%%USERNAME%%    %%ACCWORDS%% %%ONOFF%% |
 |
My lessons with Flossie, a roan Standardbred mare |
| This is an on-going diary or autobiography |
| FLOSSIE'S 117th LESSON It was a perfect day to be in the saddle this morning! A nice cool breeze permeated the sunshine so it was neither too hot nor too cold and there was no humidity! It felt like an early autumn day in Ohio. I worked Flossie longer than I did the last two times I rode her, but not harder. I stayed in the saddle for a full hour, just to get her used to that again. She did everything smoothly, steadily, slowly, and perfectly. If anyone had been watching, they would not have been able to see one single aid; she responded immediately to my slightest cue. Someone had used a heavy metal drag on the track, but when they were finished, they left it there. It's as wide as the track and too heavy to lift, so I had to ride Flossie around it. Luckily there was enough room to do that. Wouldn't you know it was lying in the track that runs closest to the road! Flossie wouldn't go up to it at first, but when I got off to see if I could move it, she walked right up to it in hand without my even having to ask her to. I mounted her while she was standing next to it, and when I asked her to go she didn't give me any resistance. She never balked again, either, and I even had her cantering past it. We were so 'together' that I could place her feet exactly where I wanted them. We did a bit of circling to wind down before walking her around the track at the end of the lesson and there she was; good ol' Flossie, champing away at the bit the way she always does. Circling is her thing and she does it well. Usually. (There are times when she falls in and I have to move her away with my leg and lift the inside reign. This usually happens when we don't circle for a long time, like this last time, just after the flu). At the moment I'm enjoying the fresh air that's blowing in through the window as we speak. The sky is a crystal clear blue and the sun glistens on each blade of grass it waves in the breeze. I close my eyes and picture the ducklings swimming like little paddle-boats in the dam in Flossie's paddock, as I saw them this morning. Sometimes the world is so full of grace and goodness it makes my eyes water. When I hung my riding clothes on the line to dry when I got home, I watched the wind have its way with my jodhpurs and I imagined them against Flossie's sides as I had worn them while riding today. Now they gallop in the wind, buffeting in rhythm with an invisible steed. |
| FLOSSIE'S 116th LESSON I went to bed with visions of sunshine in my head because late last night the rain had been taken out of the forecast for today and moved to tomorrow and beyond. Which can only mean one thing to me; I got to ride! Flossie was stronger than she was when I rode her last week. On Friday when I'd bring her down from a trot or a canter, she'd walk as if each step was her last. Today, however, when I brought her down to a walk, she was strong and ready for more. I didn't think it was time to allow her to do more, though, so I worked her pretty much the same way I did on Friday; I had her do a little of every gait in both directions on the track, with plenty of walking in between, and then I had her do a bit of circling in the corner of the paddock. Everything after that we did at a walk. Such as weaving around trees instead of doing serpentines, just to vary the exercise from Friday's lesson. I'm thinking the next time I ride, she'll be ready to go for a full hour. I'll still be taking it easy on her, though, with plenty of walking. The weather's too hot, anyway, which means I'd be taking it easy on her now even if she wasn't getting over the flu. The only difference is, once she's strong again, I'll be able to allow her to work harder. She wanted to do that today, and I wanted to let her; the track was in such good shape, but I managed to hold back. There'll be plenty of time for that in the following weeks. The only thing that's still looming heavily in the near future is Des' plans to move to his daughter's which will mean Flossie will have to be sold. If you remember, he was talking about doing that at the end of this year which is not that far away. If he does move, sadly, my days with Flossie are numbered. As I sit here, from my window and I can see the clouds filling with moisture. It won't be long before we get some more rain. I've had my ride for the week, so the only thing I have to say to that is: Let it rain! |
| FLOSSIE'S 115th LESSON I was able to go to Des' today and Flossie was feeling good and was pretty strong considering she hadn't been worked in a month. I asked her to give me a nice slow pace, which she did, but after a couple of strides she went into a canter-like gait which felt as though she were cantering on tip-toe. I didn't mind that, but after a few more strides she wanted to canter faster and faster, which is exactly what I didn't want her to do, so I was forced to slow her down. She did the same thing in the opposite direction. We did a little bit of circling and some serpentines in the paddock before I decided she had worked enough for the first time after her illness. I'm still amazed at how strong she was today. It was as if she had never been sick or had four weeks off and we were just picking up from where we left off yesterday. I'm very pleased to see how well she's kept her condition. I rode her for 45 minutes but a lot of that time was spent at a walk. The track had improved tremendously over yesterday. Although it was still muddy near the road, it was passable at every gait. The grass was totally dry, too. You should see the dam! It's a sight for sore eyes! Remember how low it had gotten during the drought? Well it's higher than ever now! (And so are the weeds). Des' leg has been keeping him up at nights. He said the pain is unbearable. This is the leg he had surgery on recently. His doctor took an x-ray and told him the blood is flowing properly and there are no obstructions so he suggested he see his GP. His GP told Des the problem is in his back so he's going in for an x-ray of his back now. He said he may have to see a chiropractor. I feel so good after having spent a full morning with my Flossie! |
