My sweet Nikolaas RIP June 3 2011

It is with great saddness that I will post that Nikolaas was euthanized on June 3 2011. He had a bout with gas colic the day before which seemed to resolve but in the morning he didn't seem right so we trailered him to NE horse hospital where they found a tear in his intestine. The surgeon felt that the survival rate with this type of problem was basically zero. We had him euthanized and cremated and will bury him at our farm. He was the best horse and riding partner a person could hope for. He was gentle, willing and a joy to have. He will always have a place in my heart.

Nikolaas Dressage at Saratoga 2011

Getting some air time!
Nik's first time at First level, 68% and High Point First Level horse! He pooped out on his second canter lengthening. I'm a proud momma!

Nikolaas Training 3 Saratoga

Our first show in over a year. Scored 68% and won Training level test 3. We earned our first qualifying score for the Fall Festival. Tomorrow is our first test at First level. Nik was so well behaved. I'm so proud!

Our first time riding together!

Here we are with our first attempt at riding together for our Pas de deux. They like each other and rode nicely together. Now we have to finish editing music and do choreography!

Nikolaas 5/2011

I wasn't able to go to the Mother's Day show because I got a cold. Here I am schooling some leg yields on a circle and lengthenings. It was a cold windy day and Nik had lots of impulsion!

Getting ready for show on Mother's Day

I had a lesson today. It's been a while as we have been getting back into shape from being off for the winter. We worked on lengthening on the circle with lots of bend , going back and forth. Really helped with the hind leg push. (look up) Transitions with more bend to keep his head from popping up. Canter lengthening to collected canter to uber collected for 2 strides back to lengthening. Trot, halt, back, trot. Leg yielding- to the right almost counter bend because he drops his right shoulder.

I also trimmed him up, still a little hairy but he looks even more handsome, if that is possible!

Nik April 2011

Finally some sunshine!

The weather is finally good riding weather! Nik has really been behind the leg so I have been working on a lot of transitions. Our first recognized show is Memorial Day weekend at Saratoga!

Back in the Saddle after a long winter

I rode Nik today after having over 2 months off. He was super. I even walked him in the partially defrosted outdoor arena too!

I know there is some grass down there!!!

This weather has been ridiculous! Not much riding this winter in fact there is so much snow on the roof I am afraid to bring them into the barn. We need sun!

Totilas look alike!

Bought Nik and new brow band at the NEDA Fall Festival. I had a lovely weekend being a ring steward as I spent the summer on crutches. Here is Nik and I think he looks like Totilas!

Escape!

Getting woken up at midnight by running hoof beats is never a good thing. Looks like itchy butt Nik pushed down the top 2 rails of his paddock fence. He meandered over to Tiki's paddock and got her running. This woke me up and startled the dogs. I put the back light on and noticed a horse shadow outside of the fencing! The donks just stayed in the field like good donkeys! Nik was easy to catch and the fence was a quick fix.

Beauty Session

It was a beautiful end of the summer day. We hacked around the farm and enjoyed the weather. I then gave Nik a very needed hair spa day with a shampoo, condition and braid. He is so patient. Our sites are headed to show in mid October in the Mystic Show.

I'm riding again.......if you want to call it that

I have been cleared by the Orthopedist to ride as long as I don't fall off. ha ha. I've walked 4 times and yesterday I trotted for one long side. It was not very enjoyable but I hope it will be getting less painful soon.

Nik Gets Shoes

I have been very fortunate for the last few years for Nik to remain barefoot. His feet have gotten so chipped in the front that I had to have shoes put on his front feet. He was a good boy.

My Current Life

Here is Nik getting his weekly beauty treatment for his mane and as always being a good boy and holding my crutches for me.

Nikolaas Training level test 2 April 2010

Unplanned Flying Dismount

3 Weeks ago I was bucked off our young pony Kade. Unfortunately I broke my left hip and had 3 pins placed. Another summer wasted. I'm enjoying the horses from the windows of my house. Hopefully I'll be back to riding soon.

Relaxing in the Hot Tub

Need I say more.........

First Schooling Show of 2010

We showed at Mount Holyoke College dressage show. Nik was good except for some spooking problem near one of the corners. I was very happy that he was forward, calm in the warm-up (since I ride him alone at home) and mostly attentive. He scored a 65% (2nd place) which was good considering we received a 3 and 4 during his inattentiveness. The bad news is it took him 2 hours to load into the trailer. He has been dining in the morning in the trailer since the show!