Boggle- USA bound!

[Michen]

IME most horses in the US are fed waaay too much protein, and the hay available there is of infinitely better quality than anything we can get here.

I was racking my brain as I seem to recall you saying this and found the post. Boggle has raised liver enzymes and my UK vet has told me to reduce protein and fat in his diet. Had bloods run as part of what I do every year/6 months anyway, but did them sooner rather than later as he's peeing a bit more frequently than normal.

I think you called it, Cortez.

 

[Michen]

That looks a lovely saddle. I know absolutely nothing about western riding so I'm looking forward to hearing how you get on with the saddle and can't wait to see him with the rest of his gear on!

Eta - out of interest, is there a reason that western saddle pads are more expensive, such as they're more technical, or is it just that they are what they are kind of thing?

Yep the one I’m getting is gel, pressure relief etc and the materials seem so much thicker/better quality. I think anyway…

 

[Michen]

Suits him! Bar the shop loaned saddle pad! I was very happy to be nice and secure in this saddle for a crazy water crossing today.

 

[Michen]

Wow- 6 months (nearly) in this amazing country. I'm sat in the airport waiting for my flight back to the UK for a couple of weeks. It's been a bit rubbish in Bog land though! We had raised liver enzymes (now normal), a horrid fall where he slipped and landed on top of me (both of us a bit sore but he's in gentle work and being reassessed by vet when I'm back). But the worst thing was reports from night check in particular that he'd become really aggressive. Bog has always been grumpy with anyone that's not in his inner circle, and will generally put his ears back as you walk past or whatnot (if you aren't me or another one of his crew). But this was entirely different. Anyway, I couldn't get him scoped on site until this friday so I changed my flight and had plans not to leave Colorado at all as I was so worried he was falling apart. Started ulcer treatment anyway, which btw is twice the cost as the UK, and he's responded really well. The only reason to scope was incase the ulcers were glandular and needed a third drug but everyone has seen such a difference that I'm happy to just continue the full course and a little more of treatment.

I've noticed a subtle difference in him myself, too. Though it could be a placebo effect. Either way, we are on the right track and he still looks fantastic as he has since the day he arrived here. I am also VERY lucky to have such a good support network as I would not be getting on this flight otherwise. A fellow boarder and actually the vet that was going to scope him is gastroguard medicating him at 6am every morning for me whilst I'm gone as it needs to be given before feed. My dog could have gone to any number of people (I haven't had to even look at paid dog sitting since she got here, she just won everyone over!) and is happy spending a few weeks with my favourite american family.

I am more in love with Co, and this country, than ever. And I feel like that's REALLY important to say given the current headlines and bad press. There is no denying there are some serious issues and it weighs on my mind but for me the good far, far outweighs the bad and I am grateful every day that I get to be here. On Sunday I hiked with Pepper, skied for a few hours, met some friends downtown to drink champagne in the 20 degree sun and then rode Boggle. That may be aside from the huge divide but I have nothing but good things to say about the majority of people here, whichever way they vote.

I've found my groove and when things have been a bit hard Boggle wise lately have realized what an incredible support network I have here already. It's the kind of place where if you allow yourself to be open and accept a little adventure, talk to the person next to you (and inevitably, they will talk to you anyway) and just stay relaxed, you will feel everything this country has to offer.

It's the best decision I ever made and whatever time I do or don't spend here is a privilege. And this time, I'm not flying home concerned about how homesick it may or may not make me. I know 100% where I want to be.

A few recents

 

[gallopingby]

Your posts are great to read, how inspiring to be able to follow your exciting adventure

 

[Floofball]

It does look absolutely amazing M and so does Bog

 

[TPO]

Complete nosieness on my part, and obviously, you don't have to answer. How much annual leave do you have?

The little I know about the American work culture was that you didn't get much in the way of annual leave. From following this thread it reads like you've had a fair bit of leave between UK visits, UK visitors, skiing and diving etc dueinf your time there. Is America actually really generous?

Years and years ago a few of us looked at America for work and I think the average annual leave amount was something like 2-3wks. We looked at Canada after that, it was better but still nothing like the UK.

Like I said purely nosiness on my part and you don't owe me and answer.

 

[Red-1]

Bog just looks so happy in the photos, and you sound it too. I love both Colorado and Arizona, and am well jel!

 

[splashgirl45]

Glad it’s all turning out well for you ,Bog and Pepper. I love seeing the photos of the scenery and the animals of course , keep on posting them please

 

[Moobli]

I hope you’re ok after your fall, that sounds scary for you both . Glad to hear Bog is getting the treatment to help his ulcers and he’s less grouchy again.
Pepper seems to be able to charm people wherever she goes and it’s great to hear you have such a great support network already. Those six months have flown by! The latest photos are stunning. What a country, what an adventure!

 

[Sealine]

I love reading your posts. Keep the updates and photos coming. It sounds like you're having an amazing adventure.

 

[Northern Hare]

That's a lovely update and beautiful photos. So pleased "Team Michen" are settled and enjoying Colorado life, and it sounds as though you're making good progress with B's problems. Have a great trip home and a Happy Easter

 

[Michen]

Complete nosieness on my part, and obviously, you don't have to answer. How much annual leave do you have?

