Hoof Blogs

Flossie's 231st Lesson

FLOSSIE'S 231st LESSON

I took my ride very easy for Flossie’s sake as well as my own because it’s been over a
month since I rode her last. I couldn’t get over how fat she had gotten! I had to let
her girth out one notch so the saddle would fit her. I felt like I was riding a
pachyderm instead of a horse!

I was pleased to see the new road is finally open and that Flossie was used to all the
traffic that kept passing by. For some reason Bambi and the mare that was turned out
with her started running around the paddock like crazy just before I got in the saddle.
I have no idea what set them off. Flossie and I both ignored them.

I mounted Flossie by the road as I have been doing all along but I didn’t think it’s
necessary any longer. Next time I’ll mount her by the yard again and see what happens.
I’m sure she’ll be okay. When the big machines were working on the new road, I’d walk
her in hand which helped to give her courage. Now that the machines are no longer there,
there’s no reason to do that anymore.

I only rode three laps at a trot and one lap at a canter in both directions this week. I
also worked her in the circle at a slow gait and then at a canter and was pleased that
she did such a nice slow canter for me. We rested in the shade quite a bit since I
didn’t get to ride until 10:30 and it was already pretty hot by then.

It was so good to see my little Floss again, but she didn’t seem particularly happy to
see me. She went very obediently and with plenty of compulsion, though, so at least I
knew she was enjoying the exercise. I, on the other hand, couldn’t believe how early on
I got puffed. Posting the trot had never been so taxing! I marvelled at the shape I
must have been in prior to my month off in India. I hope it doesn’t take me too long to
get back into the swing of things again.

I had forgotten to treat my leg with pain killers before I rode, but the month I spent
out of the saddle must have given it a much-needed rest because it didn’t bother me at
all.

All the horses are already growing their winter coats and by the looks of them, I think
it’s going to be a very cold one this year.

Flossie’s feet had manure packed in them and her right hind foot has developed thrush.
I’ve never seen thrush in her feet before. I hope it goes away without treatment now
that I’m back to clean them every week.