| AUSSIE FLOSSIE for the first time since she's been ill I went to ride Flossie this morning under a sky full of storm clouds. I was counting on the forecast that promised there wouldn't be any rain. It was hard to believe, but my trust paid off. I didn't ride, however, because it poured hard overnight and the track was a mess. Especially the part that runs between the road and the dam. I walked the track on foot and couldn't get past that part; it was all mud and there were no dry spots whatsoever. However, even though the rest of the track looked boggy, it really wasn't as bad as it looked from afar, so even if it rains tonight, I'm going to ride in the morning. I don't expect to do much more than just walk Flossie around, so the condition of the track really doesn't matter. Speaking of Flossie, she was so glad to see me! She was grazing in the paddock furthest from the yard near the road and since I didn't want to walk through the wet grass to get to her, I stood in the track and yelled to her from the yard. She immediately responded. In the past, my yelling has never made much of an impression on her, so this was something. All three horses started walking towards me and when they reached the middle of the paddock, they broke into a run and came cantering up to me. It was such a gratifying sight since I knew all three of these glorious animals had been ill recently which had drained all their energy and made them lethargic. Flossie looked best of all! She was bright-eyed and alert. She walked right up to me, put her nose on my hand, leaned her forehead on my arm, and stayed there as though she was glued to me. It was a fitting welcome and it was all I could do to just stand there and take it in. If a horse could hug a human, this was the perfect example of an equine hug and I know I will revisit this moment again and again many, many times in the future. All three enjoyed the attention and the carrots I had brought with me. When they were done, however, Flossie seemed bewildered that that was all there was to my visit: What? No ride? So I told her to expect me tomorrow morning with saddle and bridle in tow. Even BamBam seemed pleased to see me again. I spent some time working with him. I held his nose with one hand and ran my other down his neck. He doesn't like the man-handling, but it's good for his training. While my hand was on his neck, I worked out a few globs of shedding winter hair, and even pulled out a few burrs for good measure. It was so good to see the horses again and to be on Des' property! I bawled my eyes out when I touched Flossie for the first time in a month. My emotions took me by surprise because I didn't realize how much seeing her again would mean to me. Even though the sky's cleared up, tomorrow's forecast is calling for more cloudy weather. I don't mind. Even if it rains during the night. If nothing else, I can ride Flossie on the track at a walk over the dry patches. If she's up to a pace or a trot, I may let her do a slow gait here and there. I'm hoping that if it doesn't rain overnight, the wettest parts of the track will be somewhat drier. |
| FLOSSIE'S SECOND WEEK WITH THE FLU We fell asleep in our muggy beds listening to the sound of ear-shattering thunder accompanied by streaks of lightning slashing through our open bedroom window last night. It rained non-stop, hard and steady, straight into the morning. I predicted this rain, you know, when Flossie fell sick and the weather was cool and dry. "As soon as she's well again", I said, if you remember, "the hot, muggy, rainy weather is going to arrive." You know it's only because of Murphy that I'm so bright. Like the rest of us, I know his law by heart. I phoned Des this morning and he said Gary took Flossie's temperature and she's back to normal again. Billy's horses are still sick, though, so it's just as well I won't be going anywhere near his place again for a while. I don't want to be going in and out of contaminated property needlessly. I gotta go so Aussie ya next time! Hopefully It'll be after a ride on Flossie. PS I ran into Liz, Billy's wife. She told me all three of their geldings responded differently to the recent flu they're just now getting over. One had a terrible runny nose; another had a cough so bad it sounded like he was going to hack up his lungs, and the other experienced muscle stiffness. Now their mare has the flu. Her stall is a bit isolated, so she contracted the illness a bit later than the geldings did. Liz told me Flossie lost weight while she was sick. She stood for five days under the boughs of a tree in her paddock, with her head hanging, and never moved a muscle. BamBam spent those few days lying down on his side. Now they're all back up on their feet again, however, moving around and grazing as if they were never sick, thank goodness! Flossie's an easy keeper, so she's already put some weight back on. The weather was dry today. There's a slight chance of rain in the forecast for tonight, but other than that, it's supposed to be dry until the end of the week. That being the case, I should be able to get a ride in either on Thursday or Friday morning. I'll just have to wait and see what happens. |
| LOST WITHOUT MY FLOSS I phoned Des as early as I dared this morning and he said all his horses are still coughing. None of them are off their feed, however, and don't appear to be listless, which is good news. Gary tried to work his gelding this morning, but he was coughing so much he had to stop. I can't believe that idiot is working his horse already! All the books I've read on the subject say it takes two to three weeks for a horse to be completely over the flu. I told Des I won't be down for another two weeks and when I do start riding Flossie again, I'll be taking it easy on her for a while. The weather will probably be pretty hot by then, anyway, so I'd be taking it easy on her for that reason alone if for no other. I was considering buying some carrots and taking them to Des', but decided against it. I'd become contaminated again, for one thing, and besides, the horses aren't well. I discussed it with Norm and he agreed with me. I've decided I'll just be patient and wait this thing out. Of course it's a riding day made in heaven this morning! There have been no threats of rain whatsoever, and by the looks of it, there won't be another cloud in the sky for at least another week or two. You watch, as soon as Flossie's over the flu and I can get back in the saddle again, it'll start raining to beat the race! I wonder if Flossie is wondering where I am. No, on second thought, if she's wondering at all, she's probably wondering where her carrots are. |
| FLOSSIE'S FIRST FLU When I went to ride Flossie this morning, she was already standing at the fence as if she were waiting for me. I noticed right away that she had a snotty nose, so I wiped both nostrils clean. The snot was a thick yellow color, which isn't normal. I just knew she was sick, and when I heard her dry cough, I figured she has the equine flu that's going around these days. I showed her to Des and he could see she wasn't herself just by looking at her. Gary came down and took each horse's temperature. Flossie's was 38.9 C which is equal to 102 F, so she was definitely ill. I spent four hours with her, and during the course of that time, I noticed several other horses coughing; Bambi, BamBam, and two of Billy's geldings. I mentioned it to Des, so he had Gary check them, too. I guess I'll be without a horse now for two to three weeks or so. I knew it was only a matter of time before these horses would be infected. I was praying they'd be spared, but I was preparing for the worst, too. The horses still had an appetite, however; they enjoyed their carrots as much as ever. Even the horse treats were a real winner; all the horses, with the exception of Flossie and one of Billy's geldings, eat them with zest now. Even the head-bobber! |
