Hoof Blogs

Flossie's 54th Lesson

FLOSSIE'S 54TH LESSON

By the way Flossie walked up to me today when I went to get her from the paddock, I could
tell she was in a cooperative mood and that I was going to have a great time with her and
she didn?t disappoint me: She gave me everything I wanted.

She started out with her nose in the air, though, so I gave her a major lesson on setting
her head. From the very beginning, at the walk, I worked on keeping her head down. I held
my reins at my knees and wouldn?t let her move her head out of position. Once she got the
hang 0f it, she went like a well-trained mare!

I had her doing every pace with her head set, which made riding her so much easier! Her
gaits were comfortable and her back was superb! She has such nice balanced gaits to begin
with, so I had a lot of good stuff to work with from the onset.

She was as cooperative as I had thought she would be, and, together, we had a fantastic
time! She perspired a lot more than she usually does in this cool weather, and I attributed
that to her having to use herself correctly, and being forced to exercising her red muscles.


To cool her out, while I was still in the saddle, I had her walk around the fenceline going
to the left, since we had gone around to the right last week. I had her walking and
trotting straight lines in the paddock and she did better than she has ever done before. To
top it all off, I rode splendidly today! Some days are better than others, and today I was
fantastic if I don?t mind saying so myself. It?s not that I?m gloating, it?s just that it
was such a grand experience I just need to share it with someone who can appreciate what I?m
talking about.

Just as I finished giving the girls their carrots, (Flossie and Bambi), I saw Des with his
new gelding so I went over to say g?day. He had just finished hosing him off. I found out
this new horse is a three-year-old and his name is ?Without A Doubt?, but Des calls him
?Bobby?. When Des put Bobby back in his stall again, the little guy started squealing and
bucking, rearing up, and cantering around (Yes, his stall is big enough to canter in: Des
calls it a paddock, which, indeed, it may as well be!) The little horse was so fun to
watch!

Normie took a carton of beer to Des to show him our appreicating for my riding Flossie. We
had a nice visit. Des had had two heart attacks from smoking too many cigarettes, so ten
years ago he kicked the habit. I worry about that man. He has a compassionate heart and is
very personable.

Sooty is still around and he ambled over for a scratch. He?s a friendly little kitty and I
like him a lot.