Hoof Blogs

Flossie's 236th Lesson

FLOSSIE'S 236th LESSON

The first thing I noticed when I arrived at Dessyland this morning was the empty spaces
left behind where Billy’s feed, feed bin, hay trolley, chairs, buckets, manure bags, and
three horses used to be. It felt strange to see everything looking so different, like
walking into another dimension.

It was a day made for riding. It was neither hot nor cold. Flossie was feeling good and
she gave me a good ride. I had no trouble with keeping my weight in my stirrups. In
fact, I forgot all about them. At the canter, both feet stayed balanced and secure. I
did some really good leg stretches before I left the house and I believe they did some
good.

I took good ol’ Flossie around for only three laps at a trot in both directions on the
track. She could have gone four times, each, and should have, but my butt was killing
me. Since I lost weight with Giardia, I’ve lost some padding around my seat bones and
boy don’t I feel it now!

Flossie’s canter was smooth as glass but the ground was hard and each step felt like it
was pounding on cement. It was easier on the circle because I work her in the grass.
She didn’t circle as well for me today as she did last week, though. She didn’t like
doing figure 8’s in the arena, either. Last week she was a dream. I managed to practice
my independent seat, though, in spite of her, and made her work regardless.

I saddled Bambi and put a lead with a chain over her nose before walking her around the
track on foot. I just knew I’d need that extra control with her. I took her around to
the right this time, since I had gone the other way with her last week. Flossie and the
other little mare that are always turned out with Bambi didn’t follow her around this
time the way they did last week. Bambi kept looking for them, but I jerked the chain and
made her focus on walking.

She stopped when we approached the road where Gary has a rope strung out across the dam, which he uses to swim his horses. When I urged her on, she reared and I got after her.
I was glad for the chain around her nose. She walked after that without incident. Every
now and then I’d yell “Ho!” and make her come to a complete halt. I wouldn’t let her
walk on again until I decided she could go. She’s obedient but hasn’t been handled in 7
years so she still has some wild thinking going in her brain at times. She’s going to
need a lot more handling before I get on her. She’s built with a short back, the ability
to bend easily, and has very athletic, agile legs so her gaits will be totally different
from Flossie’s.

Des talked to his doctor about Diabet Aid, a cream for diabetic leg pain, and the doctor
gave him a printout off the computer about the product. It’s not being sold in Australia
yet, but the doctor checked the label against another brand from Switzerland which has
the exact same ingredients that he can purchase right here in Oz. He bought a tube for
$35. He has been using it now for four days but it will take six weeks or more before it
will take effect.

Des’ little colt with the funny marking on his face actually took a carrot from me for
the first time ever. He sort of grated it with his teeth instead of just taking it from
my hand and biting it the way every other horse does. I ended up putting the remainder
of it in his feed box. I’m hoping he’ll chomp on it when he gets his oats tonight.

My latest Horse Wyse Magazine arrived today, so I should be in for some enjoyable horsey
reading later on tonight!