Hoof Blogs

Flossie's 235th Lesson

FLOSSIE'S 235th LESSON

First thing I noticed today when I went out to the paddock to get Flossie was that her
weight has gone back down to what it was before I went to India. I have been able to put
her girth back up a notch again. Now she and Bambi wear the saddle on the same notch.
It’s interesting to see that working her for an hour or so each week keeps her weight
down.

Flossie was so obedient today she was a joy to ride. I kept my attention on the weight
in my left stirrup no matter what I was doing; standing, walking, pacing, trotting, or
cantering. It was a lot easier to do than I had expected it to be. I noticed a big
improvement in my seat, especially at the canter. I have more control over each step
Flossie takes, I feel more balanced, and I can use myself more independently.

The pumping Flossie does on the circle near the road was very minimal today. I was ready
for her and didn’t let her get even so much as one ‘pump’ in. I got her to bend nicely
and she circled slowly. Between her cooperation and the work I put into myself, a lot
was accomplished today. It sure helps to have my strength and endurance back, too. I
was well and competent this morning which is a lot more than I can say for the way it was
when I was sick.

Once again, the saddle wasn’t an issue with Bambi. She looked back at it when I put it
on her, but she took it as though she always gets a saddle put on her back. I cinched
her up and then walked her around the track, stirrups dangling against her sides.

When we got to the road, Flossie and the other little mare who live in the paddock with
Bambi, came running up from behind and took her attention off me. She wanted to run with
them and tear off through the grass when they came by, kicking up their heels and taking
off for the other side of the paddock. I had to jerk on the lead rope and yell “Hey!” to
get her focus back on me. I slapped her neck once to get her facing the right way. I
finally got her to walk, and once I had her listening to me, she was a little reluctant
to go by the road. It didn’t take a lot of encouragement, though, to get her past. I
just kept telling her to walk and acted like there was nothing to be afraid of.

Des told me Billy’s moving his horses off Des’ property. The youngest colt he had is
already gone. I think he still has four more horses to go. Des said he’ll be moving all
his equipment and stuff this weekend. I hope that means his horses will be gone, too.
Des can use the extra room and he’ll be able to fix things up. Billy let things go to
pieces. He’s not much of a horseman in any way, shape, or form. I’ll be glad to see the
end of him. Des said everyone’s glad to see him go.

Back to reality . . . I have a supper to cook and a husband to welcome home between
shifts and clothes to check on the line. Storm clouds are moving in and I have to keep
an eye on them. Without the sun, my saddle pad and jodhpurs just don’t dry.