Pony Girl Rides Again

Today is My Boy's Birthday! He turns 15. This is what he thinks about that:

You know, this turning 15 is going to be tough. Now he's going to want to start courting mares. See? He already has his eye on those two over there.

And, he's going to want me to take him out and teach him how to drive. Hello? I don't have a cart or harness and that isn't on my wish list. Sorry boy, no driving for you.

Did you know Paint Girl's cowboy and My Boy share a birthday? Here is Paint Girl's cowboy unloading My Boy's birthday present. A truckload of fresh green orchard grass hay!

He just had to stop and sample it on the way back to his pasture. I think he approves!

The rain mostly held off Saturday, there were some clouds that attempted to spit out a few sprinkles, but it was actually a pleasant day compared to the rain fest I was dreading.

I brought out my horse and groomed him really well. He's not wearing his blanket now so he was a dirty pony. I saw a few stray hairs coming out....could this be the pre-spring shed? The days are getting longer. Don't lose too much hair my boy, it could still snow!

I took him up to the arena to longe him out. Everything has finally thawed out and it was actually pretty slippery so I kept him on the 12 ft. line. This allows me to keep him limited to areas with the best footing.

At one point My Boy was trotting around and I decided to snap a few pictures while he was moving. Goodness wouldn't you know, at that exact moment he decides to go nuts and bucks twice really high, pulling me several feet across the arena, the camera hanging from the wrist strap. I wasn't able to take any pictures of the action because I was just trying to stay on my feet! He doesn't usually pull me. In fact, he usually starts at a slow job like an old dud, then yee-haw, out of nowhere comes wild boy! When I know he's feeling his oats, I typically use the regular longe line and he has more line to play on.

My Boy's "it's my birthday and I'll look cranky if I want to" face:

I am hoping for some better weather soon so that I can get in more riding. The arena lake is dried up, but it still takes a good week of solid sun, with no rain or night freezes to really dry out the ground.