I went on a short trail ride with Scout. It was hijacked by a bunch of ladybugs. If you look real close at the next three pictures you can see them swarming.
Turns out Scout doesn't like bugs. I tried to get a pic of him tossing his head but the only evidence is the rein jiggling.
This was just a tiny fraction of a percent of the ladybugs we saw today. They were in patches, we'd go a long way without seeing any, then there would be another swarm.
At first I tried to correct Scout for tossing his head, but then it became evident that the only safe answer was just to keep on moving through them. He REALLY didn't like them. I wouldn't have been surprised if he had started jumping around in frustration if I'd tried to make him behave. Other than that it was a real good ride. No complaints. Except that he's not the horse I want to be riding. I have got to get to the bottom of my problem with Scout. Note that I said MY problem. It's not him. He's a good horse. I just don't love riding him. He knows it. So we're just like co-workers who try real hard to pretend we like each other and can work together. Although I have to give him more credit than I give myself. He's trying harder than I am. I just can't find the want to.
Amy may have had a breakthrough realization with her horse today. He's been a bit dangerous at times lately. At one point when he was having a herdbound moment and she thought he might be about to start bucking, I looked at him and he appeared to be half asleep. Aha! Looks like perhaps he's "checking out"/ internalizing / shutting down. Which would explain why he suddenly blows up so explosively. Lots of food for thought there.
I also got Pedro out and saddled and bridled him today. We were in the round pen working on giving to the bit (unmounted) when my sister called and said she could go trail riding after all, so I quickly stripped him of his saddle and went to get Scout.
And speaking of donkeys - they are excellent therapists. They give the best hugs. You wouldn't think so, considering they don't have arms, but they really do. You ought to come try it sometime. However, they don't seem to quite understand what's going on when you sit in their dinner. Bob was so unnerved he had to go stand somewhere else. Pedro kept eating. But he wouldn't give me any kisses.
5 comments:
Attack of the ladybugs! That is crazy! I have never seen so many in one place before, we are lucky to see a couple a year!
I do know what you mean about Scout not being the horse you want to be riding. I feel that way about my Paint, Fritzy. We just don't have that bond and don't "click" like me and my Arab or my Mustang filly. Now those 2 I have a serious bond with and love, love, love riding them! It just doesn't happen with every horse.
And I would love a donkey hug!! If they are as good as the hugs I get from my mustang filly, I would take 10 donkeys!
Tonka was your heart horse. As Paint Girl says, you don't have that with every horse, and that's why it is so special when it happens. You aren't being mean to Scout or not caring for him, you just aren't bonded to him the same. I wonder if it can come later if you work at it or if it really is always 'love at first sight'. For me it has been (and got better from there) and attempts to build it with other horses haven't worked out so well.
I go back and forth on whether I think we can build a better relationship. I just don't know. I don't think it will ever be like it was with Tonka. But you never know, maybe when I can figure out my hangup and let go of it, things will all come together.
I hate to say it, but have you looked at BLM's current internet adoption? There are some awfully nice horses, especially in the Burns section. They are eye candy, in the very least.
Funny how Scout doesn't like Lady Bugs. I don't know how Apache feels about them, but we have lady bug 'blooms' every year. Thousands of them!
I know what you mean about that bond or connection. I never felt that with my mare Baby Doll, even though I did love her. I think she just tolerated me.
With my Apache I feel a close bond and a connection with her and I think the feels is mutual.
Had to laugh about the donkey therapy. I'm going to be volunteering for a donkey rescue place in the coming months and I hope to get some of that, too!
~Lisa
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