A good horse day

What a year for storms. It's gotten so that I schedule my day around the weather forecast. For example, yesterday they said thunderstorms in the afternoon, so I did all I could before then. First I worked Drifter as I needed new photos and videos for someone who is interested in him. I haven't worked him for about a month so he was a little bit fresh on the longeline but more like happy-to-be-doing-something fresh than anything. He settles down so quickly and is so willing.

My niece was taking phone photos for me.

This one made me giggle- doing the bunny hop!

He longed beautifully once he settled into work mode. 

My right arm doesn't work so well due to torn muscles so that's why I was using my left. I had to save my right for swinging the rope. 

After the rope work and longeing bitted up he did so well that I asked my niece if she wanted to get on him. Of course she did!

Please note that I did not turn her loose on him- no helmet, boots with too much tread and inexperienced rider meant the she would be on the lead line. Drifter did well with her mounting, just twitched an ear and balanced himself. 

I was pretty happy with Drifter, he shows that he has a good mind and a willingness to learn. I really hope that I can get him to the right home. I will keep you updated on that!

After that it was ride Gussie to the river. My niece rode there and I rode back. The river is really nice now, so I took Gussie in to stirrup deep.

As always she was happy to turn around and head for shore.

When we got back it was Moondance's turn. I'm happy to say that he pretty much just stepped right into the trailer and happily munched his ration while we groomed him. But then when it was time to step out.... well he had to ponder that!

Oh! Look how far down it is!

He has unloaded at least 4 times without giving it that much consideration... 

I had to laugh, he would put one toe out- no ground!!!! pull it back, think about it, try again a few minutes later- still no ground!!!!! 

Thinking....

After about 4 of those he decided that the last 4 times weren't flukes and the ground really was still there and anyway he was thirsty for mama milk darn it all!

A couple hours later we had one heck of a thunderstorm as predicted. I sat in the barn watching and listening. The horses weren't in the least bit concerned about the rumbling and booming right overhead.  I made sure to feed them all in their shelters. Although Jayne still isn't comfortable with being all the way in the shelter with Belle, there is enough of an overhang on the sides of the building that she can get out of the rain and weather. 

Riding day 26