| FLOSSIE'S 114th LESSON I started Flossie off on the track this morning, just a few feet away from the trees in the paddock. After about five steps, she decided there was a bogeyman amongst them and wouldn't go past. I considered dismounting and grabbing my spurs, but decided to give her another chance. So I took her off the track to the other side and made her turn on the forehand in both directions, then had her zig-zagging back and forth from the track to the fence, then took her up to the scary trees where the bogeyman took up residence today and rode her under the branches, weaving around one tree after the other. Then I took her to the track and she was fine until I asked her to canter past those trees. Then she suddenly decided the bogeyman had returned. However, I rode so well today that she didn't know what to make of it. She tried to stop, but when that didn't work, she tried to veer off the track, but my leg was ready for her and she couldn't get away with that, so she tried to pick up speed, but I wouldn't let her do that either. I was one step ahead of her every time so she gave in and forgot about the bogeyman for the rest of the ride. I am so impressed with my legs! They are improving in leaps and bounds! After that, she was so willing to go for me today! We worked on the track in both directions, then I just walked her once around to cool off. It was very humid today so I had her relaxing in the shade of those spooky trees. Then I took her back to the track and circled her in the paddock in the corner we both like so well. Then we did a bit of work in the 'arena' before cooling down and dismounting. I like using a dressage whip. I can tap her on the rump without giving up my seat and the effect it creates is greater than what I used to get with a crop. Flossie foamed on the bit, which is not unusual, but I'm always happy to see that. It's that time of the year again when I have to splash water on her back and around her barrel to get the sweat off that accumulates under the saddle while I'm riding. I wiped her face, too, with a cool cloth and she loved that! I was very proud of myself for the way I rode today and proud of Flossie for doing such a good job. I threw a rope over BamBam's neck this morning when he came over to investigate what I was doing with Flossie. He's so inquisitive and really interested whenever I come to ride. He watches everything I do. He's also very polite about asking for horse treats. He puts his nose on my elbow as if to say, "Can I have another one please?" I tried feeding the treats to some of the other horses on Des' property. One of Billy's geldings, who lives in the paddock next to the yard, bobbed his head several times then spit the treat out onto the ground last week. I thought he'd do the same today, but instead of spitting the treat out, after he bobbed his head again and again, he actually ate it. I gave him two more and he did the same thing: Bob, bob, bob, swallow. The other gelding across the shedrow made a funny 'raspberry' type noise from somewhere in his throat when I held the treat up to his muzzle. He would not put it in his mouth, but he would lick it. He'd wrap his long tongue around it and give it a real bath after posing for me in a fleyman's response. Paddle Pop King, Gary's gelding, who lives in the paddock at the front of the property, came right over to the fence when he saw me approach. I had to hold the treat between my thumb and index finger for him so he could bite off one corner at a time. The treats are shaped like mini shredded wheats, only smaller, but not quite as small as a Wheat Chex. Can you imagine a horse nibbling such a tiny corner off a treat that size? He kept nibbling tiny bits off until it was finally all gone. |
| FLOSSIE'S 113th LESSON Flossie, my Flossie, was a dream on the track at every gait in both directions. I didn't have a problem getting her to go today. She stepped right out and never balked once. Even when things were scary around her, she kept on going. She gives scary things a turn of her ear, but that's about it. She doesn't even slow down or swerve off the track. Although I was wearing them, I never once had to use my spurs, and the dressage whip I used only sparingly, which is normal. As wonderful as she was on the track, though, that's how lackadaisical Flossie was in the paddock when I had her working in the 'arena' and when I had her doing circles. She just wasn't herself. I guess every horse is entitled to an off day performance-wise once-in-a-while. Only BamBam liked the horse treats I bought last week. Flossie wasn't interested in the least. Bambi ate half of one and Billy's gelding that lives in the paddock next to the yard bobbed his head up and down before spitting it out onto the ground. BamBam thought they were the greatest thing since mother's milk and couldn't get enough of them. They're small, but I only gave him five. I put the new hoof grease I bought Flossie on her today for the first time. Not only does it make her hooves black, but it makes everything else it comes in contact with black as well. It's good stuff though and I don't need as much of it as I did the other stuff I had before. Flossie squeals when I touch her on the face whenever she comes into season. This is how I can tell every time. Mary, my former instructor, tells me not to let her get away with treating me like just another horse; she says I shouldn't let her squeal at me. If you let a horse treat you like a horse, eventually it becomes dangerous. Since I don't have to smack her to get her to obey, I yell at her. Her squeals get less and less. I'm hoping eventually they'll stop altogether. |
| FLOSSIE'S 112th LESSON I didn't think I was going to get a ride on Flossie today because when I mounted, she totally refused to go. She planted her feet like a mule and refused to move. I put my spurs on and got her to circle and to back up, but she would not go forward. I was worried I wasn't going to get her to cooperate at all, but I persisted, and, eventually, she walked forward. She never refused again, the entire ride. I don't get it because she worked like a gem. She did everything I wanted at a nice pace, not too fast or too slow. She never disobeyed me or even hinted at quitting on me. I varied her workout considerably since I thought maybe she's getting bored with the same old routine (although I vary it every week, today I made it a point to really change things). We still circled at every gait, and worked on the track and in the paddock. In the paddock, I put her in the 'arena' and had her halting in every corner. I had never asked her to do that before and she seemed to enjoy the change. My seat has improved so much in the past four weeks. My aids have become more subtle than ever and, consequently, so have Flossie's responses. She moves so smoothly and so steadily. She takes the bit better than ever; she even sets her own head, and when I ask for a canter from a pace or a trot, she flows into it with