Wednesday

Wednesday

I completely forgot that yesterday on my morning walk I saw the beaver in the creek quite near the ranch. Also the HMS people did the obstacle course in the arena. This consists of various items: bending through cones, figures of eight round barrels, 360 degree turn in a small square and the L shaped corridor –forward and backward – a good test of spatial awareness as well of horseman ship skills!! Also the gate- which is actually a rope strung between two posts to open and close. Last of all the yellow slicker which you have to rub over the horse and if possible put it on.

Today, Wednesday I managed to both go for a trail ride and do some cattle work too – in pairs or groups we had to move 4 animals up and down the arena with Jeff giving helpful instructions. In the afternoon we went for a ride and then Jeff W did some remedial work with a grey fitly called Stormy. She isn’t very happy about loping with a rider and is quite flighty. Jeff led her from his horse (technical term snubbing it up) and used a stick with a plastic bag attached to both direct her and get her used to a strange thing. Then with a rider but no bridle he did the same and she was trotting reasonably happily. That was enough for one day. We are just getting ready to go to the jail for the program which will probably be the last outdoor one of the season.