Wizard Ride 192 & 193: Truffling
Thursday, 10/21/10
Somewhere, I read that the word “truffling” describes the rhythmic purring sound that horses make when they are exercising. I notice a lot of truffling horses at the track in the mornings, but I’ve seen riding horses truffle as well. I rode Wizard on the trails on Thursday and he was a truffling fool. Purr, purr, purr! Unfortunately, our ride was cut short because we saw a herd of deer cross our path (Wizard watched brightly and bravely- good boy!) and then BLAM! Gunshots in the woods. Way too close for comfort. So we truffled right back to the barn! I finished the ride in the indoor arena, just doing some simple patterns and exercises at the trot.
Saturday, 10/23/10
Rode in the indoor arena at night after a wonderful day in Far Hills, NJ at The Hunt. Wizard did not ride well- he was a little distracted and not great on his feet. I felt him stumble slightly a few times. We did light walk, trot, and canter work and he was responsive but not at his best.
I gave him a few days off and then rode again on Wednesday night- that ride was also cut short because he’s feeling a little under the weather. He did not have a high fever and he’s still eating well, but I’m giving him a little time off while he gets better.
Rock and Racehorses: The Blog 
My horses both do something I call “singing” — it seems like what you describe, a noise made by a happy working beast. It sounds like one long, continuous groan, but it rises and falls in pitch so I call it singing. They only do it when they’re very happy and working through their backs. 🙂 My friend’s horse, who is similar in breeding to both of mine, does it too, but I haven’t heard many others that do!
That is so cute! I don’t know if I’ve ever heard “singing”- the truffling I hear is a rhythmic snort and Thoroughbreds seem to do it a little more than most breeds. One of my favorite sounds ever. Now I need to listen for a “singer”!
Hey Sarah! I emailed you about a month ago looking to see if you could come and take some pictures of my older guy in MD. He’s 25 now and I’ve had him since he was 3 (and I was 14, yikes!). Not sure if you got my email or not, so I thought I’d post here.
Thanks!
Liz