. After all that knee has not moved correctly in almost 9 months so it will take some time to recover properly.

I am a happy camper :)

A strange week

2011-03-10T13:20:00.000-06:00

This week was a strange one for me. Now that I have hit Thursday I feel like it has evened out for me.

The first 4 days of this week were just filled with ups and downs. Part of it has to do with the total lack of sunshine, this winter has been so darn long and with two surgeries on top of it, It just put me into this strange funk.

Part of me was sooooooooooo unbelievably happy on Sunday after getting on Fawkes. A teeny weeny part of me was really bummed when I realized how much actual work I have facing me. Was I expecting to get back on my horse and think it was going to be like it was last May before I broke my leg? No. But was I expecting to be able to at least do a proper rising trot? well... yes... maybe... In all reality I just wasn't thinking about how hard it is going to be to get back to where I was. It was a reality check and one that I frankly was not expecting!

Monday at therapy we pushed things a little more. Working on the total gym, doing push offs on the bosu, working on more balance and instability exercises. My home exercise routine has been upped a notch. Riding the stationary bike from 40-60 mins a day. Doing my leg stretches and strength exercises plus adding in Wii work. The Wii with the balance board gives me a ton of choices of balance games and exercises to work on so I have another 30 mins of that per day. It is allot of home exercises!

Tuesday I woke up exhausted and hurting. I did a little bit of stretching and some very basic yoga posses and then spent most of the day with ice on my knees. Yes I said knees. Apparently I need to listen better to my body and NOT let my good knee over work and over compensate for the bad knee, or else it ends up feeling sore. A very good lesson learned!

Tuesday night I woke up in the middle of the night with a damn anxiety attack. Seriously this was something I did not need, I hate the feeling of my heart pounding and racing, sweat slicked on the back of my knees and inside of my elbows and my thoughts just whirling around. A little ZEN music, my husbands arms around me and a tiny little xanax helped alleviate the anxiety. The worst part about it was that I have no idea what triggered it, must have been one heck of a bad dream!

Wednesday was a busy, busy, busy day for me. I hit my PT appointment early and we kept things a little more low key due to my being sore on Tuesday. Part of the PT issues is that we really need to work on the patella tendon but cannot until the Dr gives us clearance, really don't want to chance pulling out the stitches. After PT I headed to a girlfriends house for lunch with her and her 6 month old son. We went out for Mexican and then did a little shopping. It was so nice to be out with a friend on a day that was so gray and foggy and cold!

Early Wednesday evening I had a Dr appointment and this time it went very well. The stitches are out!! I can take baths or go in the hot tub. I can 'officially' ride my horse :)
We discussed that I have much work to do in the PT area. The last surgery to clean up and close the incision sent me back a bit with work on my patella tendon. I have a bit of a lump and it is sort of stuck and doesn't let the knee cap track smoothly. I was assured that this can and will be fixed with therapy. The second thing we discussed was my riding. I was concerned about what happens if I am on the horse and the knee joint just feels weak. After all it happens when I am on the ground or when I am exercising. It was decided that for the time being I should use a sleeve type of brace for some extra support over the knee when I am on Fawkes.

Now it is Thursday and even though the sun us still not shining and it is cold with flurries I have for some reason pulled out of my funk! WooHoo thank goodness!

You will NEVER believe what I did today!!!

2011-03-06T14:26:00.000-06:00

I'll let the pictures tell the story :)

I rode my horse!!!

Equine Mineral Nutrition: 4-Plex EQ by ZInpro

2011-03-06T04:47:00.000-06:00

A couple of weeks ago I was contacted by Emily, a representative from Zinpro. She wanted to know if I would be interested in watching a DVD on Equine Mineral Nutrition and if I found it interesting doing a blog review.

I must admit that normally I do not participate in these things. My life seems so busy and crazy sometimes that to add one more thing to my 'to do' list is self defeating. However, seeing as this time around, the request came while I was sitting at home on the couch recuperating from the latest knee surgery and day dreaming about horses, I decide to comply with the request.

