When it's been so long that you don't know where to start so you wait even longer making the whole thing worse…(pictures of random pretty things just to break up the story)
So Mercury came home and settled in, but was anxious and into everything. I figured nice walks around the property, just asking him to listen, then some trail walks, would be a good start. He also had to let me brush him and pick him feet, not his favorite as he had to stand still!
Everything went well for awhile. Until it didn't. Mercury was very annoyed at me didn't want to walk on a lead like a real pony, and tried biting, and eventually on one walk he reared. I still made the bad mistake to get on, thinking it was OK (WTF? was I thinking) when he reared with me on him then bolted off. Oh boy, I looked for a nice place to land and decided that weeds and grass were better than trees and bailed. But kept a hold of those damn reins! Back at the stable we worked in the round pen, he had no interest in listening, and I decided I needed some serious help. The next day I called the trainer. She was great, diagnosed some big holes, and I had her take him.
I went to check his progress every few weeks, he did great for her, but damn if we weren't oil and water, still being so pushy and not liking my correction. I had to decide if this was a battle I wanted to fight. After a few months at the trainer, I decided I didn't.
I feel like I failed him when I asked the trainer to sell him. He was great for her and found a new home quickly, where he will mostly be a pasture friend for a few years till he grows up more. I think that is a good outcome. And what did I learn: don't make decisions on a new horse when you are still so sad over your old one.
And I'm still so sad. My kitty Wesley does make me smile! I keep busy with swimming and I ride my friend's horse and now have a short-term lease for the winter/spring (more on that situation in another post). I'm hoping that will help me out, spending time with a horse that is a pretty good citizen but just needs some rides. I just need more time, never enough time…
Thanks for posting, I was wondering how you were doing. It sounds like you made a good decision and I hope that you find a true horse partner in the future.
ReplyDelete🥰Finding a great match is so hard and it’s good to let your heart heal. Much of the greatness is in the process, as we don’t always recognize it at first sight. Like climbing a mountain, focus on just the next step.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see a post from you, though sorry things didn't quite work out with the new guy. The short-term lease sounds like a nice arrangement and more saddle time is always good for the soul!
ReplyDeleteThanks for giving us an update. I have been thinking about you. Please don't think you failed Mercury. You made the right decision for both of you. When the sun falls from the sky, it takes time to believe there can be light again. I hope you enjoy your rides this winter and may you find peace in unexpected places.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and hoping for an update on your horse endeavors. I just started writing my horse memoirs on my blog. Click on my picture to see it.
ReplyDeleteIt's never an easy search, when you've experienced that special bond...
ReplyDeleteI meant click on my picture to see it From the UK to California
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