Yesterday all of a sudden I was overwhelmed with joy at the very thought that a horse follows a human at the end of a little rope!
I was walking Montana on the road. There were puddles of ice and clods of frozen mud, cars coming and going on a busy Sunday afternoon, various horse incompetences had been witnessed by us both.
Such as: 15 year old girl riding bareback in her sock feet, as her fresh horse who had not worked in 2 weeks cantered disunited all around amongst 4 other horses under saddle in the not very huge arena. "Are you OK?", I asked. "Yes we are in our walk warmup", she replied. ??? "Where are your shoes?", says stupid me. "I don't need them because I am riding bareback."
Such as: No hay in the pastures for several days. The horses all had muddy noses from rooting in the winter earth for any shred of nourishment. (I am so afraid I am going to have to find another boarding situation - things are unraveling on the hay front here.)
But still, Montana is mincing along right at my shoulder. When he is happy, his feet hardly touch the ground - there's a cushion of air under him. And all 1100 pounds of him just allows itself to be led along, oh-dee-do-do, when he could so easily rip that rope out of my hands and go anywhere else. It's kind of a miracle really. Horses and people, even stupid people: why do they put up with us?
10 comments:
I think Montana is really happy to be home and that he loves and respects you and your space. No shoes, because I'm riding bareback? That's a new one. Love the pictures, hope they get a hay delivery soon.
200,000 bales sat in the barn on the farm here. Shame about transport costs.
Love the logic, bareback = no shoes. Lots of "interesting" logic at our farm too.
I still find it a miracle that Zo allows me to ride her with all my novicy confusion and faults. 450kg of muscle with an attitude problem looks after me...how come? Why? What did I do to deserve this loyalty? How come she chose me to be her owner? Every day I am still in awe that she accepts me into her life.
GreyHorse: Thanks you, Montana does seem happy and was mistaken for a 3-year old (he's 15) last week!
c2b: I love hearing from Zoe about how you come out to ride at ought-thirty to avoid the 'amusement' of some other boarders. And yes, such a miracle that our horses are so kind, even when naughty.
I think I dont deserve my horse at times, but then she reminds me that she loves me anyway.
The rope thing is so true...
I hope to hear your boarding situation improves soon!
MIne is sorting itself out in two weeks. yipeee.
Thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving a message. I have very much enjoyed reading yours and would like to return to see how you handle the Minnesota winter. We live in the NW, but in a valley that shelters us, if you will, from most of the severe cold. I love the expressions on the faces of your ponies.
I'm such a sucker for the schnozzle pic--even when it's not a shot you meant to take. Your boys look so cute in their winter coats!
Personally, if I'm going to ride bareback, I do the full Amazon. Who's got the patience for half measures like leaving just your shoes off?
here in montana.. :) i was working on some ground work/leading today with gazi.. amazing what the right communication/ horse speak can do.
happy trails
gp in montana where where we were snowed in three weeks ago, but it's 66 here today! :)
Jocelyn: Are you moving your horses home? Can't wait to hear more about the change.
SaddleMountain: Your blog describes a beautiful horse situation and my dream. I look forward to checking in often and seeing how your winter goes. The idea of a family farm is just so delightful and such memories as you must have!
3PennyJane: You crazy Amazon you. It will soon be on YouTube if you do it. We live in a fishbowl now. The errant sock-rider got chewed out today; there's no barn rule about shoes but "common sense" still has weight.
Manker: Montana! My dream state of residence. Ground work always amazes me. At our barn it is kinda frowned upon, as all problems must be 'ridden out', but I love it. To just open that line of communication and keep it going, seems so very beneficial. Your weather! Ours is just gradually shutting down into winter...
What gorgeous horses! Love the palomino:)
Jennifer, thanks so much and thank you for stopping by! Johnnie is a pure joy to be around as long as you don't let him steal your hat.
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