Hoof Blogs

Flossie's 157th Lesson

FLOSSIE'S 157th LESSON

I was expecting Flossie to be lazy today the way she sauntered up to me when I went into the
paddock to get her. As we strolled towards the yard together, we had to wait before we
reached the track for Gary and BamBam to go by. It took a few minutes, since they were
still up near the barn, but Flossie was so placid I thought for sure she wasn't going to
have much energy today. You can imagine my surprise when I asked for a trot! She was as
zippy as ever! She was strong and feeling good which made her so fun to ride! Since I was
able to groom and tack her up while Gary was on the track, and since he was leaving just as
I had mounted, I had the entire track to myself for the first time in weeks. I took
advantage of every step! Des had hired someone to drag the track so it was in tip-top
condition! The day was warm, gorgeous, and dry! Flossie never took a false step. Since it
was so warm, I had to walk her for a while between exercises, something I never have to do
in the colder winter months. It wasn't hot enough to have to stop entirely, though, and
wait in the shade until she catches her breath again, which is something I do on a routine
basis in the hotter summer months.

Des was telling me that one morning last week, one of Billy's geldings knocked his wife, Liz
over, when she was cleaning out the gelding's stall. The horse came down on her while she
was lying on the ground and the impact broke her pelvic bone. She's in the hospital. I
doubt I'll ever see her again. It's a shame because she's become part of the furniture to
me, as the saying goes. She was also always full of news and information that I know I
would have never gotten without her input. I'm going to miss her and her friend, Faye, who
often came down to help her out in the mornings when I was there.

Des had the little lame filly put down. She's the one I called Brandy. She was sharing the
paddock with Bambi and Flossie. Her leg wasn't healing and seemed to be getting worse and
worse. I think he made the right decision, but it's a sad thing, nevertheless. I'll miss
her. Last week was the first time she ever took a carrot from me.

Des put one of his geldings out in the big paddock now with Bambi and Flossie. He was in
there today for the first time. I kind of like him. He seems to have manners. Although
he's at the top of the hierarchy, he never once bullied the mares when I was in the paddock
with them. Not even when I was offering carrots. He took his in turn and waited patiently
for the next one. He yielded to me when he needed to, but was friendly enough when I
allowed him to come close. I doubt he has a name, but I'll ask Des next week if I remember.
If he doesn't have one, I'll have to come up with one of my own.

Oh, I remembered to ask Des what color the stolen car was that was run off the road and
landed in his dam last week in a police chase. It wasn't black. It was blue and wasn't
even a dark shade. So much for my intuition!

I'm closing this missive with a short poem I wrote yesterday.

RIDING HORSES
September 15, 2008

Four legs,
living straws
sucking the sod
through which I
sip the softness
of the grass
with my calves, and
drink the dust off
the track with my thighs,
and taste the bend
of the circle, that drips
off every stride,
with my seat.