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!