Emily was quite nice to communicate with, she took the time to at least peruse my blog and know what was going on in my horse life and once I said yes, it seemed that I had the DVD in my mailbox the very next day!

The DVD/CD-ROM is called Best of Show; Equine Mineral Nutrition.
This DVD gave a great overview of general equine nutrition and how the varying nutritional needs of horses change throughout the horses life and also how they change based on the time of the year.
There is a lot of excellent information on the different trace minerals, how they work in conjunction with each other, how they are best absorbed and some great charts on what minerals directly correlate with the differing developments of the equine anatomy.

As an amateur horse owner, I have never had any formal education on equine nutrition. Sure, I have read numerous magazine articles, have had discussions with the vet and farrier and trainer and I even have a book or two on horse physiology. What I really liked about this DVD was 2 things, it gave a great overview of general equine nutrition (and it never hurts to review things!) and it really gave some in-depth information on minerals.

The other very cool thing was that it has a section on how to read and decipher feed tags. This was quite interesting and useful.

ZInpro does not produce a feed supplement, rather it provides the trace minerals to feed companies to supplement the actual feeds. Not all feed companies will actually report on the feed tags that they have used Zinpro which I found a bit disappointing. It would be a bit easier if more information was disclosed on feed tags, I believe this is why the review was included on how to decipher feed tags and more importantly how to tell if your feed is providing the proper trace minerals for your horses needs.

I recommend this DVD/CD-ROM to every horse owner. It's free and provides great information. If you would like your own copy just click here: Best of Show; Equine Mineral Nutrition navigate to the correct country and select the equine link at top which takes you to the page so you can have a free copy sent to you!

Unexpected Visitors

2011-03-03T15:14:00.000-06:00

I certainly did not have a boring morning!

As I was working hard on my home physical therapy exercises upstairs, I heard a knocking noise at the kitchen sliding glass door. Then I heard Baby Blue, my hound, going nuts.

ugh... with some mild exasperation I got myself off the floor and headed downstairs. Fully thinking that maybe someone was out on one of the neighboring yards or maybe a mean squirrel was torturing the hound from the back deck.

Barefoot, in yoga pants and sports top I entered the kitchen and much to my surprise I found 2 massive male St Bernards on my back deck and peering into my kitchen. I was stunned, where the heck did these giant dogs come from?

Brutus and Bullwinkle

I quickly, or maybe I should say as quickly as I could, hobbled up the stairs grabbed my robe and slippers and camera and headed back down.

The dogs were gone, out I went trying to keep my 3, now completely insane dogs, in the house. I get to the edge of the deck and nothing, I go out into the yard a bit and here come the 2 big dogs galloping towards me from the neighbors! Yikes!!! I was just imagining one of them jumping up on me or side swiping me and my leg buckling and all sorts of bad stuff. The dogs somehow run up on the deck, I quickly shut the gate on the deck effectively corralling them. Only problem was that the only unlocked door to the house was on the deck.

One of the other neighbors runs over and starts to ask if I had seen some big dogs but just ends up going 'ohhh' you got them! Yes I got them, they seem friendly enough but they were obviously boys and had massive spiky choke collars on them. The kind with the spike on the inside so it pinches them if they pull. From the look of the broken web hanging off one of them it looks as if it had little effect! From across the gate I ascertain that they have no dog tags. Great... 2 very big dogs, one of which was now trying to dig a hole through my deck, no way into my house and 3 insane dogs in the house trying to get through the sliding glass door. Oh and the neighbor lady looking at me and asking what should we do? She is fully dressed so we decided that she should hop in her car and peruse the neighborhood and I would call the police to see if any one called them in.

The police where no help, at all. I called the sheriff and they said the best they could do was send over the animal control services to help out. OK, I said send them. All the while hoping that the neighbor had some luck finding an owner.

