Sunday, December 9, 2012

A Good Day



Well, it had to happen sooner or later.  I finally got a chance to ride Dusty today.  It’s been so busy around here getting ready for Christmas there hasn’t been much time for the horses.  There is still a lot of preparation before I’m done, but sometimes you simply have to take a day and do something you want/need to do.
While I groomed Dusty and de-burred her mane and tail, she actually groomed me back.  Dusty never/rarely does this, so I was pleased and surprised.  She is a very standoffish mare.  Maybe she’s missed our one-on-one time together.  Dare I hope that she’s actually starting to like/tolerate me? 
After tacking up, we moseyed down to the indoor, adjusted the saddle and girth and confronted the mounting block.  She was actually listening while I positioned her.  But then she couldn’t help herself and had to take a step, swinging her butt away from the block because, yes, she’s just that stubborn and opinionated. And so we lunged for a short time.  After which she decided it was a better idea to stand still.  I mounted and she stood until I told her to move off.  This is a huge improvement for her.
We walked on a loose rein for a while and then took up the trot.  Today she decided to keep her pace steady for most of the time.  When she got a little enthusiastic I half-halted and she came right back.  She was listening to my leg, rein and seat aids.  In general, Dusty did whatever I asked of her.  Since it has been about three weeks since we’ve ridden together, I only trotted around a few times in each direction.  Afterward, we practiced walking using just my seat for steering while I dropped the reins.  She was perfect.  Thank you Dusty!
I wonder if this was her way of giving me an early Christmas present.  Or maybe she has been missing her treats.  Whatever her reason for being the Un-Dusty today, I’ll take it.  Best not look at a gift from a horse and wonder the reasons why; it’s better to just enjoy the gift.
Until next time
Quote for Today
A horse is an angel without wings

24 comments:

  1. A gift horse! Good girl Dusty. Love the photo!

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  2. Miss Dusty perfect? Yipee! I think she has missed you! Lovely picture of the two of you. :-)

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  3. Oh what a good girl. Dont you just love it when they surprise you with a lovely ride. And yes a great early Christmas present. Hope the weather is being kind.

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  4. Whatever it was, it was a very nice present!

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  5. Great picture of you girls! I'm glad that you had a good ride - I'll bet she really did miss you.

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  6. Yay Dusty! I'm glad I'm not the only one with an overly opinionated horse about the mounting block.

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  7. i thought for sure it was going to be one of THOSE days... so glad she was a good girl for you and you had such a great ride with her. says a lot about where both of you are in your progress these days :-)

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  8. Great picture!! Glad you and your Dusty girl had fun - a nice present for sure. :D

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  9. Cheers to Dusty! She certainly showed how much she missed you. It looks like it was an "early Christmas present" ... with more to come.

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  10. Love the picture!

    You definitely had a good day coming to you!

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  11. Sometimes horses can surprise you with good behavior after a longish layoff. Not only have the lessons had the time to settle in their brains, but often, I think, they enjoy showing off just how much they appreciate your company and attention.

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  12. Looks that both you and Dusty girl had a great day together. Horses are really the best companion. It helps to make our day better. Good luck to both you. Glad to hear more about from both you in the future. Thanks for sharing such lovely photos:)

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  13. Good girl Dusty!
    I'm glad you both had some special time together.
    That's such a nice photo, too.

    ~Lisa

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  14. I think Dusty is a bit like Minnie, who is not very affectionate either but that only makes it extra special when they come out with a gift! I'm sure she missed you, and I love the photo of the two of you together.

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  15. Ohwa! I adore that capture of you two together! THAT is rare/never happens- for us to glimpse ya'll! Tanks...you made my day with the beauty of seeing your mare and your "Monk smile", is what my man calls it.
    Very encouraged, you are,I bet with time off and then such a positive ride and times with Dusty mare.
    Mine too has a certain personality of standoff-ish. She has bee too darn sweet (mostly) with her 2 month layup times. She has shown
    n me some love though...and I can tell, she will enjoy a good outing, when we can resume it.

    Loved seeing you and take care with all the Holyday prep! We are doing little incremental things, so as NOT to be overwhelmed. It DOES help that I am only able to spend 1-2 hours away with horse (away from house)...over 4!
    Love to you and yours!!
    KK

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  16. You just gotta love that girl! She's got a mind of her own, and she loves testing you! :) You wouldn't want her any other way, would you?
    Glad you had such a wonderful time and ride with your Dusty.
    Merry Christmas to you and yours!!

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  17. Ha, you have figured out how to get pastys Dusty's little trick. I love a smart mare. The picture is lovely. It is frameable.

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  18. Arlene, What a perfect ride! Dusty listened to you, and you got to work on just those things you wanted to, and no surprises came up! And she steered off your legs - wonderful! Sometimes our horses can be almost angelic, can't they? And I love the photo also!

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  19. Great day and photo too!

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  20. This photo is so lovely. Merry Christmas to you all!

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  21. Very good report!

    Have a very Merry Christmas!

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  22. Lovely photo and, yes, a good day - one to remember.

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  23. Sounds soooo lovely. Knowing from experience (like most horse-owners I guess) how great it feels when a ride works out as one likes it to work out ;-)
    Nice photo of a good-looking couple there.

    Thanks for your good wishes. May we all have a great year for both horses and humans (and dogs, cats, chickens, etc., apart from the rats, not so keen on them having a great year ;-))

    Carolina

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  24. Arlene, I can't get to your latest post, but wanted to send you a "Happy New Year" wish for you and your wonderful horses! Let's just plan on it: 2013 will be a great year for everyone!

    (And Buckshot says thank you for your message to us! LOL)

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