Working those furry butts

Yesterday after work I headed south to where my ponies currently reside. I plan anything specifically; I just wanted to work both Layla and Zeplin. Weather in the mid 80s with moderate humidity was a definite improvement over the extended heat wave and high humidity of a couple weeks ago.

I took my time grooming each horse, using several brushes to dig out the grime and polish their sleek coats. Zeplin stretched out with a rapturous look on his silly face, urging me to ease the worst of his itches. Layla allowed my ministrations but did not relax until I started singing softly and applied the softest body brush along her long neck and back.

The late afternoon stretched into evening as I combed out knotted manes and tails. Layla's mane was impossible to untangle without any type of product, so I merely tidied what I could. Both were saddled and then worked individually.

I asked both Layla and Zeplin to canter a lot on the longeline. We were all a dripping, sweaty mess by the time we finished, but I had a chance to observe their gaits and attitudes.

Layla and I need plenty of time together to bond. Zeplin oozes confidence, but he still isn't sure he really wants to commit to serious effort or if he just wants to play. Mental maturity (if such a thing can be acheived by a gelding!) will help stabilize his goofy streak and cement our partnership. I'm certainly looking forward to endless hours riding my lovely Ay-rab mounts!

Here is some footage I took on my phone a different day when I longed Layla. I tried the same day to record some of Zep's session, but he required more attention and both hands to keep his silly feet moving.

Arab picket line

Anyone feel like riding an Arab?

These lovely ponies are ready and waiting! Operators are standing by, so call now!!

A chip off the old block

Yesterday, I posted about Josh, my friend Jane's new trail mount. While we were at the residence of his owner, Mike, we also met two of Josh's sons. Both geldings are out of SF Asmaru-Jabask, a double *Bask-bred mare.

I wasn't able to get a good picture of the younger brother, Lightning (Bint Lightning Safire). Here is the picture I have:

I did, however, get quite a few pictures of Fadjur (Joshuas Fadjur Bask) while Jane and Mike were messing with Josh. Fadjur wasn't keen on having Josh out of the barn.

"Where are you taking my dad?"

"What are you doing with him?"

"I do NOT approve of this!!!"

"Are you paying attention to me??!!"

"You humans are soooo heartless!"

You can watch the drama unfold right here (you can also see Josh, the grey, in this video):

Another new face

I love to discuss the stories of the interesting horses I meet. Recently, i added another character to the list. His name is Shoguns Joshua Fadjur+ (Josh). For those of you unfamiliar with Arabian horse honors, the plus sign (+) behind his name indicates that he is a Legion of Merit recipient. In Josh's case, the points racked up at Arabian Horse Association-sanctioned events to earn this honor were all in endurance. This incredible gelding (former stallion) has knocked out over 4000 competetion miles!

Josh is retired from endurance now. I met him when my friend Jane and I visited his owner's place to look at the horses he had available for sale. Mike, the owner, first obtained Josh when he was a yearling. Mike trained him and competed with him for many years. Later on, Mike sold Josh to a lady in Colorado who competed in endurance. The situation did not work out, and the woman wanted Mike to take back Josh (whom she gelded before dropping him off in Iowa for Mike to get).

Jane has been looking for a new trail mount since she sold her Tennessee Walking Horse, Destie. Destie's stride was just too large for Jane's bad back, so she decided to try to find an easier ride.

Josh enjoyed being the center of attention, just like he had been back in his endurance days!

Josh had not been ridden in quite awhile, and he was excited to get out. First Mike, then Jane, then I each took a quick spin on him around the property.

Jane felt immediately comfortable on his stout back, and she informed us that his walk didn't jostle her back in the slightest.

There could just be something here!

Of course, Mike and Josh will always have a strong bond after years of training and competing together.

The only remaining concern was an issue of Josh's soundness. He sustained an injury that resulted in a chipped bone in his leg. Mike and Jane agreed to have a heavy (220+ lb) man put some miles on Josh over the weekend to see how he fared.

Today, Jane informed me that Josh passed his 10 mile "test" with flying colors. He's coming home with her!!! Congratulations, Jane!!

IDNNAC!!!

I Do Not Need Another Cat!!!

As mentioned in a previous post, I already have three (formerly indoor) cats living at the barn where the horses are boarded. I also have one fat Chunka Lunka at the house. Do I need any more feline companions? Do I need any more mouths to feed?

Apparently, to the squatter pictured below, the answer to both questions is yes:

I don't remember the first time I saw her, but she grew bolder and bolder. She went from sneaking around the other cats to steal some food to brazenly hanging out at the barn all day and begging me at mealtimes. Now she never leaves! She follows me around, purring in a smug, self-satisfied fashion. I even saw her cozying up to Chyornee, my eldest cat!

Do I have **free meal ticket** stamped all over me?

A few horse pictures

Just wanted to share a few July pictures. Not much to say, so enjoy!