Hoof Blogs

Flossie's 132nd Lesson

FLOSSIE'S 132nd LESSON

Flossie was feeling good today and was such a joy to ride! I warmed her up doing circles in
the corner of the paddock while Gary worked his horses on the track. She was having a hard
time containing her energy, so as soon as she was ready, I had her working on the track too.

I had her pacing, trotting, and cantering at her own pace in both directions, and in spite
of her energy level, she was obedient, even trotting past Gary as he passed us going in the
opposite direction.

I like the idea of working her at a nice clip around the track because she seems to be much
braver than when I warm her up at a walk. Case in point; as we were coming around the bend
towards the abandoned barn next to Des' property, just as we got to the road, a man came
out of the barn. Flossie spooked, but she didn't quit on me. If we had been walking, I
know she would have balked. I have to encourage her to keep going, both verbally and
physically, but at least she keeps going.

After my ride and I was finished grooming Flossie and finally got all the tangles out of
Bambi's mane, and both mares had their share of carrots, I watched Gary drench one of
his geldings. He was giving him some vitamins and electrolytes through a tube since the
horse won't take them either in his food, nor in his water. He stood like a champ for
the procedure and didn't give Gary any trouble whatsoever.

Hannah, Gary's daughter, was down. I hadn't seen her in a while and she's grown
quite a bit. She was happy to see me. She loves Flossie almost as much as I do and keeps
pestering her father to let her ride her. I had led her around once before in the past and
she wanted to do that again. Then she asked Gary if she could ride her sometime when
I'm not there, because she doesn't want to just be led around. Of course he
won't let her do that!

BamBam came back today! He looks exactly the same as he did when he left, only he's
much taller and more mature looking. I took tons of photos as his trainer took him around
the track, pulling a gig. I never dreamed I'd be around to witness the sight, since
I'm not usually around when the horses are being worked. How lucky that I happened to
be there today!

When BamBam arrived, Des even referred to the colt by that name. I was surprised because I
thought I was the only one who ever called him that. Bambi called out to him from the big
paddock and he replied. I wonder if they recognized each other as mother and son.

It seemed so odd to see the colt in his harness and to watch him go around pulling a gig.
He looked so good. He moves nicely, too, and so effortlessly. The trainer (I think Des
called him Earl) did a good job with him. I wish I had thought to ask Des if Earl had been
the one who trained Flossie, too. I know he trained Blaze.

I'll have to share the photos I took of BamBam today as soon as I download them. This
computer is still being a puke, though, so I'll have to find a time when I have a lot of
patience.