I have always liked my horses 14.2-15 hands for getting on and off. As I've got older 15 hands was a bit much, 14.3 possible but not good for the horse when ground mounting. But the spotted wonder is easy for the on & off at 14.1 (squeaking past pony size there a little).
Her hooves are still transitioning. Hoof walls are still thin (by our standards) . The angle is fitting into her boots "better" though not as perfect as I'd like. She still is lacking in concavity on the fronts. A flatter footed mare you will not see. The transition of the hoof and well fitted boots are crucial to a full fledged exercise protocol.
Spent some time this afternoon re-watching Chris Martin's Goober Glue video (actually Easycare's Goober video) and application of the glue to the sole and frog as that may be necessary to protect her from bruising. I guess that would be a minor goal to shoot for, just getting her custom fitted on the front the next really dry "warmish" day off.
Winter projects:
- Trotting in hand. She just plain won't. I taught this to Phebes as a youngster, and she caught on really quick. It isn't a lack of impulsion, she just doesn't seem to understand what I want. If I get her moving she wants to move in a circle. Maybe she is a CTR horse at heart. *LOL* If I tap her she gets ticked off and we unravel. So I'll have to put on my thinking hat, or someone elses thinking hat.
- The electric pen. I could be wrong, but I have a feeling she is going to want to push through it to get back to the herd. She's in electric here, but she is with the herd.
- Journaling her weight and mileage.
- Transition either to a nose band configuration that is bitless, and/or the snaffle. Lida has loaned us a jointed Mylar snaffle that has a nose band on it. Works independently on each side, and two rings for reins, one giving a little more control than the other. We'll see.
- Trailer loading. She does, but her little brain is saying out. It creates a hazard as well as makes coming and going more stressful than it needs to be. I just have to set aside a day to DO IT.
I suppose I should choose one of them.
Smokey would trot either and I did two things. Had a friend encourage him from behind while I was leading. Then I lead him with another horse that will trott. I often lead two horses.
ReplyDeleteI suspect he will respect the electric. Can you travel with phebes too?