I should also say that I love on a busy street. Directly in front of my house is a pretty major town thoroughfare and I am always afraid that a loose animal will get hit. I always try to secure any loose dogs, after all I sure hope that someone would do the same for my dogs!

Brutus, staring at me through the sliding glass door. I think he would have happily come in the house and made himself at home!

It was 25 degrees out and slippers and PJ's were not cutting it, so I took the chance and very slowly and quietly opened the gate and crossed the deck. Luckily the dogs were quite passive and seemingly ignoring the 3 barking insane dogs in the house. I finally changed into something decent, gave the visitors a bowl of water, locked my 3 in the bedroom for the time being. And luckily for all parties involved the neighbor lady showed up with the owner in tow within 30 mins. Whew! I can cancelled the call into animal control. Spoke with the owner, who apparently had them tied outside with in a gate and they broke the tie and pushed open the gate. I was nice to him, stuff happens. I've had my girls get loose on me a time or two. The only advice I gave him... get some dog tags because he was lucky that he showed up before the animal control people did! That seemed to shake him up a bit.

I don't think I would have called animal control except for the fact that they were males and so very big. I was afraid of a dog that size being aggressive and my house had nowhere to segregate dogs of that size. I was very relieved that the owner was found and they did not have to go with the animal control services.

Still no horse news...

2011-02-28T15:41:00.000-06:00

I still have very little horse stuff to blog about. Can you tell I'm a little in the dumps about it?

I am watching a video on horse nutrition that I will be sharing, I am re-reading some George Morris books because they always keep me inspired. I am reading cover to cover my Practical Horseman and Dressage Today magazines. I even have a new novel to read that was just released, If Wishes Were Horses: A Novel by Robert Barclay. I still have more photos of the Lipizzaner's to share.

But all I really want to do is to go and ride Fawkes.

Just not yet.

I see the doctor on Wednesday and I am hoping for 2 things from this visit. 1. They can remove the stitches, they are starting to get very itchy and 2. clear me to return to PT.

I would be ecstatic if he cleared me for the rest of my normal life activities, but somehow I think that may take just a couple more weeks. and besides I'm not sure I have the energy to climb in the saddle or to even think about traversing O'Hare airport for work!

I am generally feeling quite well, the leg feels good just so terribly weak. In fact I feel fairly weak all over, I certainly have zero stamina right now and I suppose this is just going to take a lot of time and energy to recover. Step by step, day by day.

In other news, I am no longer an EBay seller virgin. I have decided to try my hand at selling some items on EBay. In my ongoing quest to procure a safe packer of a horse to take me around the ring in the adult jumper ring I realized I just need additional funds. I really don't expect to be getting any sort of bonus from my job (seeing as I have been stuck at home forever and not out on the road doing my job) and I have had no luck in winning the lottery.

So, I thought I could take all that extra horse stuff that I have and have not been using and try selling it. In actuality, the first 2 things I sold were not horse items but just 'test' items to practice on. They sold, the process was not horrible so I figure I will give it a try and any monies that I make can be added to my horse fund. After all every bit helps!

Twenty Three

2011-02-27T14:27:00.000-06:00

What can I say about 23?

My beautiful daughter turned 23 yesterday.
Her favorite number is 23.
She used to lease a horse named 23 who happened to be scared to death of thunderstorms.

Melissa and Holly with her cake and Dorian in the background :)

Yesterday we celebrated my daughters 23rd birthday. It was a great day. Being fairly house bound the last several weeks my husband suggested that we should bake an awesome birthday cake for her. It would be something fun that we could do together and spend all day having fun.

Well, I thought, why not! It wasn't like I was heading up to the barn or anything...

We spent almost 6 hours in the kitchen having a blast. It was like our own private Ultimate Cake Off!

