Back In The Saddle Again

"Mr. Blue"

It’s been a while but we’ve had lots of things going on around here and this is the first time I’ve had a chance to sit down and write something.  I’m happy to report I’ve got my motivation back and have been riding Blue when I can.  Nate’s abscess returned so Dusty had been babysitting him in the smaller paddock.  He’s better now so she will soon be on the roster to be ridden.  The weather has been nothing short of miserable with high temps, rain and unbelievable humidity.  I’m not a hot weather person and can’t wait for autumn.  I also don’t feel I’m being fair to the horses to ride them in this humid weather.  They’re just as miserable as the rest of us only they’ve got flies and mosquitoes to deal with.  They seem to like hanging out in the sheds with the ceiling fans.  Amazing how many horses you can squeeze into a shed when the biting machines drive them inside. It reminds me of the clown car at the circus only it’s the “clown shed” at the farm. 

Blue and I are still working on him softening his neck.  He’s so tense and uncooperative I can only describe his neck as a “bull” neck, if that makes sense to anyone other than me.  As I’ve said before I’m trying to start him over so he will be more comfortable and willing to work and most importantly enjoy his job.  He seems to understand what I want more often now. He’s tracking up and not tensing his neck as much.  We’re still working in large circles.  When he refuses and starts to pop his shoulder to the inside and angle his neck the opposite way of what I want I slowly turn him in that direction so I don’t throw him off balance with a quick maneuver.  With this tactic he doesn’t get to win because of an evasion on his part. Blue can be a bit of a bully and at times a clash of wills ensues. When this happens the main thing is for me to remain calm and focused and show him that it’s not a travesty of injustice to do what you’re asked.  There’s no heavy lifting involved and it’s a lot easier if you just go with the flow and don’t try to outsmart me things will turn out for the best.  Although, to be perfectly honest, he does outsmart me occasionally, then it’s up to me to realize when it has happened and help show him the error of his ways with a gentle guiding rein.

So that’s life around here for now.  Summer seems to bring out the laid back- not in a hurry sort of mentality.  Maybe my brain is melting but there’s not much to do but get through each day and hope for a breeze and cooler temperatures.  Did I mention I ‘m not much of a summer person?

 Until next time

Quote for Today

Correction does much for the horse, but encouragement does more.