Slightly Damp Blankets

After what felt like an eternity without seeing the horses--Lynn and I went riding on Saturday. She called and said we needed "wet blankets" and to be "ahorseback" and I agreed. I had not had my horse fix for two weeks.

When I arrived at her house, she had already caught Indy and Star. After sharing carrots with everyone, I immediately set to brushing Indy. He seemed to wince whenever I brushed near his hip. I called Lynn over and she said maybe I was tickling him--after she looked at him, she decided to catch the baby (whom we're trying to call Ziggy) and turn out Indy.

She wrapped up his foot, which looks really good now, and said we would just stay on the road so no sticks or anything would bother him. I took off my crupper and the breast collar and saddled Star. It sure is fast to get someone ready when you only have one thing to cinch up. (:

We drove to the Hennessey and Star bridled easily--another pleasure I don't usually have. I elected to go without spurs since I don't really know how to use them, and we set off. It was my first time on Star. He walked much slower than he usually does, but he did respond when I asked him to pick it up. He was testing me, I'm sure. He got very excited when we didn't take our usual trails and we stayed on the road. I am sure he thought we were going to be doing something new and exciting; but then, he would recognize that we were still on the same road and his ears would relax and he would slow down again.

We only rode to the top and back, but it was new for me being on the "smooth" horse. It doesn't really matter to me where we ride or who I'm on--I just want to be "ahorseback." Riding is never boring--even on a road. Thankfully, Ziggy did well and when Lynn took off his bandage, his foot was fine. He's ready again. Now we are waiting for the farrier--darn him. Doesn't he realize how important he is in our lives?