comfy on gravel/hard packed dirt roads!

Shortly after sunrise, while the western mountains still glowed desert mauve, Taffy and I headed out for a stroll. She walked carefully over our one inch gravel driveway, and comfortably on the road shoulder, with the occasional bobble over a large rock. Taffy now hunts the good footing. As we sauntered along a dirt/gravel road, she drifted to the softer desert footing. She did move well on the hard packed roads, but preferred the give of the shoulder area. Can't blame her! Other barefoot horses I ride do the same. They know what feels good! We cantered a bit, jogged a bunch, and walked at varying speeds. Aside from the wicked wind, it was a gorgeous morning. The wind is worse tonight, with a chance of rain, so the equines have their slickers on (waterproof breathable turnouts). The run in shelter isn't big enough for all 3 at once, so they wear their shelters ;)

I'm thinking my saddle is too long for her. 26 inch skirts.... she kicks out each time we canter for the first time on a ride... Maybe the skirts are irritating her hips?! Or I just have to keep it from sliding back...

note to self- "clunk" in fetlocks at the walk disappears on soft footing. No jar at any other gait.

Still happy hoofies

I did a vertical run with the fine side of the rasp around Taffy's fore toes today- she was beginning to chip off a couple places. I just hadn't done a proper "mustang" roll recently. She is still comfy and happy. I have been sneaking in bareback mini rides here and there. She's a great balance teacher- keeps me centered 'cause if I get off center she moves in response. I love her lightness. just ask nicely with a whisper of seat, leg or rein and she'll do it! My posture is improving. Her back muscles are amazing- I haven't felt such strength on any other horse I've ridden bareback. Happy mama.

Two rides in 3 days :-)

Taffy happily hopped into M's trailer on Thursday morning. We rode in the southern Cerbat Mts. N of Ft Beale rd. Rabbits, quail and a whole herd of deer punctuated our trek through the desert hills. Taffy was a good girl. We went booted on fronts only, no problems! One slightly scraped hind heel is all- bag balm made it better.

Today we rode from home, and she was feeling so good about 15 minutes in to the ride I cued for a lope. I got a kick out! I felt her bunch under me, and was ready when she threw her hinds up. I made sure she got some extra work for that. Not long after, she wanted to jig, so I halfpassed her at the trot both ways for a while. Then she decided to just walk. The rest of the ride was terrific. Still riding bitless. It works great for trail riding. She never felt tenderfooted at all (rode with front boots).

I think she is picking up some weight over the topline. Ribs still showing through her fuzzy fur- I am feeding more beet pulp with the Integrity adult/senior formula (no molasses!) She is getting psyllium every morning, in case her scrounging habits have contributed to sand in the gut.

irresistible

I had fun with some white face paint... Taffy does not have a star, just a snip... but it looks cute, doesn't it?

More 5 month progress video

Video 5 months+1wk... awesome

I don't think I've mentioned that Taffy has not been medicated prior to any of the videos on this blog. She is still slightly tender when she steps on a piece of gravel on hard footing. (only a couple of my horses haven't done this- the TB! and the Rocky x.- funny, it was the geldings...)
Here we go...

Hot to trot....!

I adjusted Taffy's trim again.... a day later she was eager to kick up her heels and RACE around the perimeter of our property. She didn't take a sore step in 20 minutes of energetic prancing and dancing, bolting and snorting. I love how she is respectful of me on the ground even when she is "Hot". Never pins her ears at me. At one point she was coming toward me, I put up my arms to block her, and she did her best cutting horse impression, bouncing left, right, left, then wheeling around and taking off the opposite direction. She sure loves to play!

Her hooves certainly look awfully short compared to last May... Amazingly, I have only taken off a small amount of flaky sole since the first trim. I just keep the walls and bars down, and tidy the frog as needed... Amazing! Time for new pictures and measurements. Stay tuned!
I still see the toe first thing during a slow walk- but not at a faster walk, and not when she wears boots. Sometimes it's just a small hitch in the fetlock motion.