Hoof Blogs

Flossie's 108th Lesson

FLOSSIE'S 108th LESSON

It was almost 80 degrees this arvie! It looks like summer's pushing it. If this is any
indication of what's to come, we may not see a spring this year.

I worked Flossie on the track and in the paddock in both directions at every gait and she
went like a dream. She wanted to canter at high speed, but I kept her in hand and got a
really nice ride out of her.

After all the carrots were gone, Flossie stayed in the yard with me and I spent some time
scratching her behind the ears and sharing secrets with her. One day soon she won't be
my horse any more and I want to savor every minute I have with her now while I can.

Blaze's stall was empty and since I didn't get a chance to talk to Des today, I have
no idea where he is. I think it's safe to say, however, that Gary has finally moved him
to his permanent residence. I suppose Des is letting the stall air out before he puts
BamBam in there because the little colt was still in the big paddock with Flossie and his
mother.

Speaking of BamBam, he got interested in Flossie while I was riding her in the paddock so I turned Flossie around to face him, reached out with my crop, pressed it against his neck, and told him to move on. He moved on alright, but not until he dug his tiny hind feet into the dirt and shoved off his haunches in a show of speed and attitude as if to say,
"Okay, I'm going, now eat my dirt!" Good ol' Flossie just ignored him and
continued on as if he wasn't there.

The drought is having a drastic affect on the paddocks around here. The dirt is a thick
dust now that collects on everything and anything with or without the help of the wind.
When you step in it, it goes up the sides of your boots. I'm having a hard time keeping
Flossie's feet hydrated. The dressing I use is not helping much any more.