Tuesday, February 08, 2011

I don't have a lot to write about, I suppose. I rode Tonka today and ponied Scout. I've been riding Tonka in a nice, really gentle bit these last several times, but today I didn't want to warm it (my hands didn't have any warmth to share) so we rode in the halter/bridle or riding halter or whatever you want to call it. He is SO much more responsive when he doesn't have a bit to distract him. I've probably made that observation on here before. Not that he's bad in a bit, but he plays with it a lot, and it's really apparent what works better for him when you go back to riding without one. Feather light neck reining and a beautiful stop. Everything just happens a fraction of a second sooner, with more relaxation.

Anyway, we had a short ride in the cold, me in my marshmallow man suit of coveralls and old farm coat, and with my hands about to fall off because I didn't realize I needed gloves until it was too late. We were trying out the Skito shoulder bridge pad that I got yesterday (cheap - eBay). I think it may well be the ticket. My saddle sat more level and he didn't have near as much loin scrub as he usually does. He had plenty of room for his shoulder to move freely. He also didn't pop his head in the air when I put weight on his shoulders during the dismount. Nice.

Yesterday I didn't ride. Had full intentions to saddle up until I walked outside. Ice was blowing sideways through the air. The cold, windy weather had them feeling very playful and a little nervous. So I took them to the trailer, picked out their hooves and scraped most of the dried mud off, then took them back to the pasture. I ended up hanging out in the pasture, walking all over the place and loving on my boys, just because I couldn't get over the fact that they so obviously wanted to hang out with me. Scout wouldn't leave my side and Tonka wasn't far behind. Not that they usually run away when I'm around, but our relationships have strengthened with the consistent work lately. It makes me happy.

4 comments:

  1. Anonymous4:12 AM

    Sweet boys. No riding here - we've got below zero wind chills for the next two days - but spring's not too far away!

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  2. It was cold up here yesterday, too. It was even a little painful to hot tub since the wind was blowing.

    Okay, I'm going to be quoting Rashid for a little bit here because I'm reading the book right now---BUT he does say that the qualities of a good leader are consistency and that your relationship will naturally grow if they can count on you to do things every day. I felt kind of bad when I read that because I am not the most consistent person. But I couldn't help seeing the parallel between what you just said and that statement.

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  3. Kate - I'm sorry about your crazy weather! It looks like you've dealt with it really well though. I couldn't believe all that snow!

    Linda - I'm not usually very consistent either, so you're not the only one. But I decided that while Scout is in training I have to put aside my flighty ways and make sure to do something with him every day. Either that or send him off to training, and I don't want to do that.

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  4. Well, the consistency seems to be paying off for you. I'm a few steps behind, but about ready to sink the posts into our new tying area.

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