nice, perfect strides! My legs seem to literally melt into her sides as if they are growing from her body. I still need a lot of improvement and I can see my foibles and I know where I'm still weak, but I have been progressing steadily ever since I started exercising. I keep changing the exercises, too, as I improve, so many of the ones I had started out with have been modified somewhat to fit my new body and my new needs. Norm has noticed a difference in my posture; the way I hold my shoulders; the way I move. I can feel it, too, when I walk and when I ride. My seat is entirely different now. Some days it's better than others, but it keeps getting better. When it's not as good as it should be, it's never as bad as it used to be. So I guess that's a definite step in the right direction! Posting Flossie's trot is improving, too; I can keep her going comfortably for a longer period of time. She loves to trot and seems to enjoy herself as she goes. She always feels relaxed at that gait no matter how badly I'm riding her. As long as I stay off her mouth, which is not difficult for me, she'll go forever if I let her. I hope she doesn't pull the same stunt on me next week, though. I feel as though I'm abusing her when she doesn't want to work with me. This experience today, however, really hit home to me how much a rider depends upon the cooperation of her mount whenever she throws a leg over her back. We can't do it alone. Everything depends upon the horse's willing attitude and voluntary obedience. I gave Des a couple cans of creamed rice because I know he loves the stuff. I only gave him two cans, and both are just single servings, because I know he's watching his weight, but I noticed today that he's put some weight back on again since his operation. Norm suggested he'd like to talk to Des about joining his fitness group. He started up a session on Tuesday mornings now with his weight club at the Logan River Parklands. He met with three of his members today while I was riding and they all had a great time! I played with BamBam in the paddock and had a good time with the little guy. I was tossing sticks and rocks into the air and letting them drop near him. He watched with such fascination! Then he'd walk over to them and investigate. I tried to get him to run with me, but I got his mother going too and she just herded him away so I quit that. I took a piece of cellophane and crumpled it up. He really liked that sound and came right up to me and sniffed it all over as I kept moving it around in my hand. He let me touch him with it on the nose, the forehead, and down the side of his neck. Flossie got interested, too, and had to come over to take a look. She sniffed the paper as I crinkled it under her nose. She lost interest in the it, though, long before BamBam did. I had a hair clip with me, so I started to click it open and shut for BamBam's amusement. He was so curious! He seemed to enjoy the sound and never took his eyes off it as long as I kept it clicking. |
| FLOSSIE'S 111th LESSON Working/playing/just being with Flossie today was a real treat. I swear we are a team! I know I enjoy my time with her and I believe she enjoys it too. It's so hard to turn my back on the mare when it's time to leave when I've had such a rewarding time with her. She started out feeling good, so we worked in our wall-less, imaginary 'arena' in the paddock where we could go down the 'wall' in straight lines, circle whenever we wanted to, do serpentines, etc, and reverse at will. Then I took her to the track at a nice even pace. When I asked for a canter, she was still feeling good and went like blue blazes. However, after that, she settled down and I was able to get the nicest canter out of her! I had her circling at a slow canter; something we've been working up to since I only ride her once a week. She needed to build up her strength and endurance so she could last at a full circle going easily and supplely. She bends so nicely! I've never circled a horse that does them so well before in my life. She was so focused on me that when she wanted to stop, or quit a gait before I thought we should, she listened to my body language and kept going for me. There were some sloppy spots on the track which I was able to work around. Even at the canter, she was working on the bit so well I could maneuver her around puddles and muddy patches as if I were leading her from the ground! Usually her canter is too fast and I have to bring her down to a slower gait in order to get by the muddy areas, so you can see why I'm so excited about today's turn of events! BamBam is still in the big paddock with the mares. Des is waiting for Billy to finish building the paddock he started a few weeks ago so Des can have an area to work with the colt. He wants to get a halter on him so he can lead him to the stall that Blaze has recently vacated. He just won't follow his mother past the gate. You should see that colt run up to me when I go out to the paddock! I was playing with him today and when I walked away, he followed me. He only got so far, though, until Flossie put a stop to it. She's always looking out for him, just as she did when Blaze was in the paddock. She's a regular baby-sitter! I did a lot of trotting on Flossie today, and worked on relaxing my upper body and using my legs. I know I keep saying it, but it felt as though Flossie was enjoying our time together as much as I was. I kept telling her what a good girl she was and she just ate it up. I took her down the driveway just for a change of scenery, but she wouldn't pass the smoky heap of rubbish Billy had set ablaze earlier, so I had to get off and lead her around it. She looked at everything as though she had never seen it before. |
| FLOSSIE'S 110th LESSON Every single television station was telling me it was going to shower today, but my computer told me they were full of Bologna, so, since that's what I wanted to hear, and since the sky was going along with it, I listened to the computer and went for a ride on Flossie. It was a very satisfying ride, too. When the mare first saw me, she appeared to be wondering what I was doing there after only three days; she tentatively took a step towards me, but there was no conviction in it. After a while she changed her demeanor as if she had thought it over and decided she didn't mind the idea of my being there again and having another ride after all. She certainly worked as though she was enjoying herself today. I've learned Flossie works better if I warm her up first, walking/trotting/pacing/even cantering around an 'arena' length area in the paddock before taking her to the track. I don't believe in hopping on a horse and asking for a fast gait first off. I usually walk her around the track, first, but I've discovered the walk gives her too much time to contemplate her surroundings and a chance to find something to spook and/or balk at. If I work her in the paddock first, get her on the bit, and get her totally concentrating on me, then keep her moving at a nice clip, once we get to the track, she