Spring was just coming into being when the temperatures at Balsam Hall took a dive. We had been turning a couple of horses out at night, but with rain, cold, wind and thunderstorms, overnight turnout is back on hold. The didn’t stop us being able to do trot sets outside. It’s such a joy to be able to go out and trot and canter in the big open spaces. I am hoping the temperatures will not refreeze the sand.
Today we had two horses working their way through elevated poles at walk and trot. One is a four-year-old TB mare who was terribly clever and worked the raised poles out really quickly. The other is an older TB mare who is coming back off a stifle injury a few months ago. We have been extra careful with her and she looks wonderful. They both got tired fairly quickly but they enjoyed themselves. I love thoroughbreds.
The thoroughbreds in Ocala are making incredible progress. It was well worth the cost of taking them south to see them so confident and relaxed about hacking and working amongst other horses. In this short video of Rummy, he is being ridden by Angie Huber whom he has never met before. I am so impressed at how relaxed and rhythmic he is with a new rider, it shows a huge shift in his confidence level and a much better understanding of his new job.
In the photo, Benny is out on a group hack and shows quite clearly why he did not flourish on the racetrack. He really does NOT care whether the other horses are in front or not. He is quite happy in his own little space, thank you very much.
