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04/29/2003: "Getting There!"
I hate making predictions, because every time I do - especially lately - something always happens. :o( That having been said, I still am making the bet that I’ll be riding Indy by next week at the latest. Weather permitting of course. (Now I suppose it will rain for the next six months)
I have finally gotten my poor, neglected saddle rejuvenated - although I think it could still use a few more Leather Therapy treatments - and re-rigged. I tried it on Indy without any padding to double check it’s fit on him and to get some idea of where on the new latigos I’m going to need to be. As far as Indy was concerned, it was a total non-event. As I was going back and forth, checking fit and trying to get the latigos set in the right holes, he started nibbling hay from his feeder! I guess I was boring him. Next step is trying it with the pad I intend to use. Then I’ll put my foot in the stirrup a few times, gradually increasing the amount of weight. I REALLY don’t think there will be any reaction by him, but I just want everything to be a positive experience for both of us.
I have received the rope halter-mecate set I ordered from Natural Horse Supply, and it is everything I expected and more. Both the halter and mecate are SO soft! I’m sure both Indy’s face and my hands will LOVE these LOL!
NEWS FLASH! I started writing this yesterday and didn’t get finished, and this morning I SAT ON INDY! However, this statement requires more explanation that one would usually expect… While Mike and I were doing the usual pre breakfast chores, Indy and Ami were taking their usual pre breakfast naps - flat out on the ground just outside the barn. By the time we were almost ready to serve breakfast Ami was up and dozing on her feet. Indy however, was still dead asleep.
When breakfast was ready, Ami was ready too. Indy had managed to make it to the sternal position, but he was obviously not entirely awake. Ami came on in to eat, but Indy continued to recline. I keep TELLING him he should take a FEW minutes off grazing overnight and get some sleep - does he listen? Noooooooo.
I tried everything I could think of to get him up - short of kicking him in the butt of course! - but he just ignored me. I even dangled his breakfast bucket under his somewhat glazed eyes. Normally this would have done it, but we give them both their StrongidC in the morning, and Mr. Indy does not care for StrongidC AT ALL. And of course, he doesn’t get enough grain to do much of a job at “hiding” it.
As I was standing there looking down on him and wondering what to do next, I was overwhelmed by the sight of his back right there under my eyes. I sat down on him like he was a big ole beanbag! He STILL didn’t move!
After a few seconds, I called to Mike, who was inside the barn. Mike came out and immediately cracked up. He came on over, and Indy STILL didn’t move. I got up and MIKE sat down on him! By this time, Indy was beginning to get a “Well, I guess these idiots are NOT going to leave me alone so I might as well get up” look on his face. Finally, he stretched his fore legs out in front of him, Mike got off and he got to his feet. After shaking vigorously, he said, “Now, where’s my BREAKFAST?!”
I doubt if either Mike or I have ever laughed harder in our lives. And Mike said, “You were concerned about what he would do I you got on him?!” Not any more.
