Hoof Blogs

Flossie's 68th Lesson

FLOSSIE'S 68th LESSON

I led Flossie out of the yard on foot again, but this time she followed without a hitch.
She didn�t show any signs of resistance so I think I�ll try riding her out of the yard again
starting next week.

Our ride together was a dream. An absolute dream. I was so balanced that when she spooked
suddenly, I moved with her as if I were a part of her back. I�ve been working on keeping my
thighs turned in and my elbows against my sides. It�s unbelievable how much proper
equitation helps. All her gaits were steady, smooth, and slow for most of the ride. Near
the end she started to go faster and faster for some reason. We worked on all her gaits as
well as circling. She circles better to the left than to the right, so we worked on
circling to the right a lot of the time.

Flossie�s new bridle fits everywhere except the throat latch; it�s too short. While I was
riding her today I marvelled at how readily she takes the bit, arches her neck, flexes, and
goes in a nice, happy collected way. I thought she must look elegant to an observer. I
felt like those photos you see in fancy horse magazines of dressage riders working suppled,
well-trained horses.

I was able to talk to Des today. I told him about the gall Flossie�s developing under the
buckle on her halter so he asked me to take it off her. Then he said something I was not
expecting; he said, in his words, �Flossie looks great under saddle. I was watching you
ride her today and she goes in a very elegant manner. She would win ribbons at the show
ground. It�s too bad I sold my float.� I almost fell over when I heard those words. I
thanked him for telling me that. I told him how I always wonder what she looks like to an
observer because all I can see is what�s in front of me. I told him it�s the new bit I have
on her that arches her neck so nicely and that even if she can�t be shown I was thankful to
know that�s how she looks. It made me feel good to hear Des say that because I�m the one
responsible for the way she goes under saddle. No one else rides her except me. It�s so
good to get feedback, and what a compliment too!

I had forgotten to mention how much Flossie has grown since March, but I did mention the
muscles she�s developed since I�ve been riding her every week. Des had to admit Flossie is
a nice-looking mare with an even nicer disposition and I couldn�t argue that.

By-the-way, Flossie is now, officially, six years old. Happy Birthday, FLOSSIE!