Hoof Blogs

Flossie's 239th Lesson

FLOSSIE'S 239th LESSON

I put Flossie through her paces at every gait in both directions on the track this
morning and she went sweet as candy. She couldn’t do a thing wrong. She was willing and
full of energy yet I was able to keep her slow at every gait, even the canter. She was
great on the circle going to the right but for some reason I couldn’t get it together
when we reversed to the left. I had her do everything I wanted her to do, and nice and
slow to boot, in spite of myself. Other than circling left I rode well today with a
better than average seat.

Just before I took Flossie for a walk down the driveway to cool out, I worked on stopping
and backing. She kept throwing her head and walking in circles and would not halt. I
don’t know why she’s suddenly behaving this way. She was fine down the driveway and
back.

I cleaned Bambi’s hooves and then had her yielding to me from side to side. She’s
getting better at that. I had her back up a few steps and then led her around the track
to the right this time. I let her check out the area where Gary swims his horses and she
went by without rearing this week. Something spooked her once and all she did was jump.
She didn’t even offer to run off. Flossie and Zippy don’t follow us anymore but Bambi
keeps looking over her shoulder for them nevertheless.

I put Flossie’s bridle on Bambi over her halter and just as I had suspected it’s too big
on her. I held the bit up so it wouldn’t dangle in her mouth, but she kept flapping her
lips on it and never once stood still with it. One day I’ll adjust it properly and see
what she does. I know it’s been a long time since she’s had a bit in her mouth, but she
acted like it was all new to her.

I really like the way Bambi moves. She has a grace and smoothness about her when she
lifts her legs and bends her head. Even when backing. Her movements just flow and they
give the impression that she’s light on her feet and flexible.

When I went out to the paddock for the last time today, I held up the carrots I had with
me and shouted for Bambi and Flossie to come to me. They lifted their heads, turned
towards me, and then all three, even Zippy, started cantering up to me. It was really
neat.

I love horses so much. I really, really do. Everything about them, whether I’m in the
saddle, or on the ground with them. I can’t get enough of them.