(I'm a bit scattered with too many thoughts, and no coherent story to them. Instead of putting off another week, here is a rough update.)
Under smoky skies I brought home Mercury. He is a 3.5 year old mustang, and very much a project. At his old place I took him on the trails a couple times, quite forward and brave. Sticky and testy in the arena, needing some serious skills upgrades. And so very baby mouthy! Argh! (That is also why there aren't many pictures. He is either in your face or trying to eat something…)
backlit roan makes for terrible pictures
The old stable I'd been at for all my time owning Major abruptly closed, which was another stress point! I found a quiet backyard stable, with trail access, that will work for now. We've been doing some calm hand walking, just learning some new skills in a new place. I'm looking for a trainer who can come to me for some more help, as I don't have all the skills to manage a horse this young and green!
Since I'm not riding Mercury yet I'm still enjoying my time riding Beau, he is a good reminder of why I like to ride. Incredibly honest boy, we have a fun time exploring the trails while his mom deals with her health concerns. A true win-win situation.
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| gifted Beau a new biothane bridle in his mom's favorite color |
It'll be a long while before me and Mercury can really hit the trails, so I'm also still looking for an older horse, probably Arab, that I can do more with right now. WTF? I don't know, and maybe that won't work, but not doing long adventures on my own horse is a hole in my life I'd like to try and fill.
Having another horse and riding too has not made losing Major any easier. I have multiple very bad days a week, where the memories come too close and are overwhelming. And I just roll with it and be very sad and keep moving forward. Sometimes there is even more stress (the Auburn, CA Bridge fire was too close for comfort, we were packed and ready to go) but then there is Wesley, who reminds us all that a cereal box can really be all we need in a moment, and makes me smile.
Wishing you the best of luck with your new horse !!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
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ReplyDeleteGlad to see you back and the new guy is gorgeous! Handwalking on trail is a great way to build the bond, once the basic groundwork is there. The more miles the better as he starts to look to you for input. It will absolutely translate to the saddle in time. I did it for a year when my stud colt was 3 and I would absolutely do it all over again. Sometimes I miss those times we walked together like a herd of 2, but now Im so addicted to his canter that I very rarely hoof it alongside him. Enjoy this moment!
Thanks. At least I’m getting in better shape with the hiking too! I did that a lot with Major, it’s fun, just wish it wasn’t so hot and dusty.
DeleteGlad you've got the horsey bases covered for the moment. So looking forward to following your journey with Mercury!! It will all come together in time. Fire and hurricane seasons can't end soon enough I think - stay safe ❤️
ReplyDeleteThank you! Yes, you stay safe, both left and right coasts are having a year of it…
DeletePS where did you find that stellar kitty toy I mean cardboard box with holes?!
ReplyDeleteHa, he loves that damn cheap toy, it came free with my Modcat litter box! (Which is a great box, if pricey) The cardboard is a bit chewed up now but an excellent toy.
DeleteGroovy design - just ordered one! Thanks for the recommendation. Possibly as excited about the holey cardboard as the box lol.
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for you, and wonder how often you have to yell "Shut up Wesley" when the cat is hungry.
ReplyDeleteThat is exactly why Wesley has his name. He is quite annoying and loud, gets in the way, just like Ensign Wesley Crusher! Shut up Wesley is a common refrain around here, said lovingly of course!
DeleteI'm smiling so huge and my heart is so happy for you right now <3 Enjoy making new horse memories
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