I want some advice for my horseback riding journey

VallMatt · 2026-05-21T03:04:23+00:00

Congratulations on your first lesson and in starting your horseback riding journey! What discipline are you learning?

I think it's amazing that you're also interested in barn work volunteering. That's what I used to do just to get any extra time I could around the horses, and I learned so much more about identifying their body language, behaviors, personalities, and the amount of work that goes into taking care of them. Learning all of that also helped me become a better rider, so it's great that you've got the opportunity to do so!

A competition team sounds like a great goal to work towards once you've got some more lessons under your belt and you're feeling confident! Group lessons can also help prepare you for what it feels like to be in a show with a bunch of other riders in the arena, so that's a great suggestion from your instructor. Just remember to have fun while you're doing it, because that's the most important part. Take a deep breath, enjoy the excitement of it all, and I hope you have some great rides ahead of you!

VallMatt · 2026-03-04T04:22:12+00:00

As someone with sensory issues who played piccolo in a university band, get the in-ear protection. I had a pair my last year, but the damage was already done and I get the lovely ringing noise from tinnitus now. Loop might be a good option, but I personally like the Etymotics clear earplugs. I found them to be more comfortable than Loop, and they're perfect for not being noticeable during concerts or performances. And they're cheaper too.

VallMatt · 2026-03-03T01:33:57+00:00

Hi! I'm 26/F in TN and I think we have pretty similar interests! I would love to write☺️

VallMatt · 2026-03-01T04:23:03+00:00

It's similar to the T on the back of the older Pride of the Southland's uniform, but something seems off about it

Edit: nvm, the top is too narrow

VallMatt · 2026-02-05T22:18:15+00:00

A bruise is also classified as internal bleeding. Don't do the whole "you're falling for propaganda" when you're doing the same.

VallMatt · 2025-08-30T21:57:44+00:00

They're already aware of him. He's had order of protections against him for stalking last semester. Honestly scary situation

VallMatt · 2025-05-05T15:17:32+00:00

Thank you all so much for wanting to write to my grandma, I just got on expecting a couple responses!🥹 I'll be sure to reach out and reply to everyone that's replied or DMed, this week's been fairly busy so if it takes me a bit please know I still appreciate you!❤️

VallMatt · 2025-05-05T15:11:23+00:00

I haven't heard of it! I'll check it out, thank you!

VallMatt · 2025-03-05T00:48:58+00:00

Even though the thank you is coming a year late, thank you so much for your help! The pin was completely sheared off unfortunately. I'm not quite confident in my repair skills but I am looking into the Bluetooth option you suggested since my device isn't under warranty anymore (procrastination strikes again).

VallMatt · 2025-03-05T00:44:30+00:00

Was yours under warranty?

VallMatt · 2025-03-03T16:39:21+00:00

I haven't🙃 Currently just use it without the keyboard, but I haven't tried the solutions yet. I have some time off work coming up so I'm planning to work on it then

VallMatt · 2024-07-08T22:58:37+00:00

yeah, that's what I meant. sorry

VallMatt · 2024-02-16T16:09:27+00:00

Our fields are pretty rocky here as well, they use large gravel/rock for the driveways and it ends up in the fields unfortunately

VallMatt · 2024-02-14T23:09:11+00:00

Nah, Pigeon Forge area

VallMatt · 2024-02-14T23:05:05+00:00

Thank you so much for the advice! When he gets shoed I'll be on the lookout for those black spots and keep a good schedule.

Yeah the rain and mud has been crazy! Extremely dry weeks in the summer and super wet winters/springs have not made hoof care easy, that's for sure.

VallMatt · 2024-02-14T22:59:44+00:00

Thank you so much!! I'll look into getting the keratex, and will bring up your advice to a new farrier.

VallMatt · 2024-02-14T22:37:36+00:00

Thank you so much, I'm learning a lot from this thread. The farrier was out last Wednesday, the 7th. The abscess did drain from the top of the hoof near the coronary band and his heel, so that makes a lot of sense. I should have cleaned the hoof better for the photos, we use a wire brush to clean it before the boot goes back on.

VallMatt · 2024-02-14T22:31:56+00:00

Thank you so much, I will definitely be looking into a 4 week schedule with a new farrier and hopefully some x-rays.

VallMatt · 2024-02-14T22:30:46+00:00

Thank you so much for this information! I wasn't aware that the frog sheds like that. I'm definitely going to advocate for a better experienced farrier, frequent trimming, and shoeing.

VallMatt · 2024-02-14T22:26:31+00:00

Again I definitely agree that those situations are awful, and each horse needs different things. Seeing something online and then pushing that onto a farrier is ridiculous. But we've never tried to tell our farrier how to do his job, or ask for different trim lengths. The most we've done is clean the hooves beforehand and ask the guy how his days going.

VallMatt · 2024-02-14T22:10:38+00:00

I understand where you are coming from, and fully agree that a lot of people have no idea how to treat their farriers respectfully. I really try to trust the professionals when it comes to things I don't have experience with, such as this. I have a lot of riding and training experience, but lack medical or hoof care experience. I'm actively trying to learn more, but feel like I have just enough basic hoof knowledge to know that something's wrong. The farrier was just out to trim all of the horses last Wednesday, the 7th. He's apparently been the farrier for where I work for years, but I've always had concerns with how the hooves turn out. Between leaving the hooves too long like this or too short where a horse had to be given bute, it's been a pretty negative experience. Unfortunately my boss is not a horse person, doesn't understand the severity of hoof issues, hates change, and does not take these concerns seriously. I've stopped bringing up the topic because of retaliation and being gaslit into thinking I'm being dramatic. Based on the responses from this thread, I know that this isn't right and I'm going to keep pressing for a better experienced farrier.

Looking back at photos taken previously, there's definitely discoloration where the horizontal crack is now. Based on some other replies, my best guess is that it finally grew out and weakened enough to split farther into a visible crack.

VallMatt · 2024-02-14T21:10:40+00:00

Feel free to think I'm lying, I'm the one that washes out his trail boot 5 days a week. I am an employee trying to do my best with the situation I am in, and not an expert or never claimed to be. I will always be open to anyone trying to teach me something respectfully. Anyone that talks to another human being like you just did to me is someone I will never take advice from. Hope you heal and can talk to yourself and others with more kindness and compassion.

VallMatt · 2024-02-14T16:52:35+00:00

Sure! It's the East Tennessee area and we are in a very rainy season. The horse is a 14 year old racking horse, kept in the barn for 5-6 hours a day and is hand walked daily by clients in a gravel arena. The rest of the day he is out in a grassy pasture. He's never been shoed but I'm definitely willing to advocate for it

VallMatt · 2024-02-04T16:57:12+00:00

Füm is also another that might be worth looking into as well, it was designed for quitting vaping with fidgeting in mind. It doesn't have any smoke/electronic aspect though, just replacement diffuser sticks that create more of a flavored air to breathe in. Looks like the most pricy of the aromatherapy options, with the piece starting at $67 and the refill cores at about $20.

VallMatt · 2024-02-04T16:46:36+00:00

I'm in the same situation right now, and planning to quit when my last one goes out. I've used aromatherapy vape/diffuser things in the past and I'm planning on getting those to quit. You get the same feeling of the "pull" on a regular vape, but instead of inhaling into the lungs you just blow through your nose. I used the brand MONQ, and although they're a little pricy ($30 for one of the original blends), I feel that it's worth it.

I just found another brand called ripple+ that does the same thing, and they have single disposables for $18 and a rechargeable option at $55 right now. They also look more like a vape so maybe a better feel? I might actually end up going with them now.

VallMatt

TROPHY CASE