Hoof Blogs

Flossie's 187th Lesson

FLOSSIE'S 187th LESSON

I walked Flossie around the track on foot this morning before mounting her by the road as
I did last week. I didn’t think it was necessary at first, but it turns out it was a
good idea after all because there were power machines working on the road near the old
barn that’s located beside the track. Flossie kept stopping with her head up high and
her eyes wide open every time the machines either banged, clanged, roared, or came close
by. I knew if I had been riding her, she’d be balking with me. After mounting her,
however, I was able to ride her all the way around the track at every gait in both
directions without a hitch.

I was able to utilize the paddock this morning, in spite of the dew, since it wasn’t as
heavy as last week. We did some circling, figure eights, and trotting around the
‘arena’. I miss being able to circle in the corner. I can really get her to work well
there, but Des hasn’t hired anyone to mow the paddock yet and I don’t want to work there
until he does. I hope he gets the job done before the machines come back to work on the
road again. All these wasted weeks already when I could have been using that area
without having to deal with the machines. I dread the day they come back. I’m finally
getting Flossie used to the idea that they aren’t around anymore.

I gave Des a small packet of Rocky Road candy this morning. He was so surprised, and
pleased. He said it’s been ages since he’s had the lollies and assured me he’ll
certainly enjoy the treat!

I had heaps and heaps of carrots for everyone today because two separate stall holders
gave me free carrots at the market yesterday. One gave me four huge ones, and another
gave me a full bag of broken ones. Didn’t the horses pig out today!

Flossie’s hooves looked terrible today. I guess because of the dry weather, the cracks
appear to be wider than ever. I put a lot of glue and wood putty in the grooves and I applied
some hoof dressing as well. Des said he’d have Gary trim her hooves. I wonder. He’s said
that to me before and Gary’s never done them yet.