doesn't balk at anything; not even when the tractors/bulldozers/etc are working around her. I like to circle her in the corner near the old abandoned barn. The road runs alongside this corner and there's always a truck or a bus or a motorcycle going by, but when we circle there, Flossie is virtually oblivious to the commotion. Even when the bulldozers started up today while we were on the circle, she didn't even blink. She loves circling, anyway; she takes the bit, chomps away on it, concentrating on every footfall. Since the ground was no longer soft from all the rain we had two weeks ago, I was able to work her there, which I was unable to do on Friday. The ground is uneven in some spots, sort of clumpy, so we really have to watch where her feet go. Later, when I went out to the paddock to play with BamBam, he saw me coming and ran up to me as if we were old friends. I don't know if he thought I had a carrot for him or not; he certainly didn't look for one. He saw me approaching from far off and cantered straight up to me! Des told me that yesterday he had Gary and Sharon helping him to move BamBam into the little paddock which Blaze was occupying not too long ago, but he refused to follow Bambi out of the yard and through the gate. They're supposedly going to try again later tonight but I don't know what their strategy will be. While they were at it, Des thought he would lead Flossie out of the paddock, too, thinking if both mares were led out, the colt would be more apt to follow, but it never happened. Flossie is very protective of BamBam and she suddenly tossed her head which brushed up against Des. The buckle on her halter scratched him on the arm and now he has a big bandage on it. He said he's on blood thinners for his heart which tends to make a simple scratch bleed as if it were something more serious than it truly is. His entire arm was black and blue. Des had to put a metal strip down the topsides of three new boards he just put in between two stalls because Billy's mare started chewing on it already. Des is putting in another stable because he's expecting a horse from Mackay to occupy it as soon as the moving restrictions have been lifted. Because of the flu epidemic, no horses are allowed to be moved probably for the next week or so. The illness has spread into Tamborine, which is the next suburb over from Waterford where Flossie lives. While I was waiting for Norm to come for me, I spent some time with Billy's horses. I love to talk to them and give each one at least a scratch behind the ears. Justin, a great big giant bay Standardbred, loves to be tickled and rubbed on his muzzle. I stood against his fence with my back to him and he kept nosing my hands and arms and nibbling me on my back and neck and blowing in my ears. He tried to pull my shirt sleeve, but I promptly put a stop to that. I liked the nearness of him; the smell, the touch, his inquisitiveness. |
| FLOSSIE'S 109th LESSON It was so good to see Flossie again! She was standing in the yard when I arrived, sticking her head through the fence to see if I remembered to bring her a carrot. The first thing I noticed was she had gained weight since I saw her last. After my ride, I found out why; Des told me he was feeding her oats and pellets with her hay during last week's rain. She is such an easy keeper, it didn't take much to fatten her up! Since she had lost a bit of weight during the drought, she looks marvelous now. I also noticed the dam is high again; not as high as it can get, but pretty close to it! It made my heart sing to see it full again and to see the paddock a luscious green! I feasted my eyes on the sight; it all looked so healthy and alive! Des told me he's officially taken Flossie off the market now that the cost of hay has come down and he can afford to keep her now. He assured me that she's staying; and those were his words, too! As soon as I started Flossie off this morning, I knew she was feeling good. That long reprieve from the saddle, plus the higher octane food she's been eating, gave her some energy I don't always see. She was tossing her head, anxious to be off; not like her at all! I warmed her up in the paddock at a walk and then a trot and/or pace. She even threw a little canter step here and there for good measure. Even though she felt like a keg of dynamite ready to go off, she obeyed my every command and didn't do anything stupid. I didn't work her in the paddock for long, however, because the ground was still a little bit soft, so after I warmed her up, I took her directly to the track. I was so pleased with the way she went on the bit and worked for me, I couldn't wait to see how she'd go around the track, but as soon as we came to it, she stopped dead. I coaxed her to go on, which she did without a problem. Why she had stopped is beyond me. Anyway, since she was warmed up, I took her around at a pace, then a trot, then a canter. She balked once at a tire that was leaning against the fence near the road, but go figure; she went right past the bulldozers that were working across the street; smoke coming out of their chimneys, and engines roaring and all. I had her nicely on the bit by then and she just kept right on it. I was so pleased with her! The tire didn't bother her, either, after I got her past it. She just threw her head at it over and over and then finally just walked on by. I had her going past it at a faster pace and a canter, later, and she didn't even bat an eye. She had forgotten a few things we had been working on, however, over the past eighteen days; I had to remind her to stay in the center of the track, for one thing. She was so responsive, though, I didn't have to fight her. If you ever run across an equestrian who's looking for exercises to improve their seat, I recommend a huge exercise ball. Mine has done wonders for me. I don't feel a pull in my muscles the way I used to since I've been using the ball, and I am able to keep myself in the proper position with a lot less effort than I ever could before. Since I found some exercises in a horse magazine to do on the ball that were designed for equestrians, I've been working out on the ball every day since I rode last. The exercises are for improving balance, and for developing an independent seat. I recommend the ball to anyone who needs help in these areas because it works wonders! I was able to sit Flossie's terrible trot longer than ever before. It's very rough and it will never be my favorite gait as long as I'm riding her, but I am progressing in my skills. Slowly, perhaps, but surely nevertheless. Des told me Blaze is proving to be a real handful for the trainer who's been halter breaking him. We both laughed because we knew he would be like that. BamBam is being weaning this Sunday, so the next time I go there, he will be in the stall Blaze was in when he was weaned not too long ago. Des is going to worm Bambi and Flossie as soon as the colt's no longer nursing. Billy is building two more stalls on Des' property. One is going next to the stall that's already standing beside the yard. That means I'll have to find another place to groom and tack up Flossie. Billy has four horses on the property at the moment and is bringing in another one; Des is having another horse coming in, and Gary's got a gelding on the property with the intentions of bringing Blaze back as soon as the flu restrictions have been lifted. Des told me there won't be room for him and that's that. When you look around that place, it's hard to believe the man's planning on leaving in three months. I have a feeling he may change his mind. Especially now that the drought is over. Or, if it's not really completely over, at least until things get bad again. |
