Hoof Blogs

Flossie's 241st Lesson

FLOSSIE'S 241st LESSON

I found a way how to keep Flossie walking in a straight line on the track. When she
swerves to the right, I put my right heel behind the girth, and when she swerves left, I
use my left heel. I used to just use my reins, but she would overcompensate and end up
going too far in the other direction. Eventually she just went straight on her own today
without my having to do anything.

While circling, Flossie kept a nice slow, even tempo, even at the canter, which was
fantastic in both directions. I had her doing spirals at a walk in the arena to cool her
out before taking her for a walk down the driveway. A couple of weeks ago I had her
spiraling at a trot. She circles so well that spirals come easy for her. In the summer,
I’ll have her doing them at a canter. I can’t do that now, though, because Des hasn’t
mowed his paddock yet. The grass is so high in the center of the circle, there’s just no
place to ride.

Flossie took three steps back for me while I was in the saddle. Nice big steps and there
was no fuss. In fact, she backed as though she does it all the time. Last week she
backed only one step, so we’re making progress.

My seat bones never got sore today. I hope that means they’re toughening up.

Bambi actually focused on me while I had her walking in hand instead of responding to
everything else that was going on around her. It was only for a couple of steps, but it
was more than I’ve ever gotten from her before. She even walked more relaxed than usual
and I hope that means she’s getting used to being handled again because I would like to
walk her with the bridle on her next week.

All-in-all I had a tremendous ride and visit with my horsy pals. Flossie was cooperative
and obedient. Bambi’s making progress. There were no machines running anywhere near us, and the rainy sky didn’t do anything more than give a subtle threat every now and then.
At one point there was a rainbow so I know someone got wet somewhere. I’m glad it wasn’t
me!

Gary came down to work one of his pacers on the gig just as I was dismounting. I watched
the gelding work and boy wasn’t he booking! The animal seemed to be enjoying his
workout, too. I do believe horses find enjoyment out of their work, whether they’re
being ridden, or worked in some other way.

Without the machines to contend with anymore, my rides have become much more manageable and less eventful, which is how I like them! They make for more boring emails, but I’d rather have it that way than the way it used to be!

Now, God willing, weather allowing, and if Norm’s schedule doesn’t change, I get to do it
all over again next week! Yahoo!