It was a 2 tiered cake. Bottom tier was 2 layers of an orange vanilla bean cake with an orange mango pineapple filling, this was done by my husband. The top tier was 2 layers of fresh strawberry cake with a whipped strawberry filling and the entire thing was frosted with a strawberry vanilla meringue butter cream. The top tier and the butter cream was done by me. We decorated it with chocolate hearts that I molded earlier in the morning.

The YUMMY cake!

After this little baking experiment I must give credit to all the bakers out there! It was hard work :) (and I must say using a hand mixer to make meringue butter cream frosting is no easy task!!)

The best parts about the entire thing was that it tasted fabulous, she loved it and my hubby and I had so much fun together.

Me and my Melissa

The new stitches

2011-02-24T20:22:00.000-06:00

My new and improved incision site looks great! Today I was allowed to unwrap the 20plus yards of rolled cotton from around my leg and take a shower.

When I got all of that cotton off my leg I was pleasantly underwhelmed. With all that dressing I was expecting much worse than what I found.

I did have the normal amount of yucky dressings that had soaked up the leftover blood and fluid from the surgery but other than that nothing.

It actually looks like the antennae of several big black ants sticking out of my leg. I know that sounds particularly gross, and I agree, I am really don't like ants. However, when I saw my leg that was the first thing that popped into my mind.

Ant Antennae???

Today I was slowly allowed to resume some activity just being sure to pay attention to any pulling sensations in the area of the stitches. I worked in my sewing room for a bit and actually made a batch of chocolate cupcakes. All the daytime TV and cupcake craze on the food channels caught me! I just had to have a triple chocolate cupcake with a mocha buttercream frosting.

I also spent some time stretching my leg out, that felt very good! The dogs drove me a bit crazy today... they were starting and barking at every little thing and when not making a noisy racket they were all over me and getting underfoot. I really can't wait to get back to dog walking :)

Lipizzaner 'Airs above Ground' ; Long Line shots: which do you like?

2011-02-24T08:00:00.001-06:00

This was a scheduled post that was supposed come to you while I was in surgery yesterday... (However, I somehow did not enter the correct scheduled year.) So I have rescheduled for now. Hope you enjoy and thank you for all the well wishes!

This time I give you my 'Airs above Ground' on the long line shots.

Once I again, I would love to hear what your favorite photo is and I welcome an feedback!

I love all of these photos just because they are very dramatic and are such highly specialized movements that I certainly don't get to see everyday!

However I have 2 favorites: The last picture, Capriole 2, becasue of th eclassic position and the cool shadow in the spotlight on the ground. My second favorite is of the Mezair, the horse is so vertical and the forelegs are perfectly alighned. Looks like a ballerina.

Courbette: 1

Courbette: 2

Levade: 1

Levade: 2

Mezair: caught right before striking out with forelegs

Capriole: 1 in air

Capriole: 1 landing

Capriole: 2

These last three photos are of a Courbette in action, where the horse is supposed to hop off the ground in a forward motion while keeping the forelegs together and unmoving. These would have been better shots from the side. However I do like how you can really se the hock joints in action.

Photo 1 shows him coiled for action

Photo 2 shows him fully extended

Photo 3 shows him off the ground

I survived another surgery.

2011-02-23T07:16:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was my surgery, again for my right leg/knee. This time it was to debride, cut out the dead dermal layers, make sure I had no raging internal issues and re-close my incision.

All went very well! I was at the outpatient surgery center by 7am and home just a bit before noon. I was a little leery of using the outpatient surgery center versus the hospital for a couple reasons. One the name of the place is Salt Creek and it is not in a bad neighborhood (at all) but in an older area with strip malls. Over the years my husband and I used to joke about the place due to the name and the location. Things along the line of go to the surgery center in the old strip mall to have salt rubbed in your would and washed out with dirty creek water. I know, it's bad but it just begged to be made fun of. The other reason that I was nervous was just the normal worry of something going wrong under general anesthesia and not being in a hospital for the quickest medical care.

