Groomin’ and Grazin’
Wednesday, 9/16/09
The horsey advice books always tell riders to take a day off from riding and just spend time with their horses. I had a tack cleaning extravaganza on Tuesday night so I took the opportunity to let my saddles soak up a little more Lederbalsam and gave Selena and Wizard a good grooming and some grazing time.
Selena is such a sweet mare. She nickered when I arrived (probably was really saying, “APPLE! I SEE APPLE!”) and playfully arranged my hair for me while I groomed her.
It is good to take a day off to check the overall condition of the horses. Selena is gaining muscle and fitness- it’s a wonderful thing. Wizard, on the other hand, looks like he dropped a few pounds. It is not enough to cause concern but it was noticeable enough for me to take a mental note of it. I turned Wizard out in the indoor arena and he trotted and played for about 15 minutes. I had to reschedule my farrier appointment for a 5-week interval because both horses’ feet grew so much. I’m watching the weather for tomorrow. So far, it looks like a good day for a ride and a hike.
Rock and Racehorses: The Blog 
Your comment about Selena is so sweet. It reminds me of my mare when I had her boarded. I haven’t had much time to devote to them other than cleaning stalls and turnout lately. It seems like I spent more time with them when they were boarded somewhere else.
I noticed our gelding has dropped a little weight. I suspect some may be from the transition from his summer to winter coat as well as the slightly cooler weather. I am surprised as he has been inside most of the day with our mare for the past few months. It always puts that thought in the back of your mind though when you start seeing even a tiny bit of weight loss.
Your blog entries are great. Keep taking those amazing pictures and having lots of fun with Selena and Wizard.
Apple!!!! Sophie’s the same way…especially when she sees Craig, I think because he’s *never* done more than lead her around. I feel like my horse’s need their feet done every four weeks in the summer. And can I say it’s unbelievable that early September you were wearing a tank top and a couple posts ago you were wearing long sleeves! It’s 92 here…long sleeves are unimaginable.
Yeah Stephanie, things move pretty fast this time of year for sure! Sweaters and tank tops are needed, sometimes both in the same week. Hope things cool off for you soon.
Matt- thanks for stopping by! I remember Alibar always losing a few pounds in September as well so I’ll just keep an eye on things.
In today’s life of tight schedules, battered budgets and too many choices, it was wonderful to read about your conscious choice to focus on caring for your riding equipment and simply enjoying the company of your horses. Instead of looking at cleaning our riding equipment as a chore, you sounded serenely meditative about it. What a great perspective! I hope your dear Wizard is well. Taking those few hours to simply enjoy being around your horses is clearly what made noticing his weight loss possible. Perhaps we should enjoy a periodic day of Grooming and Grazing…