Hoof Blogs

Flossie's 149th Lesson

FLOSSIE'S 149th LESSON

The day couldn't have been better for riding. There was nothing about it that needed
improvement. Flossie was, once again, feeling her oats, as they say. In the winter months
a ride once a week is not enough to relieve her of her energy. We literally flew around the
track with so much power a mere trot could not hold it all. We cantered twice around in one
go and she was still wanting more. So we did it again in the other direction. I usually
start her out at a pace or a trot for at least one lap before I ask her for a canter. Her
energy level, however, was too strong and couldn't be contained. Since everything, from the
cool/bright weather to the moist/soft track to the dry area amongst the mud near the road,
to my seat, to Flossie's ability and health, was conducive of an all-out canter, I gave her
full rein and the permission to go ahead and stretch her legs, spread her wings, and fly.

I can remember those days when I first started working Flossie on the track when all she
ever had the energy for was to canter maybe a fourth of the way around in one go before
tiring out. She just wasn't strong enough to canter a full lap. Now I just 'sit back' and
take it all in. She's come such a long way. I truly believe she enjoys her exercise with
me as much as I do, myself.

In the summer, when the heat comes to oppress our spirits and our bodies, I know it'll be a
different story, and her energy level will not be as high.

I didn't just work her on the track today. I took her to the corner near the road and had
her circling for me there. She does a nice steady canter in both directions for me now. I
can remember when she'd run so fast I couldn't get a circle out of her, but now she listens
and performs well. I just love her strong strides and steady gaits. Her canter is powerful
and rhythmical and I can't get enough of it.

I've noticed when I'm not riding well, if I give my shoulders a few shakes, and lift them up
and down, it settles my neck, my back, and my legs. I did that today and felt much more
flexible afterwards. I rode well this morning and was proud of myself for it.

I took Flossie to the end of the driveway and when she caught sight of the goats across the
street, she put her head up and perked up her ears and just stared at them as if she'd never
noticed them before. A man in a big noisy truck waved as he went by. How wonderful it felt
to be sitting in the saddle, waving back.

I noticed Blaze wasn't around today. I wonder if Gary sold him. I'll have to remember to
ask Des about that when I see him again.

Speaking of Des, he came home from the hospital while Norm and I were there, just before I
left. He was hobbling on one foot while his daughter held him up as they made their way
slowly to the front door. He was wincing with every step, so I know he's in a lot of pain.
I wonder how he plans to get around since he lives in that great big house all by himself.
Norm offered to help him out of the car, but he wouldn't have it. I hope he can fend for
himself okay when his daughter's not there to help him. I'd hate to see him fall down.

Remember when Des couldn't breathe and spent nine days in the hospital last week? It turns
out he had experienced a panic attack. I wonder if he'll need medication for that.

The strong, but mild breeze, mixed with the bright lollipop shine of the sun brought back
childhood images of flashing chains on swing sets, silver spokes, nylon jacket sleeves,
pockets full of jacks, nickels, Jujubes, and a miniature rabbits foot, and small square
suckers that tasted like gems to me, this morning. There was something so perfect about the
way the sun and the wind and the sky and the ground went together. If I could explain it
here, I would. I just don't know how.

I do know how to savor it all, though, which I think I'll go do now since I have a bit of
time before I go to bed. I'll just curl up somewhere, surround myself with the thought of
horses, and go back in time and relive my perfect morning.