Horsey thoughts

©Gwyn

I often wonder how different I would be if not for horses. What would I be like? I can't even begin to imagine. I've always been around them; from my first ride with Da when I was three months old, to now when I am helping others learn to ride and care for their own four-legged friends. It's strangely surreal.
 I realize how lucky I must be from the thousands of "I wish I had a horse" and similar notes written across cyberspace; all the hopes and dreams of the creatures I have been blessed to know since birth, I wonder just how many of them come true.
 I know I often take them for granted, and do not even come close to expressing profound gratitude to the One who gave them to me.
 Sometimes it seems more of a burden to go out in terrible weather to feed and chop at the water tank for them, or stand out in the wind a snow while they get their feet trimmed.

 But then there are times when I see with almost painful clarity just how blessed I truly am: Anything from small moments combing a mane to all out gallops across the pasture.

Do you give the horse his strength or clothe his neck with a flowing mane?

Job 39.19

The farrier is coming today, but I refuse, refuse to be ungrateful even for that! I want to spend my time learning from and with these incredible animals and not grumping about the fact that the water tank is almost frozen solid.

 I am excited for the snow to melt so I can really start working with them. I have so many plans...! Oh, you want to hear them? Well.... okay. I've been dying to tell someone!

 First I want to...

Teach Roanie to ride bareback. Generally after you've saddle broke a horse well they don't mind being ridden bareback. Them may give you a weird look or two and maybe take a few minutes to adjust but no bucking occurs*. Usually. I'm a little apprehensive about Roanie, though, because of her 'slightly' impaired vision. She doesn't like people messing about where she can't see, and is apt to startle. Even when I saddle her I have to make sure she's paying attention or she'll spook the moment pad meets back.

 I definitely will not being swinging up on her. I think maybe a box the first few times till she's used to the idea.

*No case is typical {:P}

Get Double Stuff pulling the cart. We started him a few years ago and he got quite good at it. He's a great puller and works hard {when he's not trying to eat}, but then my sister and I wrecked the cart - I don't remember how. Amnesia? - and we never got round to repairing it. But this year...

Work on barrel racing with Roanie. She's already shone some promise; she digs in well on corners, and she not a bad sprinter. Speed isn't exactly her strongest suit but she is in no way slow. Especially when frightened.

Expand Roanie's Trail work. She's already great at opening and closing gates, side-stepping{or pacing, depending on where you're from}, and backing quickly - though we need to be a little straighter and a bit faster. I'd like to start her on pivots and sliding stops next. She's got the brains, but has trouble focussing for more than five minutes.

Help lil brother turn Double Stuff into a kid-ridable pony. We started late last summer and gained some ground with the wayward pony, but I think we'll be back to square one come green grass. Dudders is awfully stubborn, just like his mother nicknamed "Piggy" {by me anyway :)}

Well, I'd love to stay and continue sharing my goals for this year, but the farrier is here and I must *joyfully* go about my duties :)

Au revoir!

-Gwyn