With my boyfriend moving to New York, wrapping up grading and trying to get a grasp of this HUGE readership study I'm trying to compile -  I needed a horse break.

I needed to smell my horse. :) I also wanted to stop out to make sure that he wasn't sweating under his new thick winter coat since it was in the 50s today.

Rob was great.  I wanted to ride Brahma today too so we didn't do too much.  I took off his blanket and he was fine, except for a new bite/gash on the top of his rump. I'll need to watch to see who it is that's picking on him - I'm sure it's Brahma.

I didn't bother with the surcingle or bit today. Instead I brushed him, picked his hooves - holding them for extended periods since I promised the farrier I'd work on his hoof-holding patience - and was very happy that he didn't paw!

I free lunged him today and he was great.  Walk, trot and canter both ways.

I know I need to get out there more often. He needs more consistency. Hopefully once this readership survey is complete I can dedicate more time to working with the boys - Rob and Brahma. 

George and I went out to the barn to work both horses today. It was frigidly cold. The wind was fierce and the boys were out happily eating hay with their binkies on.


We had to take a detoured route to get into the main barn as we weren't sure how to finagle the big door. Brahma Fear came in like a champ.  Robby came in in the manner Robby approaches most things - Holy Crap it's going to eat me!  Today with the wind he was slightly more "Arabian freaky" thank "Saddlebred scared."  I actually preferred the Arab apprehension today as it was too darn cold to be pulling him places.  He scooted into the little indoor and then BOLTED when the pigeons swooped down.  He calmed down nicely though when we got into the main barn.


He was all nice and toasty warm under his blanket, I didn't want to take it off. He stood pretty well in the cross ties and as always LOVED his brushing. I noticed a knick on his back right and cleaned it out.  He didn't like it and attempted a cow kick - I smacked his little butt.  This was the first time he's ever come close to trying to kick.  Little bugger.  George was nice enough to hold his head. I had prepared for this reaction.


He's done pretty well in the cross ties and I don't want to have a negative experience.


He stood nicely while the surcingle was put on.  I skipped the bit today as it was just too cold.  I didn't feel like freezing my fingers or his little mouth. 


Because he had not been worked in nearly two weeks I didn't think the long lunge line would be very effective today.  I was right. We had the Parelli lead line and walked and trotted (very spirited) around the little arena.  The pigeons did a dive and Rob took off.  I had let go of the line and thought Francine (a lady who likes to watch) was going to freak out.


I told her that because of the Parelli work Robby wouldn't do anything stupid if the rope got caught between his legs - she didn't believe me.  But sure enough he stepped on the rope and stood there waiting for me to "Fix It" - he's a good horse that way - he doesn't over react in ways where he will hurt himself.


I picked up the line and had him walk and trot around me.  By the end he was working great.  That was good enough for me.  H licked and chewed.  I played the friendly game and took him back to his stall.  He was a little antsy putting on his blanket which is not like him.  But George held his head and then he was fine.  


Because we hadn't worked in a while, and the weather being uncomfortable for me, we took a couple steps back.  But I'm sure we'll get back into working form once my grades are turned in and I have a bit more time to spend just playing with him.