For the past few years, Tex has been hanging with Flash in one pasture, and the mares were in another pasture. With the arrival of Luek, and the need to manage the seniors (Flash and Pistol) differently, we did some pasture shuffling. As a result, Tex now hangs out in a pasture with Luek and Lucy. This is the pasture that I clean, morning and night. So, I have been working with Tex when I go into the pasture to clean. To earn a cookie, he needs to stand still — without flinching or stepping away — when I approach. I can now walk up to him, at a normal pace, and scratch his withers while he stands still and looks at me with soft eyes. He is shedding, so I spend some time rubbing off his loose hair while he crunches his cookie. He is beginning to enjoy the grooming, instead of just tolerating it. I’m not sure that he’ll ever be like Lucy who searches me out while I’m mucking, places her body between me and the muck cart, and expects a massage. But, I’ll take this.
Sometimes, I take Tex out and groom him while he grazes on our native bluegrass and clover. I haven’t had much time to ride, since I have been spending most of my time in the garden. But, now the garden is where I want it to be, and I can ride.
Although we got Luek with the idea that he would be my horse, it is turning out that he is mostly Brett’s horse. Brett has ridden him a couple times now and really likes him (who wouldn’t). Luek is very solid, level headed, and not inclined to race off and do anything unexpected. He and Brett enjoy playing silly games together and have definitely bonded. Brett rides Luek in his western saddle and Luek looks stunning. Of course, he looks stunning in anything.
Me? I’d rather ride Tex. I am enjoying this journey with him and the challenge of it too. Luek isn’t a challenge to ride, other than the challenge of keeping him forward. That, to me, isn’t fun. I’ve always loved sensitive, forward horses. Tex isn’t reactive like Lucy, and his biggest issue is relaxation and trust, but he is sensitive and we are making great progress. I have learned that the journey of developing a horse is what I most love to do.
Brett has been mowing the back pasture this past week, which is not being used due to poor fencing issues, and it looks beautiful. This morning, I opened the gate to the pasture before we rode. After a short warm up in the arena, where Brett got more confident on Luek, we headed up into the beautiful meadow that is that pasture.
Even though I’m 60, I remember the feeling of racing around a meadow on horseback from when I was 17. Back then, I was riding bareback and I slid off a fair amount, doing stupid stuff like trying to jump logs. But it was a joyful, happy thing. Tex is not an arena horse. It makes him tense. So, I thought he might enjoy a romp in the meadow. He did. We both did. We worked on walk-trot transitions and he even offered me some canter. We had fun.
And isn’t that the whole point, really?
The nature that surrounds your place is beautiful. Looks like an English park almost, a place to ride your horses, for sure. I think you and Tex will enjoy this summer working together.
ReplyDeleteI hadn’t thought about it looking like an English park but you’re right, it does (on a smaller scale of course).
DeleteTex has come a long, long way. I’m sure he feels the joy, too—even if he’s not as expressive. Some horses are not meant for the arena—it’s good you know that about him and honor it. I bet that goes a long way with his trust in you.
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