| FLOSSIE'S 108th LESSON It was almost 80 degrees this arvie! It looks like summer's pushing it. If this is any indication of what's to come, we may not see a spring this year. I worked Flossie on the track and in the paddock in both directions at every gait and she went like a dream. She wanted to canter at high speed, but I kept her in hand and got a really nice ride out of her. After all the carrots were gone, Flossie stayed in the yard with me and I spent some time scratching her behind the ears and sharing secrets with her. One day soon she won't be my horse any more and I want to savor every minute I have with her now while I can. Blaze's stall was empty and since I didn't get a chance to talk to Des today, I have no idea where he is. I think it's safe to say, however, that Gary has finally moved him to his permanent residence. I suppose Des is letting the stall air out before he puts BamBam in there because the little colt was still in the big paddock with Flossie and his mother. Speaking of BamBam, he got interested in Flossie while I was riding her in the paddock so I turned Flossie around to face him, reached out with my crop, pressed it against his neck, and told him to move on. He moved on alright, but not until he dug his tiny hind feet into the dirt and shoved off his haunches in a show of speed and attitude as if to say, "Okay, I'm going, now eat my dirt!" Good ol' Flossie just ignored him and continued on as if he wasn't there. The drought is having a drastic affect on the paddocks around here. The dirt is a thick dust now that collects on everything and anything with or without the help of the wind. When you step in it, it goes up the sides of your boots. I'm having a hard time keeping Flossie's feet hydrated. The dressing I use is not helping much any more. |
| FLOSSIE'S 107th LESSON I had a terrific ride on the Floss this morning. It's been only 40 degrees in the mornings lately, but at Des' the temperature's not as cold. I had to wear a T-shirt, a long sleeve shirt, and a winter jacket while in the saddle, however. As the time went by, the air felt warmer and warmer, but neither Flossie nor I broke much of a sweat. This is riding weather at its best! Flossie started off with a nice, relaxed working spirit, head bent with a prominent curve in her neck, but as we rounded the track where the bulldozers are building a housing development next to Des' property, she suddenly looked up and I could tell she was going to balk. Those tractors, etc, have been working next to Des' property for over a year now, and they have never bothered her before. However, now that the trees closest to the track have been disposed of, the open space offers a clear view of the heavy equipment and its every movement. Unfortunately, all the metal activity, coupled with the loud noises, translates into boogy-man to a horse. I was quick on the draw and didn't let her come to a complete stop, however. I immediately started her at a circle and kept working her in a circle until I knew I had her attention. By the time I took her back to the track, she had completely forgotten all about the bulldozers, and she never placed a false step again no matter the direction or the gait. Later on I had her doing circles in the corner of the paddock that's located directly across from the other building site where the bulldozers and tractors, etc, sit passively next to a nice neat mound of dirt, which, you may recall, have also spooked Flossie in the past. This corner goes along the road on one side, and next to the deserted barn in the pasture next to Des' on the other. We never circled there before, so it was something new. I try to find new things to do every week. Flossie was in a strange mood, attitude-wise. She was kind of all over the place. I'm not sure if it was the way I was riding, or if she were just being goofy, or if it was a little of both. We still managed to have a good time, though, and a good work-out in spite of the challenges. I managed to keep her at a trot clear around the track. I also had her cantering clear around the track. I love this cool weather because I can ride her for long stretches at a time without the worry of over-doing it because of the heat and humidity. While circling in the paddock, I worked on doing half-passes and managed to get her to take about three steps for me going left. Whenever I have her doing something different that requires thought and effort, she either jumps right to it and gets the job done, or she goes as though she's totally confused. Today she was confused, so when she willingly went into a half pass after only a couple of tries, I was delighted and let her 'off the hook'. We'll pick it up again next week. I chased BamBam around the paddock this morning on foot. He only ran a few steps from me, though, not like last week where I had him running in circles. So when he stopped, I started to run sideways around him while flapping my arms against my sides. He took off in a cloud of dust. He'd come back again, though, and face me, and if I just so much as blinked, he'd take off again. Flossie nickered and came over to help me watch him run. When he finished running around, he became very inquisitive and wanted to make friends. I spread out on the grass beneath a tree and he came over and put his nose on my toe. I'm going to miss him when he leaves. Des told me he almost sold Flossie. He had a man from NSW interested in her about four weeks ago, but he never came to take a look at her. The man owns trotters and a riding school which would be great for Flossie. Of course if she lived as far away as NSW I wouldn't get to see her again. I told Des whenever I ride I always wonder if it'll be the last time. He reassured me he's not going to sell Flossie any time soon. He really likes Flossie, which is good news for me. I told Des how much I appreciate riding Flossie and he said she wouldn't be doing anything, anyway. Besides, she's worth more to him now that she's been trained to ride. Unfortunately, before my conversation with Des, I had put my bridle where one of Billy's geldings could get a hold of it and he chewed the reins and broke a keeper near the buckle. It was entirely my fault; I knew it was too close to him in the first place so I have no one to blame for the damage but myself. I thought since I would be around to keep an eye on him, it would be okay. When I walked away, however, to talk to Des, I had forgotten to move the bridle. I'll still be able to use it; he didn't chew through the leather, just sort of dented it here and there along the length of it with his strong, sharp incisors. Live, but never learn. I think, subconsciously, that's my motto. In the meantime, Blaze is still in the big stall on Des' property getting hay twice a day and plenty of fresh water. Not to mention his share of carrots whenever I'm around. He's like a little wild colt at the moment. Can you believe Gary hasn't come down to see him since he took him out of the paddock? |