The little I know about the American work culture was that you didn't get much in the way of annual leave. From following this thread it reads like you've had a fair bit of leave between UK visits, UK visitors, skiing and diving etc dueinf your time there. Is America actually really generous?

Years and years ago a few of us looked at America for work and I think the average annual leave amount was something like 2-3wks. We looked at Canada after that, it was better but still nothing like the UK.

Like I said purely nosiness on my part and you don't owe me and answer.

20 days! Plus bank hols. I don’t take leave when on long haul flights etc as I can easily work. Or during any day of travel really when I can be on my laptop. So it’s pretty good. Plus my trip here I’m not using any, just working from another country. May even show my face in our HQ!

ETA I also tack stuff on. So any time I’m somewhere for work I’ll try and ski in that place or visit it. You just have to be a little creative

in answer to your Q though in the corporate world here I haven’t met anyone with less than 20 days and in fact many have 30 so I feel short changed! How many of them actually take the full amount though, is a different story.

 

[Caol Ila]

If we moved back and OH got a job in an engineering firm, he would get two weeks of holidays at most. He said a categorical no to that. We looked into it after my last visit to parents, because Boulder is really nice, nicer than Glasgow or most places here (if completely unaffordable ).

It's interesting to read the perspective of someone who isn't from there. You see the good things more. Maybe when you grew up with the gun violence as a looming shadow (my high school did not have any shootings, but several nearby ones did), it feels more dangerous.

 

[TPO]

Thanks, that's satisfied my nosiness! You've cracked this work/life balance

 

[Michen]

If we moved back and OH got a job in an engineering firm, he would get two weeks of holidays at most. He said a categorical no to that. We looked into it after my last visit to parents, because Boulder is really nice, nicer than Glasgow or most places here (if completely unaffordable ).

It's interesting to read the perspective of someone who isn't from there. You see the good things more. Maybe when you grew up with the gun violence as a looming shadow (my high school did not have any shootings, but several nearby ones did), it feels more dangerous.

Meh, maybe that's his sector. No one I've met so far has been on less than 20.

I definitely see the bad bits, would I have a child here? Probably not.

 

[Michen]

Thanks, that's satisfied my nosiness! You've cracked this work/life balance

It's different for sure. I used to get pretty much a whole month off over xmas and new year and go off somewhere on a long adventure. That certainly won't be happening! But I feel I have had more holiday and fun time than ever here because I can get to places to do my favourite activities really easily (skiing, diving) and there's so much to explore that can be done in a weekend.

And I do feel my quality of life is better, it's so easy to just go for good hikes outside because the weather is nearly always good even if it's cold!

 

[Bernster]

That’s a lovely update post. Glad it’s working out so well.

 

[hobo]

Love your update and are so glad you have fallen in love with the place. Though we have only traveled in the USA we have visited all 50 states and love the country and the people. We have been welcomed in to peoples homes, given maps , had meals paid for ect. We have always felt safe but we are sensible . The worst american we have met is probably my own uncle who has spent 60 years in California! My sister also lives in California and not that up market a place and she has raised 7 children safely though she did home school until each one was about 13 years old. You are of course in my favourite mountain town of Boulder. Wyoming has a piece of my heart left in it and each state has something to offer everyone . In a couple of weeks we head to Kentucky for the horse trails with a side trip to Dollywood to see a show and the smoky mountains!
Enjoy your time back in the UK as we also have a beautiful country but yes go back to Colorado and enjoy it.

 

[Michen]

Bought a truck, registered Boggle for affiliated eventing and it’s pouring with rain!

Big day in Co

 

[Caol Ila]

Nice truck.

Be happy about the rain.

 

[Squeak]

Congratulations on the truck! Can't wait to hear about your eventing journey over there!

 

[Bernster]

Exciting. What’s the Eventing circuit like near you?

 

[AmyMay]

It has tiny wheels

 

[Widgeon]

Bought a truck,

*It's so massive* Do you put Boggle in the flat bed bit?

 

[Surbie]

That's not a truck, that's a bus!! Must be a lot of fun to drive.
Very much loving the updates and the pics. How is Boggle now?

 

[Keith_Beef]

It has tiny wheels

True, those wheels look small.

Is it a Chevy Silverado?

 

[Michen]

Haha the wheels are an optical illusion, im not sure why the back ones look smaller than the front but they definitely don’t in real life.

Yep it’s a Silverado. Given I drive a white chevvy equinox as my company car I figured I may as well stick with what I know

Ended up spending way more than I wanted but it has a warranty etc and I decided I didn’t want to be towing boggle around in something I was worried about.

 

[Michen]

Exciting. What’s the Eventing circuit like near you?

Kinda limited- certainly nothing like the uk. There’s a couple in may I’m going to aim for and then again at end of summer. Just depends on ground.

I won’t be going with any regularity or aspirations, just the odd one or two to keep us entertained. Mostly I want to trail ride in cool places and do some cow clinics!

 

[Michen]

That's not a truck, that's a bus!! Must be a lot of fun to drive.
Very much loving the updates and the pics. How is Boggle now?

He seems great! He has physio this week. Poor guy did have a vaccine reaction the other day though which was sad to see, he was utterly convinced he was dying- I’ve never known him so affectionate. A little banamine and 20 mins later he was bouncing around so it was short lived but I’ve never seen him so upset like that.