Liam had a great time helping me with the horses yesterday, and I didn't even have to ask. First he groomed Bella for me, then he warmed her up.
He took pictures while I rode. (And a couple goofy videos too)
The next thing I knew he had Scout out, going over the obstacle course Liam had made for me and Bella.
He even took Scout up the driveway and got the mail. Pretty cute.
By the time he was putting Scout away, I had Joseph saddled and had lunged him around the field. He was doing well and I thought it was time to call John and ask him to come to the round pen while I mounted up. (Aren't cell phones great? Almost seems silly to call someone who is just inside the house, but it sure works better than yelling.) As I was talking to him something behind Joseph spooked him and sent him bucking. I had to drop my phone and go with him, but then when he fell over backward I opted to let go. He almost fell over backward last time he bucked like this in the round pen too. His hind legs slide forward, butt on the ground, and his front end is up, and it's not pretty. Anyway, he got right back up and bucked around a bit more. I was able to catch him easily once he stopped, even though he was still pretty shaken up.
I didn't know what spooked him, but Liam mentioned he had clapped his hands to get Scout's attention. This just happened to be right behind Joseph, although about 30 feet back.
I'm really glad this happened when I wasn't on his back.
So of course I spent the rest of the day thinking about where I'd gone wrong and what I needed to change to make this whole process better. I guess that's why we have bad days, so we can learn from them.
I was going to write about that, but I'm going to go get my horse out of the pasture instead.
4 comments:
that is so cool that he had such a good time helping. I wish Simon would help me out a little more, or ride more, or anything at all. He did go to the show with me, but hated it the whole time. I made it up to him by taking him to dairy queen afterwards.
I am so glad that Joseph didn't start bucking while you were on him.
great pictures Andrea. I know you probably can't come but the Mustang Club meeting is Thursday 6 same place. Thanks for coming to my birthday party. Love it.
have you considered a calming supplement for him..... I am thinking one with magnesium as he seems very easily started and muscle tense. I have used some on Dan with pretty good success. It just took the edge off.
Cindy,
My kids really aren't all that into the horses. But Liam sure has been enjoying them the last couple days.
Lea,
I won't be able to make it. Again. Tomorrow looks to be a crazy day at work. :(
Erin,
I hadn't really considered that, but I did consider changing his calorie intake somehow. Spring pasture 24/7 is definitely a hot diet. Can't be much better than straight alfalfa.
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