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03/18/2003: "Every Thing Is Better In The Spring"
Even if we are just to semi-Spring, everything seems better already. I don’t think I’ve ever been SO tired of being cold in my entire life. And no wonder - this has been one of the top 10 harshest winters in the history of this part of the state. Indy and Ami are SERIOUSLY shedding now, so maybe it’s FINALLY over!
Now to get down to business - such as FINALLY actually RIDING Indy. I cannot believe I’ve had him almost a year, and have yet to sit on his back. Who could have foreseen all the complications we were to face! Not to mention my own difficulty dealing with the prospect of riding a horse that wasn’t DJ. I think I’m ready now. Actually, I’ve been ready for a while, but there was just NO possibility of trying to ride in the weather we’ve been having.
Of course, during Shedding Season, just GROOMING is serious business LOL! Yesterday I got enough hair off those critters to carpet a floor. Too bad I don’t know how to braid one of those pricey horsehair mecates. I could make a fortune here!
I groomed on the two of them yesterday until my arms almost fell off, and I was STILL getting hair. For Indy, grooming is ecstasy, and even Ms Ami didn’t give me any “go AWAY” glares. I must say, they both looked absolutely gorgeous when I was finished. So, they both immediately rushed out to roll in the mud after they finished their dinner. I’ve come to the conclusion that horses feel embarrassed when they are clean.
To get back to riding - I’ve decided to start Indy off in a bosal. That was to be his next step with his original trainer anyway, and I think it will be the best thing for both of us. I think Indy has an EXTREMELY sensitive mouth. I’ve observed this even when he’s eating, and I think that’s the reason I’m having problems getting him to relax with a bit. It’s not that he won’t TAKE the bit - he will, after a bit of gentle persuasion. But he seems miserable the entire time it’s in his mouth, only thinking about how the spit the danged thing OUT. I still believe that with time, he will come to accept it, but for now, he NEEDS to get restarted under saddle. He had a super start and 30 days with his NH trainer, BUT, that was almost TWO YEARS ago now. That’s a long time for a seasoned horse and even longer for a greenie like Indy. The bosal will enable us to get started riding again and let me take all the time in the world with the bit bit (just a bit of humor I couldn’t resist!)
I’ve watched Indy work under saddle on a video with his trainer, and having come to know him, I certainly don’t anticipate any intentional trouble from him. Still, a green horse is, well, green, and nothing can change that but lots of time, time, time and riding, riding, riding. It’s time to get started. YEAH!