| FLOSSIE'S 106th LESSON I started Flossie in the paddock this morning, doing circles to warm us both up. When I took her to the track, I had her passing the part nearest to the road at a trot instead of having her walk by as usual. I figured she'd have less time to decide to balk if she saw something she didn't like. I don't know if this philosophy is correct or not, but for whatever reason, she didn't balk today at all. In fact she never refused to do anything I asked for. She trotted around the entire track today at a post, which is a first. That's not an accomplishment for her, it's a testimony to my ability. This is even more incredible: I sat her trot for more than just a few strides while we were circling in the paddock. I was concentrating so hard on getting her around the circle, I didn't even notice at first. I realized how choppy her gait was, but it didn't dawn on me why until we had been trotting for a while. Prior to that, she was pacing until we came to a branch that was lying in our line of fire. Instead of going around it, I kept her on the circle so she had to go over it and every time she did, she'd quit the pace and pick up a trot. As I mentioned, it was because I was so intent on keeping her on the circle that I didn't even notice I was sitting her dad-blasted nasty trot from hell. I was elated! Flossie tends to ride the inside of the track as we go around the section closest to the road, so for her good, but mostly my own personal benefit, I worked on keeping her in the center of the track. To do this, I had to work my shoulders, legs, seat, and back independently. Because I have a 'new body' now, I was impressed with the outcome. I rode so well today I couldn't wait to tell Norm. Of course, not being a horseman, himself, he wasn't suitably impressed, but I still enjoyed blowing my own horn. I groomed Bambi today; got all the tangles out of her mane. I also groomed BamBam as far as he would let me. He came up to me when I was sitting in the paddock today and sniffed me all over the way Blaze used to. Afterwards, I got up and started chasing him in circles around the paddock. He flew his tail like a flag in the air behind him. Flossie stopped grazing to watch us in action and she nickered softly to us when we were done running around. |
| FLOSSIE'S 105th LESSON I couldn't have asked for a better day to ride, nor a better horse, nor a better ride. The weather was sunny and cool with fluffy white clouds overhead. The horse was smooth, responsive, obedient, and willing. The ride was fun, educational, and satisfying. What more could I have asked for? Flossie didn't like the sight of the bulldozers and other heavy equipment that was parked on the other side of the road so she balked with me when I asked her to go past. I had to get off and lead her up the track until we were directly in front of the equipment. Then I mounted her and we rode off together as if nothing had happened. I was able to trot and canter her by there time and time again in both directions and she never again showed any kind of discomfort or apprehension. Instead of working in small to medium-sized circles, we did something different and worked in big, huge circles. I kept varying the location of these circles to areas where we had never worked before just for variety. One circle was located across from the bulldozer I mentioned before and the other incorporated a slight incline on one part of the circle which gave us both something more to think about. Blaze was weaned from his mother on Sunday. When we pulled up, he was in one of the stalls we had to pass on the way to the yard. It was odd to see him in there. Des told me he's supposed to be leaving in two weeks and when he goes, he'll be putting BamBam in that stall. Blaze's mother is now living on a farm somewhere. The paddock sure is empty now without the two of them. After my ride, after all the carrots had been handed out, and after Flossie's last grooming for the day, I spent a good part of my time rubbing all over Blaze. Now that he's behind a fence and he has nothing to do, he stands very well while I run my hands down his withers, his back, his rump, his neck, and even his legs. Des said he sings out now and then (and I heard him while I was there a few times) but for the most part he's been pretty quiet. Des said he never hears him at night. Des told me Flossie got out of the paddock one day last week and he found her near the railroad track that runs alongside his property. I hope that doesn't keep happening. On our way home, Norm and I had a picnic lunch at a park just down the road near Des' place which consisted of lasagna and battered cauliflower he had made at home. It was a perfect day for an outdoor meal. The cold snap we had been in for weeks has finally ended and now the temperature is back to what's normal for this area, this time of the year. Since I rode so late in the week this week, I only have five days to wait before I get another ride in. I'll be thinking of that tonight when I go to bed. |
| FLOSSIE'S 104TH LESSON I rode Flossie about an hour later than I usually do this morning because I couldn't leave the house any sooner. (We were waiting for a customer who had ordered a product from us over the weekend. He didn't even come). Riding later turned out to be a good thing, though, since it wasn't as cold as it had been only an hour earlier. It was a gorgeous day! Very sunny, and very cool, so even though I worked Flossie hard, she didn't get very sweaty even in her long winter coat! I put together a make-shift wall-less arena in the paddock, using my cones and some branches that were lying around on the ground. The cones I put in each corner, with one in the middle of each shorter end of the 'arena' that made up the width of the area, and the branches I placed along the length of the arena between corners. I worked Flossie inside this designated area and it was really neat to see how quickly she figured out that's what she was supposed to do. I had her doing circles on the half school (using half the arena) and straight lines down the center length-wise, turning when we got to the 'wall', first in one direction, then in the other. We also did circles in the corners, serpentines, and various types of reverses. I thought the arena idea was a great success. Flossie worked on the bit, munching away as I varied the routine. I plan to use this arena for many different exercises in the future such as haunches in