My lessons with Flossie, a roan Standardbred mare |
FLOSSIE'S 217th LESSON The machines were working on the road at the end of Des’ driveway again this week. Only the occasional truck or car passed by us while I was working Flossie on the track near the road. It’s been a long time since she’s balked with me. She never even so much as hesitates anymore. I rode better today than I have been riding lately. I managed to keep my legs under me at all times regardless of the gait. This keeps me balanced with absolutely no gripping. It was hot so I gave Flossie a nice break in the shade from time-to-time. I mounted at 7:15 this morning and it was already muggy. During this time of the year the sun is already shining at 4:00 o’clock am, but it gets dark in the evenings about 6:00 or 6:30. I don’t think it ever stays light longer than 7:00 or 7:30 pm, certainly not as late as 9:00 o’clock pm. I’ll have to pay closer attention as we get deeper into the summer season. Des purchased a new bay gelding that just arrived today while I was there. All the horses said their whinnies and neighs as he was taken out of the truck and down the ramp. Even Flossie yelled ‘hey’ from where she was standing in the wash rack. I took another video of Des’ property, narrating as I went along. If it’s any good I’ll share it with you on You Tube. I left the camera on the tripod when I did it so you can’t see anything up close. However, next week, I plan to take videos as I ride. I’m not sure how that’ll go since it’ll be bumpy . . . but if it comes out half way decent, you’ll get to see the track the way I see it from the saddle at a walk every week. However, if the video that I took today didn’t come out, I’ll have to try again next week, instead. This will be my second attempt. I spent my last hour with Flossie and Bambi as we rested in the shade together. I sprawled out on the ground while they stood around me. I loved looking up and seeing them there, eyes half closed, heads bent slightly, enjoying their siesta as much as I was. |