Well, the center is not actually in a strip mall, but behind them. It was nice, spotless, orderly, very friendly people who were extremely competent in their jobs. They have 4 operating rooms and I had a very good experience.

I met with Dr Durkin and we chatted about the procedure. They were going to take several cultures to make sure that there was no nasty strain of bacteria growing. Luckily there was not any staph, MRSA or various other nasty flesh eating stuff. He really felt that it was a more simple case of the scar not wanting to grow back together due to poor blood supply from this being the second incision along with a mild infection. I was loaded up on antibiotics. I got them through my IV, squirted directly into the would and am on a course of Keflex. I will be so bacteria free that I am sure I will be calling my primary doc before the end of the week due to a raging yeast infection. ohhh, wont that be fun! :-P bleh. Yogurt is my new best friend.

The plan was to make a football shape cutout of all the bad stuff and pull it together and stitch it closed. Not really the best area to make tight skin even tighter and let me tell you it stings like crazy. My physical therapy is on hold for now, I can do basic exercises at home starting Friday, but nothing too strenuous that will pull too much on the new incision. So just straightening exercises, the stationary bike, straight leg lifts, no real bending and pulling and absolutely no patella or tendon manipulation.

I get to remove the 25 or so yards of dressing tomorrow and take a shower :) Follow- apt is set for next Wednesday. For now I am just doing lots of visualization of a nice cleanly healed incision.

In the meantime I get to spend a couple days of ice and elevation on the couch and catching up on movies.

Lipizzaner Head shots: which do you like?

2011-02-21T13:14:00.000-06:00

I must admit that now I really want to take a road trip over to Austria and go to the actual Spanish Riding School! Who wants to come along with me???

I took so many good pictures of the Lipizzaners on Saturday that I decided to break them up into several posts so the enjoyment will last longer. :)

I like the second picture the best.

Which one of this bunch is your favorite?

I welcome any and all feedback... this was a challenging venue to take pictures at. Much of the performance was done in the dark with spotlights which really challenged my photography skills and then the last segment was done with all the lights in the center on. I had to do a lot of post processing due to the lighting, in the original pictures the horses actually look quite blue. Add to that that I have 3 different computers, a desk top and 2 laptops and depending on which monitor I am the color is slightly different. I processed the pictures on the desk top which has the newest and highest quality monitor/computer.

The "World Famous" Lipizzaner Stallions

2011-02-20T11:54:00.000-06:00

Yesterday evening my husband and I had our date night. It was a great evening out together. Me, my hubby and horses! What could be better???

I made sure to take it easy most of yesterday. I did my exercises in the morning, being careful to not be too aggressive around the hole in my incision. Which I must admit is really starting to bother me, it is achy and starting to get a little inflamed. As much as I don't want another procedure, I will be happy for Tuesday to come and get this cleaned up.

Any way, I digress. I even took a nap yesterday afternoon, I was beat from Friday's activities. Since we ate a late lunch e decided to wait until after the show to grab a light dinner.

Flying!! I love this picture with his shadow on the floor in the spotlight :)

The "World Famous" Lipizzaner Stallions were very good! They did a great job of telling the history of the Lipizzaner breed along with a brief history of classical dressage. The show was broken into 2 parts. It began with a demonstration of classical dressage movements. They did 'dumb' down the demonstration to movements that the general audience could recognize. Walk, trot canter, extended trot, turns on forehand and haunches, half pass at trot and canter, passage and piafe. They did not talk at all about renvers and travers at all but they did perform the movements throughout and quite well.

The horses were all very beautiful and obviously well taken care of. Several of the stallions are from the main Lipizzaner stud in Austria and although they are not associated with the Spanish Riding School in Vienna it was noted that they work closely together.

For the majority of the time I felt that the riding was executed quite correctly and that was nice to see. There was only one horse that consistently was shown hyperflexed or in rollkur. However, it did not looked like the rider was fighting with the stallion or that it was very forced.

Hyperflexion, although it was not extreme and all the way to his chest, still behind the vertical.