and haunches out, half-passes and flying lead changes. The mare worked exquisitely on the track for me! Oh, she balked when we came to the part of the track that's closest to the road when a herd of plastic bags (of all different colors) started blowing in the wind towards us. They moved slowly, never making it to our side of the fence, but Flossie thought the movement meant there were boogy men about, so she responded accordingly. It didn't take long for me to convince her that it was safe to go down the track anyway and before long I had her even cantering and trotting past the bags without a glitch. I believe Flossie truly enjoyed her workout today as much as I did. She certainly worked for me as if she did. It seems the hoof grease I'm using every week is doing some good. It's supposed to be applied on a weekly basis, but I suppose since Flossie isn't being worked every day, once a week is sufficient. I took the mane and tail comb to Bambi's mane today. She had five really wicked knots, twists, and tangles that I worked on. After spending quite some time on her, I managed to get rid of four of them before the mare said she had had enough and wandered off. I plan to work on the last knot next week. BamBam showed an interest in Flossie while I had her in the paddock. Twice he wanted to follow behind us while we were at a walk. I had to swing the crop around at him both times to make him back off. Later, BamBam started running around the paddock just for fun. I enjoyed watching him lift his legs and tear off, first in one direction, then in the other. The other horses just stood around watching him. He ran around trees, shoving off his tiny haunches and creating a big cloud of dust behind him as he went. Blaze joined him at one point, but he stopped before long. It's so good to see the horses run like that. |
| FLOSSIE'S 103rd LESSON Bring on the blue ribbons! If I had been riding in a show this morning, I would have won every event on Flossie. She and I were the perfect team! I have never ridden her so well! Relaxed, I rode every stride and never made a false move. I slowed her canter to a nice up and down lope. Blaze was grazing at the side of the track and decided to join us as we went cantering past him. I was curious to see what Flossie would do. To her credit, she ignored him and kept focused on me. The little colt gave up when he saw he wasn't making any headway. He sure looked cute next to us as he scampered along with the dusty track leaving large clouds in the air behind him. It was good to see the fence where Des and I had repaired it last week held up under the strong winds we had a few days ago. Speaking of weather, it was simply superb today! It was chilly enough for me to wear a heavy coat over my shirt, but not cold enough for me to need gloves. I worked Flossie harder than I usually do since she was so game today. I usually have her walk the entire track between exercises, but she was so strong I didn't have to do that. She had thought we were finished earlier than we were. I think that's because last week I didn't work her for an entire hour since I hadn't ridden her at all the week before. She even bucked with me once today when I asked for a canter and she thought she had had enough. This is the first time she's bucked with me in a very long time. I started the lesson out with circles in the paddock in both directions. After her workout on the track, I went back to circling again, this time alongside the track. I took her around trees, first around those to the left of the track, then around those to the right. When we arrived back on the track again, I asked her to pick up a canter. She was so responsive! To cool her down, I had her yielding to the forehand and then to the hindquarters as I postioned my body and my reins to get the proper response. Although she got heated up, she never broke a sweat which surprised me when I took her saddle off and found her back was dry. Flossie always was a good mare, but she's getting even better and I think that's because I'm improving, too. I work on relaxing my shoulders, back, and seat during the week at home on a daily basis and think that has a lot to do with my being able to relax in the saddle. I still do my stretching exercises as well. Even they are getting better. I can now bend my left leg without experiencing any pain which I've never been able to do before. This is the leg that I used to refer to as my 'rogue leg' because whenever I would ride, it would do whatever it wanted to do. Now it stays put where it belongs. I feel as though I have a new body. Later, I went out to the paddock to spend some time with the horses. I picked a spot on the ground and sat down. Flossie wandered over and hung her head over me, closing her heavy eyes for a snooze. I sat there looking into her big brown eyes and spoke quietly to her as she dozed off in the warming sunshine. I couldn't think of another place I would have rather been! Catch ya cantering! Ooroo, |
| FLOSSIE'S 102nd LESSON Riding Flossie today was a dream. Not only was the weather absolutely perfect for riding, but Flossie, herself, was perfect to ride. She did every gait slow and steady and today was the best I ever did with her trot. She gave me a nice hand gallop while we were cantering because she was feeling so good and since I was riding well, I let her go until she decided to slow down on her own. I didn't work her in the paddock because the ground is still a bit soft, and since I didn't ride last week, I didn't want to work her too hard anyway. It was a gorgeous day and a gorgeous ride! While I was on the track, I spotted a fence post that was on its side and the fence that was attached to it was completely on the ground. I told Des about it, so he immedately ran off and purchased some star pickets. When he got back, I helped him repair the fence. He put a bale of hay in the back of his truck and I helped him toss it out in flakes for the horses. At first they were more interested in the crumbs that were left in the bed of the truck before they meandered over to the paddock where the flakes were waiting for them. Earlier, BamBam came running over for his share of carrots. That's a first for him. He used to ignore the handouts, but now that he's had a taste, he's decided he likes carrots as much as the mares (and BamBam) do. The last I looked at the extended forecast it was calling for rain next Monday. That's almost a guarantee the weather will be nice. If only it stays nice until then. However, if it rains, that's a good thing, too, since we desperately need that wet stuff. Not only is nature suffering, but the water restrictions we're under are a pain in the butt. |
View Portfolio
Visit Notebook
Send Gift Points
Awards
Badges
Send Email
Community Newsfeed
General Discussion
Sponsored Items
Book of Trinkets
Static Items
Books
Groups
Interactive Stories
Audio
Campfire Creatives
Community Notes
Crossword Puzzles
Documents
Folders
Images
In & Outs
Madlibs
Photo Albums
Polls
Product Reviews
Quizzes
Survey Forms
Web Pages
Word Searches
