Mr. Blue

I haven’t really been riding as much as I’d like to, but I’ve managed a few rides a week at least. Dusty continues to be a great riding companion--when I can catch her.  She’s impossible to catch on some days; she'll walk three steps ahead of me around the entire field--just far enough out of reach that I eventually give up trying...   That’s okay; I know where she lives!

Blue, on the other hand, always saunters over to say hello.  He most likely thinks I’ve got carrots in my pockets. Unfortunately, there are never carrots in my pocket, but I am always sporting a lead to bring someone in with me. He doesn’t seem to mind. Unlike Dusty, Blue is a people horse and likes to be groomed and hang out with me.  So I’ve been tacking him up and riding him when I can. 

Our first ride didn’t go as well as I thought it would.  Blue turned 17 in March, has had some good training over the years, and is our Steady Eddie horse.  On the other hand Blue can be very lazy and his heart isn't always in it.  He'd rather be under a tree grazing or hanging out under his fan munching hay on a hot day.

This is what I’ve been dealing with lately.  Imagine my surprise when on our first ride together I discovered that he’d "forgotten" how to steer.  Seems he knows how to mosey around the arena but can’t keep it together for a circle or walking on a straight line down the rail. 

Granted he hadn’t been worked all winter but Blue and I both know he hasn’t forgotten all he’s learned up to this point.  It’s just his way of having fun at my expense.  That’s okay; we’re working on getting him back to where he was before his time off.  Lots of circles, figure eights and serpentines done at the walk.  Usually, by the end of the lesson, which I keep short, he’s a little more willing to cooperate.  We always end on a good note with loads of praise and rubs. Then it’s back to the barn for his carrot and Stud Muffin.

I know in my head that you have to ride the horse you have that day, but it does get a little frustrating when you know he’s already done all this before.  Riding is a test and hopefully I’ll pass his tests sooner than later and we can get on with moving forward together.

Quote for Today

There are only two emotions that belong in the saddle; one is a sense of humor and the other is patience.

A Walking Lesson

'Dusty's Latest Hoof Photos'

Our farrier came to the farm this past Friday and everyone got what they needed, either trims or shoes.  Dusty’s foot is healing but still not quite there, some bruising is still evident.  He’s very surprised that she’s doing as well as she is in the time frame since her original injury. I’m happy that she heals so quickly and is a stoic little mare - never a complaint from her about anything going on physically.  When he turned her out in the paddock after her treatment Mellon chased her (he always does this, he’s such a neurotic character) and she took a few bad steps.  Due to this the farrier recommended that she not be ridden until Sunday and then only worked lightly.

The footing in the indoor is soft sand and couldn’t possibly hurt her feet so we decided to have a lesson at the walk. I practiced some leg yielding in both directions and added something new for her to think about.  Shoulder-in down the long sides.  We were hoping this might help her in the future to stop popping her shoulder out all the time. Sort of developing straightness and getting a little collection in the bargain. 

For a green mare she did exceptionally well.  Dusty is very smart and sensitive, by the second or third attempt she got it. I am very proud of her. It always astonishes me that with her tough persona she also wants to please. Of course, I could be wrong she may not be trying to please me, as that might be degrading to her, but maybe she has the sort of personality that doesn’t allow her to do things the wrong way.  She is very intent on “getting it right” all the time. Getting it right, also involves getting a treat, so that’s another cause for motivation.  I know most trainers/riders frown on treat training but I say pass them out along with the praise. It works for us and since most of our horses are treat monsters it works for them too. Whatever her reason, I’ll take it.  Things are working out very well.

Until next time

Quote for Today 

There are many wonderful places in the world, but one of my favourite places is on the back of my horse.
    - Rolf Kopfle