The tornado watch in Ocala fizzled out into a Wind Advisory. Unfortunately the weather was bad enough to cancel the Florida Horse Park’s schooling day, which was a disappointment. Kelly Damp arrived to ride her Zephyr and Thunder had a last schooling jump before his owner arrives tomorrow. Everyone schooled at home except Benny. Somebody got a bit too playful and Benny has lost the hair from a big patch on his back under the saddle. It’s not broken the skin, but there is no doubt some bruising around it. He is having time off until we are sure that the saddle is not going to cause him any discomfort. He is SUCH a sweet natured boy, I would hate him to feel uncomfortable under saddle.
Rummy, however, had a big day. After two weeks of hacking on a long rein, he was allowed to trot around in the field while other horses schooled jumping and worked all around him. He is still on a long rein, but starting to make circles and turns smoothly and without any argument. I was impressed with his ability to mind his own business. Only a few weeks ago he would have had a hard time listening to his rider with so much activity around him. He was so good that Selena let him pop over a couple of little cross rails and of course he was a superstar. Completely calm and unflustered as though he had been jumping cross rails for weeks. By the way, those are Solo’s ears in that video. I recognize those cute little pointy ears.
Woody is doing lots of suppling and enjoying himself. He did not mind that he didn’t have to go and do his dancing test practice. He and Anne Marie had a little snuggle instead.
Here in the far north, the ice rain came with a vengeance and my driveway in Canada is about three inches of heavy icy slush. Virtually no one has been to the farm except valiant Tori Morgan, who ran the place single-handed today. No turnout for the horses as the paddocks are a dangerous mix of snow covered ice. They get out in the indoor arena to each take a turn of stretching their legs and having a good roll throughout the day. Tonight we are meant to get rain so who knows what kind of a winter mess the fields will be in tomorrow.
They tell me it’s going to be an early and warm spring…bring it on.
