Wednesday, March 14, 2007

horsing around

Cliff spent the morning working on the round pen he's building; for those of you who don't know what that is, it's a training pen for horses. 


Sadie and I took our walk early, and then I ponied Libby for well over an hour.  Both yesterday and today, I've taken her up the road and far from home, across plowed fields.  She's doing well, I think.  Since I really haven't figured out how to work her on the lunge line or drive her, I keep ponying her.  I figure it can't hurt.  I once heard a lady preacher say, "Do something, lest ye do nothing".  Leading Libby around the countryside as I ride Blue is my "something".

This evening Arick came back to work on his bronco, and he felt the horse might do better if I rode with him.  So for the second time today, I saddled Blue.  We went all over our 43 acres with Arick alongside us.  His horse acted up a bit, but at least there was no bucking.

This horse Arick is working with acts as though somebody has hit him in the head; in horseman terms, he's "head-shy".  When you reach up to pat his face, he dodges.  So this afternoon I went out, tied him up, and spent ten or fifteen minutes just petting his face... whether he liked it or not!

Yep, I've spent plenty of time today in the company of horses.  Don't be surprised if I start whinnying, as I eat my morning oats.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

It sounds as though your were in horse heaven today.  Nice you could get out and enjoy it.  'On Ya' - ma

Anonymous said...

Hm, I don't hear you complaining, but maybe your hooves need some trimming.

xoxo

Anonymous said...

I would say you were in FINE company!   Anne

Anonymous said...

"Do something, lest ye do nothing".  

I like it!!

~Amy

Anonymous said...

  From the photo of the Paint ... he looks stubborn & excitable.  Good luck & lots of patience.  Blue might be a good influence on him!  I know that you're going to like your round pen!
LOIS

Anonymous said...

  AN AFTERTHOUGHT: Is that a mechanical hackamore on Arick's horse?  That is my preferred "bit".  To keep a horse from getting his head down to buck, I would run a rope from the saddle horn, thru the bridle between the ears, then down on both sides to something in the horse's mouth so he'd snap himself if he put his head down too far.
LOIS

Anonymous said...

I envy you.  Was just reading news on AOL about how there are too many horses in certain states and how the owners can't afford to care for them.  Some are auctioned off for a few bucks or turned loose.  I would love to have a horse, just can't afford to board one.  Linda

Anonymous said...

MOSIE I HAVE TO SAY HOW LUCKY YOU ARE TO HAVE CLIFF :0)))I BET HE CAN DO JUST ABOUT ANYTHING :0))) AND THAT PEN IS SURE LOOKING GOOD AND I HOPE YOU DO A VIDEO WHEN YOU ARE DOING YOUR TRAINING WE SURE WOULD LOVE TO SEE IT :0))))                                       MARIA

Anonymous said...

I would love to have a couple horses.  *sigh*  We have the room (we live on 3 acres) but don't have the money and don't have the slightest idea on how to raise one.  Maybe someday.  I want a goat, a couple ducks, and some rabbits too.  My husband things I'm crazy!  

LORI

Anonymous said...

Oh Donna, you're always horsing around.  :o)

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great way to spend the day!
Lori
http://journals.aol.com/helmswondermom/DustyPages

Anonymous said...

There is nothing better than spending time in the company of horses, unless it is nursing a baby.

Anonymous said...

Round pen? How'll Cliff ever corner you in there. };^D.

Anonymous said...

That husband of yours can build absolutely anything!  
Pam