It’s time for an update on Sasha. She has been here almost two weeks now, after spending almost a month and a half at Tired Dog Ranch. I’ve had a couple of friends ask if I have ridden her yet. The answer is no. She is underweight and had rain rot from her withers to tail. The rain rot seems to have cleared up pretty quickly with a bit of work and one treatment. She has also been wearing a sheet or blanket when turned out. We have been having our normal rains, along with some freezing temps as well. I bought a light blanket for her, so that she can spend all her energy gaining weight and not keeping warm. There have been some days that never got above freezing, which is unusual for us.
It’s been a busy time for me as well. I work full time at an office job, so my barn time is limited to evenings and weekends. Evenings are dark, though I have taken her for a few short walks. Weekends often have other commitments and, dare I say it, things like laundry and housework to do. And somewhere in there I also need to fit in some family and studio time. That’s why my work with Sasha has been limited.
Last weekend, I worked a bit with her on yielding her shoulder and hindquarters. She tends to get too close, especially with her shoulders, so I’m definitely showing her that it’s best to give people a bit of space, even if she’s nervous. A friend came out and we took Sasha and Lily for a walk down the road. When we turned around, I held her back, while Lily walked ahead. Sasha got a little nervous and called once, but didn’t fret too much. We do quite a bit of standing and taking deep breaths between little bits of work.
Last night, I saddled her and took her out in the dark, so she could move a bit. She took saddling just fine, even with a rain sheet over the top of the saddle. She actually seems to settle down once tacked up. I noticed this when I tried on my old training bosal. It was huge on her and too heavy. I haven’t used it in years, so it’s going to be sold. I have a smaller bosalito that might work for her. She seemed to know just how it worked and yielded nicely both directions.
This Saturday, I will be at the Oregon Horse Center selling a pile of tack to raise money for Sasha’s care. She has an appointment with my regular vet next week to have her teeth checked again. Her jaw still clicks sometimes when she eats.
Going through all my gear made me think about my goals and my horse activities. I ended up adding things to the pile that I didn’t think I would. I have been collecting gear on the chance that I would try different disciplines. All the western related stuff is going. All the Paso Fino gaited gear is going. All but the two saddles that really work are going. Trail bridles are going. Well, there is one huge curb bit I’m keeping, just because it is interesting and has lovely handmade curb and rein chains. I’m too much of a collector to get rid of everything!
And I also might move a little quicker to ride Sasha than I had planned. You see, it would be best that I rehome her sooner rather than later. And the best chance for her is to get her going under saddle well. I have other responsibilities in my life at the moment that need my attention. That means that I am open to discussion on a new home for her. She’s a really nice mare and when she gets her weight up and sheds out this spring, it should be like a butterfly unfurling it’s wings. There will be a price on her, based on how far she gets in training. If you are interested in her, drop me an email.
There has been little opportunity for good photos, due to weather, light and dirty horses. Here are the only daylight ones I have so far from last Saturday. The two mares are getting along just fine. They get led in together by one person now and hang out in close proximity, though Lily still puts Sasha in her place regularly.
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