Hoof Blogs

Flossie's 105th Lesson

FLOSSIE'S 105th LESSON

I couldn't have asked for a better day to ride, nor a better horse, nor a better ride.
The weather was sunny and cool with fluffy white clouds overhead. The horse was smooth,
responsive, obedient, and willing. The ride was fun, educational, and satisfying. What
more could I have asked for?

Flossie didn't like the sight of the bulldozers and other heavy equipment that was
parked on the other side of the road so she balked with me when I asked her to go past. I
had to get off and lead her up the track until we were directly in front of the equipment.
Then I mounted her and we rode off together as if nothing had happened. I was able to trot
and canter her by there time and time again in both directions and she never again showed
any kind of discomfort or apprehension.

Instead of working in small to medium-sized circles, we did something different and worked
in big, huge circles. I kept varying the location of these circles to areas where we had
never worked before just for variety. One circle was located across from the bulldozer I
mentioned before and the other incorporated a slight incline on one part of the circle which
gave us both something more to think about.

Blaze was weaned from his mother on Sunday. When we pulled up, he was in one of the stalls
we had to pass on the way to the yard. It was odd to see him in there. Des told me
he's supposed to be leaving in two weeks and when he goes, he'll be putting BamBam
in that stall. Blaze's mother is now living on a farm somewhere. The paddock sure is
empty now without the two of them.

After my ride, after all the carrots had been handed out, and after Flossie's last
grooming for the day, I spent a good part of my time rubbing all over Blaze. Now that
he's behind a fence and he has nothing to do, he stands very well while I run my hands
down his withers, his back, his rump, his neck, and even his legs. Des said he sings out
now and then (and I heard him while I was there a few times) but for the most part he's
been pretty quiet. Des said he never hears him at night.

Des told me Flossie got out of the paddock one day last week and he found her near the
railroad track that runs alongside his property. I hope that doesn't keep happening.

On our way home, Norm and I had a picnic lunch at a park just down the road near Des'
place which consisted of lasagna and battered cauliflower he had made at home. It was a
perfect day for an outdoor meal. The cold snap we had been in for weeks has finally ended
and now the temperature is back to what's normal for this area, this time of the year.

Since I rode so late in the week this week, I only have five days to wait before I get
another ride in. I'll be thinking of that tonight when I go to bed.