Hoof Blogs

Flossie's 168th Lesson

FLOSSIE'S 168th LESSON

I noticed it's supposed to rain on Friday, so I called Des last night to see if the track
was okay. He said it was, so I was able to ride today. This morning, the area on the track
that's been muddy the last two times I rode, was muddier than it's ever been. I didn't want
to do anything when I came to that spot except walk, so that's what I did. In one
direction, Flossie didn't even want to walk through the mud in that area, so we went around
it the first time. After that, however, I insisted she walk through it since it didn't make
sense to go around. Although the part of the track that's closest to the road was muddy, it
was very shallow and so insignificant I had no problems even at the canter much less any
other gait.

We had to work around Dave because he started out on the track at the exact same time I did.
He was working a mare that knows the ropes, however, unlike BamBam, so I was able to ride
around him in either direction without having to worry about throwing his mare off. He
didn't work her long, either, so most of the time I was alone.

I warmed Flossie up on the track in both directions before circling in the corner, so she was able to move out as much
as she wanted to. She took advantage of it as she always does since she was feeling good.
She wore herself out early on, though, so we did some slow walking and waiting around under
the trees until she was able to go back out into the sun again.

I thoroughly enjoyed my ride, my time with Flossie, being under the sunny sky, in spite of
the ever-increasing heat, and the blue sky with its fluffy cumulous clouds, and the green,
green, extremely green grass and trees that surrounded us from every direction. The smell
of horse flesh, luscious earth, and just simply the fresh air, itself, was a delight to the
senses.

After Flossie and her pals had their share of carrots this morning, I wandered around the
paddock beside Flossie. She came over to me, so we sort of 'milled around' together. I let
her run her muzzle all over me; my arms and legs, my sides and my neck. Her nose feels so
good against my flesh. I just love the feel of horses on me. I couldn't get enough of it.
When she'd turn and walk a ways, I'd follow, and when I'd turn and walk away, she'd follow.
We ended up standing under the trees together for the longest while before she decided to
move off with Bambi and Paddle Pop King. It was a special moment and I savored it for all
it was worth since it'll be another few days before I'll get the chance to hang out with her
again.

Much later as I watching the horses from afar, a huge orange machine started up in the field
directly across the street from the corner where I circle Flossie. It's a long-necked beast
that moves like a gigantic Muppet. With its claw it pulled one tree down after the other
with just one flick of its 'wrist'. It was incredible to watch. First, one minute there's
a beautiful tree standing there minding its own business going on just like before with the
wind in its branches, then, all-of-a-sudden, in one fell swoop, it's down on the ground just
like that, never to feel the wind again. As the trees would come down, they would hit the
ground with a very loud bang which frightened the horses and sent them running up to the
yard, heads held high, and tails flying behind them. They only took a few steps, however,
before stopping and looking back at the machine over their shoulders. After sizing up the
situation, even though the machine kept up its banging, the herd didn't mind; they kept on
grazing and drinking out of the dam as if nothing were any different than any other lazy day
on the farm.

Des said he was going to have BamBam come home this weekend, but he accidentally flooded his
stall. He said it had just started to dry up after all the rain we've had and he went and
left the hose on and forgot all about it. He also said he's looking forward to having the
holidays over with since he doesn't like the long drive to his daughter's house. I didn't
say this, but at least he doesn't have to worry about icy roads!

I missed my time on the computer at the Internet Center this morning, but who cares?! I'd
rather ride in a real saddle than vicariously through a computer mouse any day! Besides,
there's always tomorrow.