Monday, November 17, 2008

I Saddled Up

After our unsuccessful horse shopping trip and pizza for lunch with my mom and aunt before they left town, I headed back to Paint Girl's house to see My Boy.

Catching him was easy but haltering was worse, he pulled back twice and did this again later when putting the reins over his head and bridling. It seems so random. At this point I'll just keep working on it.

My Boy was dirty! It took a lot of currying to get all the dirt out of his thick winter coat. My horse has a habit of standing in the rain, despite having shelter. I want to keep an eye on his coat and make sure he doesn't get rain rot. He didn't last year, but I just don't want him to. Doesn't rain rot sound awful? And who is crazy enough to live someplace where you can get rain rot, anyway? (That was a rhetorical question.)

We stopped at the mare's water trough on the way to the arena. Whatcha looking at, My Boy?
I can't help but staring at Fritzy's muddy face and bridle path mohawk, Pony Girl! I expect my mares to keep themselves coiffed a little better than this!

Ah My Boy, she's a lost cause. Let's go, you're saddled up and I'm ready for a ride.

Huh? What?! A ride? Whatch you talkin' about, Pony Girl?

I lounged out My Boy first and he wasn't crazy like I thought he'd be, hardly breaking into a brisk trot. This horse, on orchard grass hay, is not the same horse I had last fall. That horse was on a very rich alfalfa and typically was feeling much more snorty and broncy when I lounged him out before riding.

After I warmed him up, I climbed aboard. We worked on walking, bending, backing, and jogged a bit. He was actually very responsive and worked well off my legs (which goodness, are going to be sore tomorrow!)

Hi Pony Girl, was I a good boy today?

Mostly yes, my cute boy, you were good. Except, no making fun of Fritzy's mohawk while you're sporting two halters, buster!

22 comments:

  1. Pony Girl, you're still as cute as ever! I've missed stopping by and reading your happy posts.

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  2. I know another reason that My Boy was good under saddle today : I think it's because of all the Parelli games you have played with him since last spring! I know that those games make a big difference.

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  3. When I first got Poco, I fed him as his previous owner instructed. Granted, he had been allowed to get away with bad behavior, but the guy had been giving a lazy, mostly unworked horse a gigantic scoop of sweet feed twice a day! So he was fat and wide-eyed. Just like us, what we feed them makes a difference in the way they feel.

    Thanks for your help. I have all week to do it in my head.

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  4. My Boy is a great horse. Glad you had fun riding today.

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  5. Ahhh...nothing like a nice ride with your horse. I wish I had more room to ride. I have to meet some of my horsey neighbors who have trails!

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  6. Your boy is such a cutie! I just love that huge snip on his cute little nose!

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  7. What the heck is rain rot? I guess I better break out the google search for that one.

    Dang your boy is so cute.

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  8. My Boy is such a beautiful horse. You guys have a great connection.

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  9. Love all the pictures, as always! And kudos to you for checking as to rain rot - nasty stuff. I believe a weak Betadine solution is supposed to be good for it, if you do spot signs.... I like keeping a bottle of povidone shampoo like this one around for washing off minor spots scratches & itchy spots, too.

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  10. those are some very cute ponies :-) and if you think they look a little scruffy, you should see mine; hairy and muddy don't even begin to describe it!

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  11. He looks great in green. I was trying to figure out his halter or bridle arrangement (being a tack ho myself).

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  12. Glad it was a successful and uneventful ride! It's too cold and icky here for me!

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  13. Ya for saddle time! My Boy looking good in green!

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  14. Oh, he looks so cute, and he's got some of his winter woolies on. Our horses are getting quite fuzzy - haven't pulled out the winter blankets yet. I need to get them cleaned from last winter before I can use them - I know, I'm sooo bad! If only I could be as organized as I'd like to be *sigh*, it'll never happen! I'm glad you got to do a little riding - bet it felt really good!!
    Give My Boy a kiss for me!

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  15. WHAT!? Some lucky person who doesn't know what rain rot is??? Wow!! I'll just bet you don't live in the Pacific NW!!

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  16. Wonderful post Pony Girl. Being on the East side of the state, I sure don't miss the rain rot...nasty stuff.

    My Boy is such a handsome feller...enjoy the weather while you can!

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  17. Just so you all know, Pony Girl is a woman of her word (we are not suprised, are we? Something most horse folk seem to be...) As the winner of the caption contest, I received my cool prize today (Cowgirl sign). Thanks, PG! I will follow with a photo of its current location in my horse- emphemera-rich home (as I don't have a tack room right now!). Thank you, PG! You are great!

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  18. Julie~ your timing is eerie, I was just posting about the prize I won and received from entering a blog contest, too!
    I'm glad you liked the sign!! ;)

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  19. Ha Ha Ha! Making fun of my dirty, mohawk, fuzzy horse are you my boy? You just wait til the next rain storm and I'll get you back!
    :)

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  20. That is so great that you got to get out and ride. It is amazing how much alfalfa makes a horse have more energy.

    And why do they choose to stand in the rain? We may never know!! :)

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I love hearing from my readers!! I truly enjoy all of your feedback, advice, helpful tips, and stories. You all make me laugh and I learn so much from you, too. I will try to post replies to your comments as often as I can.

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