Hoof Blogs

Flossie's 116th Lesson

FLOSSIE'S 116th LESSON

I went to bed with visions of sunshine in my head because late last night the rain had been
taken out of the forecast for today and moved to tomorrow and beyond. Which can only mean
one thing to me; I got to ride!

Flossie was stronger than she was when I rode her last week. On Friday when I'd bring
her down from a trot or a canter, she'd walk as if each step was her last. Today,
however, when I brought her down to a walk, she was strong and ready for more.

I didn't think it was time to allow her to do more, though, so I worked her pretty much
the same way I did on Friday; I had her do a little of every gait in both directions on the
track, with plenty of walking in between, and then I had her do a bit of circling in the
corner of the paddock. Everything after that we did at a walk. Such as weaving around
trees instead of doing serpentines, just to vary the exercise from Friday's lesson.

I'm thinking the next time I ride, she'll be ready to go for a full hour. I'll
still be taking it easy on her, though, with plenty of walking. The weather's too hot,
anyway, which means I'd be taking it easy on her now even if she wasn't getting over
the flu.

The only difference is, once she's strong again, I'll be able to allow her to work
harder. She wanted to do that today, and I wanted to let her; the track was in such good
shape, but I managed to hold back. There'll be plenty of time for that in the following
weeks.

The only thing that's still looming heavily in the near future is Des' plans to move
to his daughter's which will mean Flossie will have to be sold. If you remember, he was
talking about doing that at the end of this year which is not that far away. If he does
move, sadly, my days with Flossie are numbered.

As I sit here, from my window and I can see the clouds filling with moisture. It won't
be long before we get some more rain. I've had my ride for the week, so the only thing
I have to say to that is: Let it rain!