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Saturday, June 16, 2012

indulgence

I ask Major to do a lot of things. Some basic, like ground manners, and some tough, like navigating over rocks carefully. I think a good trail horse has to listen to their rider, but also have a good bit of autonomy. I have to just trust him sometimes, nitpicking down the trail is not my thing.

We did a quick ride to Granite Bay before the weekend of scorching temperatures. He wasn't super enthusiastic heading out, leaving breakfast behind, and being a bit bored of the same trail (me too). So when we headed home I let him choose. We trotted and cantered, walked over rocks, I didn't really say anything, he made good decisions. At a three way trail intersection, he chose the path down to the lake, not towards home. He waded in, took in the view, ate wet weeds, seemed pretty content. It isn't much of an indulgence, but for everything he does for me, I don't mind the detour.


He also took a different scenic trail, barely used, don't know why, but he wanted to. Maybe he wanted a different view. Trotting quickly along we did almost run down a poor, confused ground squirrel, that made me laugh (sorry squirrel).


I guess I also had to indulge him after the flymask episode. He has a regular mask, but gets a sunburned nose. I was wondering aloud about a long-nose mask, and B at the ranch had one I could try. We put it on Major, and couldn't stop laughing. He was not amused. His big ears didn't fit, they were squished, and he had them laid back (he really never lays his ears back!) His poofy pitiful forelock was pulled through the hole, but it looked even more ridiculous. Sorry Major.


After all that torture, he gets all weekend off, as it is over 100 degrees, my car thermometer read 105 in the shade. I don't need to do that kind of heat training! But Major got a special treat, a carrot popsicle! He was a bit suspicious, but I think he'll eat it all up.






8 comments:

  1. I think it's great to let a horse have some say in the decisions along the trail. I do this a lot with my boy too. I think it's important for them to know you trust them and giving them a choice at times makes it FUN for them too. :)
    We have several horses at my barn that wear the long masks. I'm sure they do a good job at protecting the face, but I always have to laugh too....because I think it makes them look like an ant-eater LOL...
    I love the carrot-popsicle face....how cute!!

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    1. An ant-eater, that's it! I think I'll just get him some sunscreen.

      He does have fun when he gets to choose, I like to trust him that much. Sounds like you do with your horse too.

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  2. I think letting them make decisions strengthens the bond. Trust works both ways. Your boy has THE most expressive face I've ever seen. I love it!
    I'm trialing a Solstice next week, can't wait for it to come. I hope it works for Taj.

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    1. I like that, trust works both ways. A much more succinct way to sum up my babbling post!

      Good luck with the Solstice. It is so comfy and secure, it just keeps causing issues for Major. Personally I love it.

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  3. For some reason the fly mask photo cracks me up. I'm all about letting horses make decisions within reason.

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    1. We couldn't stop laughing at the fly mask, Major was pissed.

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