The footing was quite interesting, it was compact sheets of some fibrous material that were tapped together and lain on over the concrete floor. I was not so sure if I would want to ride on that surface. Between that surface and the movements performed by the stallions I could only imagine what the vet bill is for that show! I wonder how often the hind joints get injected to keep those big guys comfortable...

the footing

Studs on the shoes

The rest of the show consisted of 2 airs of above grounds sections, one done on the long line and one under saddle. Plus several excellent demonstrations of group riding. Starting with a pair, then 3, then 4 and the show ended with a full quadrille demonstration with 8 horses.

Pair demonstration

Quadrille demonstration

My favorite sections were the airs above grounds and the quadrille.

Airs above ground movements, both under saddle and on long lines.

The other thing I noticed was that there were a variety of riders. One man, who was the head rider/trainer and the rest ladies. There were 2 ladies who I particularly envied because the genuinely looked like they were enjoying themselves, their mounts and their jobs. A couple riders were excellent but had that tight fake smile plastered on the face. I must imagine that it is a stressful job. Travelling with a group of riders all over the country and having to perform 5-7 times a week. As with any travelling show, I could imagine that things could be stressful.

Our seats were great! First row on the floor, almost center on the long side with no obstructions whatsoever. Flash photography was allowed but no video. I brought both my big dSLR Nikon and my small point and shoot Sony. I think I got some amazing shots with my dSLR. One of my goals over the recovery of this surgery was to learn more about my camera and learn to use the professional modes instead of just the automatic built in settings. I think I was able to put some of that knowledge to great use last night!

All in all, I recommend the show to anyone who has the opportunity to see it. It was good for both horse people and non-horse people alike. And spring for the good seats if you can!

A wonderful Friday Afternoon and evening!

2011-02-19T11:32:00.000-06:00

My Friday afternoon and evening were as opposite from the morning as could be! And boy oh boy did I need it.

I was basically kidnapped by my barn friends. Little did I know that when I met Sarah at noon that I was not going to be returning until much later in the evening.

Brenda set up an impromptu mini-clinic for me to take part in. She had Sarah and Alexis both ride 3 horses and they took their time working on whatever each pair needed. It was great fun! I had brought my backpack of camera and video equipment and was set up on a stool in the center of the arena and away we went. It was a super afternoon spent with Brenda and 2 great riders and a bunch of awesome horses.

I was particularly pleased with how well Fawkes is going! Brenda told me last week that he was being super but it is always better to see it in person. He came out a little stiff, but that is pretty normal, after a good warmup he was floating along nicely. His ears were perky, his transitions were smooth, he was having fun jumping. It just made me feel great to see him jumping around a great jumper course and over a little liverpool and doing it happily.

After we were done at the barn the 4 of us headed out for some dinner. It was nice to spend the afternoon with horses and girlfriends. Just what I needed :)

Bad news morning

2011-02-18T11:11:00.000-06:00

I hate bad news, so I decided to do a quick post before heading on my way to the barn for my Fawkes visit. This way I figure it will be off my chest and It will have less of a chance to spoil my afternoon!

I had another doctor visit this morning and it turns out that I have to have another procedure requiring general anesthesia. blah... That hole in my leg is just not healing at all and now they are worried and calling it a wound infection requiring them to open it up, debride it, flush it, make sure there are no additional 'bad' areas that are hidden and then re-stitch it all back up.

This means that physical therapy is on hold until after the procedure, although I did get permission to do my basic home exercises, stretches and stationary bike. Just absolutely nothing aggressive and no manual manipulation in the area.

Yes, I am highly disappointed in this and feeling a bit bad about the set back.

On the good side, I have plenty of good things to look forward to. I get to see Fawkes today!! Tomorrow my husband is taking me to see the Lipizzaner Stallions and he got me front row floor seats, so we won't miss a thing. :)

Taking deep breaths and thinking positive. Look for a couple good posts to come!