My lessons with Flossie, a roan Standardbred mare |
FLOSSIE'S 234th LESSON Flossie was a nut at the canter on the track today. She trotted okay, but when it came to the canter, she got silly. I had to come back down to a trot again before I could work her properly at the canter. Eventually she came good. (As Des would put it). I think it’s the cooler weather that makes her rambunctious sometimes. She circled better than ever, though, bending and staying at a nice slow pace for me. If I keep my hand that holds the outside rein near the pommel, she circles pretty much on her own. I’m getting used to my longer stirrups and practiced keeping weight in my left one. I think taking the weight out of the stirrups is why I lose it sometimes. My strength is returning and I no longer have to take time to rest anymore. Weatherwise, it was a perfect day, made for the saddle. You couldn’t have asked for a more perfect blend of sunshine and cool air. The crystal clear sky was glittering with gold and there were no clouds about at all. Once I had Flossie in the yard, she snorted at the lawn mower and the gigs that were in places where they normally aren’t and she had to go up to them and investigate before going by. I always take her to a tree stump, which I use as a mounting block, before taking her down the driveway. We had to pass the gigs to get to the stump and the mower was right beside it. “Well,” I said, “Come on.” So she did. I mounted and had her standing there quietly for the longest time. Having her stand while I’m in the saddle is always part of her training. Horses should learn to stand patiently, I believe, no matter who they are or what they’re used for. After untacking Flossie, I used warm water I had brought from home to wash the sweat off her back, down the back of her hind legs, and in the pastern of each foot. I don’t like to use the hose on chilly mornings this time of the year. Just for fun I thought I’d give Bambi some action today. I tossed Flossie’s saddle on her back and she took to it like nothing. I lunged her with it on and she was as good as gold. She only looked back at the saddle once when I first put it on her, but she never flinched or became aggravated. When I tightened the girth she didn’t seem to notice. I’ll have to find a bridle for her somewhere and a good bit because Des expects me to ride her now. Bambi seemed eager to please. She worked hard to figure out what I wanted. She was very sensible and I enjoyed working with her. She has a more tractable horsenality than Flossie has and possesses some endearing behaviors. She is also more flexible than Flossie is and would probably find reining maneuvers easy to pick up. I had the best time working two horses today. I told Des I’m going to continue working with Bambi and he said that’s great. So there you have it. Now, when I go to sleep tonight, I’ll be dreaming about two horses instead of only one. |