This morning was a beautifully sunny, although bitterly cold morn. But as long as the sun is shining I don't seem to notice the cold.I originally had plans to go to the stables today to get back to work with Ahote and Mac. It's been since the Christmas Fiesta (video still in the works) that I have ridden them and that has been far too long. Plus due to a very unfortunate accident at the barn, trainer Mario is down a rider, and was looking forward to my appearance to assist.
But when it rains it pours....more misfortune. I spent last night at an ER vet with our 13 year old dobe, Chewbacca. Bloat. Luckily his stomach did not twist, but this issue is also causing his heart is being stressed (besides being spoiled rotten--never having been in a crate and not sleeping in a water bed is certainly stressing him) so he is still there, undergoing yet another procedure today to attempt to relieve his discomfort so that we can take him home and hope for the best...surgery at his age is simply not an option. Bummer, no stables today, but I couldn't be that far from the vet.
I took full advantage of the sunshine and went out early to check on everyone; in my PJ's (I put on gloves and a hat!:~) for a quick trip to fill water troughs, salt/mineral buckets, check the footing--which I found to be absolutely horrid especially for my new ACL and bad ankles (in slippers no less)--not slick sheets of ice, but frozen slides of mud with laden with hoof prints and the infamous poopsicles--either toe breakers that don't budge or like walking on golf balls.) You think I would realize after all these years, that there is no such saying as "quick trip" in my language!
After handling all the adults, I ended up back in the barn paddock, playing with the four amigos....Matte, Eivissa, Bomby and Dovea.
It quickly became obvious that when they are out in the paddock they are not as cooperative (when attempting to work them all together) as when confined to the foaling stall....something to be said for a "captive audience". Not exactly a nice, straight line up...all too interested in the camera. I believe Eivissa had snuck around behind and was busy nudging me. LOL.
When I got her back in line, she had
quite the opinion on standing still for her photo....
I had to laugh out loud at that face,
which softened that fowl look!
Even so, we had a blast. Worked on moving to pressure to turning on the haunches and fore. Back and Whoa. Moving one hoof at a time and placing them. Tolerating one another when I am standing around them--as Eivissa stands for Dovea's grooming with a little ear attitude....but she stood still!
Everyone was so full of themselves, happy and playful so reestablishing the basics was filled with games and laughs before I realized I had been out there for 3 hours and couldn't feel my hands....and remembered I had my camera in my pocket....so all photos were snapped as a couple of quick, but boring after-shots.
Will work on getting the forgetter to remember....and actually capture our work.
I feed in my PJ's in the morning too, but I at least put on a coat and boots! Walking uphill in slippers isn't very easy, I've tried it a few times ;-)
ReplyDeleteVery funny facial expressions, one of my girls challenges has been learning to wait patiently for their turn, and not get jealous in a group. It took some doing, but it can be done See my photos on the blog "New Year RAC" from yesterday, you can see all my girls waiting patiently and nobody is making ugly faces, and I even had a bagful of treats. It took a lot of work, but its possible!
Thanks for the encouragement Michelle. I know that it is possible...but this one thinks she is a diva and makes me laugh so much as I don't take her looks seriously!! I am not sure if she will ever give up the faces....but she has gotten getting much better with the personal space issues this last month. All the hard work is worth every moment and every chuckle.
ReplyDeleteAhh, my slippers are pretty heavy duty, tall like a boot and "for camping" with a lite treaded sole....but slippers all the same so those frozen poops make for rugged terrain which is more difficult for me than the hills!:~)
Love the pictures, though. :) And that expression is priceless. My Dolly gives me that look sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI love that you worked on having them tolerate each other with you present. :)