On Friday evening Henry got his feet done by the new farrier. He’s a really good boy about his feet, so he kept getting lots of cookies and “sweethearts” from the farrier for his good behavior. In return he kept trying to lick/nibble on the farrier’s back and neck to dispense more cookies. They got along great and his feet look much better already.
On Saturday morning I was feeling particularly masochistic so I decided to go on the weekly 35-mile bike ride that my fiance leads. I hate the route (hills are stupid, and there’s always a ridiculous headwind) so I’ve vehemently resisted going, plus since I’ve been riding the horse a lot more I’ve had very little time to ride the bike. Hence I’m pretty darn out of shape at the moment. I thought for sure I’d get left behind pretty quickly but I managed to hang in there and stay towards the front of the group of men, all of whom ride regularly and are in great shape. Walking was tough afterward and I almost puked a few times, but pffft minor details.
This was one of the rare days that SO and I have off together, so after our bike ride we went to brunch and then over to the soon-to-be-new barn since they were having a show out there. We didn’t stay long because it was just so hot and we were already pretty beat, but it was nice to have the opportunity to show him around the new place. Then we went home and collapsed in front of Netflix to watch some of the new season of Orange Is The New Black before heading to his sister’s place for dinner. All in all a very nice albeit mostly non-horsey day.
Sunday I headed out to the barn around 9 to try to avoid the worst of the heat. Nice plan, but it was still hot and SUPER humid. We’re used to hot around here but the humidity is strange for us and really awful. When I got there Henry was standing in his stall covered in sweat despite his fan. I also noticed that all the sudden he’s shedding like crazy, which is kinda weird considering he was body clipped in the winter and does not look like he has any coat to spare. Guess his body is throwing all the non-essentials overboard in this heat.
This was just from 1/4 of him!
He was not surprisingly a little dull in the crossties but once I got on he perked up and worked well. I picked up some little nubby spurs on Friday just to try them out, since carrying a whip seems to just make him really tense and over-reactive. Spurs went over much better and he actually got the hell off my left leg… novel concept. Side note: WHY ARE THERE NO SPUR STRAPS THAT MATCH MY BOOTS? Two tack shops, 4 different brands of brown, and they’re all either super red or super chocolate. Boo. My OCD can’t take this, it’s making me so twitchy.
Poor Henry was super hot when we were done so we walked all over the property then I hosed him for a while before dousing him in a liniment brace. I had a little more time to kill and there was no one around, so I took him out behind the barn and let him loose to graze. It’s always so funny to see his expression when I do this… he thinks he’s escaping and being so delightfully naughty, not realizing that I let him go on purpose.
Henry and my dog, Stewie
Then I did a little Sunday Funday afternoon project. I’ll post more details about it sometime this week, but here’s a picture hint!
All in all it was a good weekend with a nice balance of pony time and personal time. Boo, Monday.
So honestly, how was Orange is the New black? I had meh feelings by the end of season 1.
LikeLike
It’s ok. I’m not jumping and up and down excited over it but it’s enjoyable enough to watch. I find Piper a lot less annoying so far in this season but it’s feeling a little slow, too.
LikeLike
Haha, I was about to start the new season… but got addicted to re-watching Prison Break instead. I can only handle one behind bars show at a time!
LikeLike
Your helmet looks great! And Mr. Henry looks very handsome 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks! 🙂
LikeLike
I can’t wait to start the new season of Orange is the New Black!
Also, I really need to get my bike back in working order, I love riding!
LikeLike
Stewie looks great Amanda (and so does Henry of course). Love following your blog! Keep it up!
LikeLike
My horse is also convinced that loving on the farrier will bring on more cookies!
LikeLike
LOL the pic on your blog is eerily similar!
LikeLike
Haha it is!! Spoiled ponies.
LikeLike
Sounds like a great weekend!
It was in the 100’s here this weekend and that is hot for CA, esp for this prego! lol
Love the helmet 🙂
LikeLike
Nice with the helmet! Sounds like a great weekend with a good balance of horse and non-horse time.
LikeLike
First picture = :))
LikeLike
The helmet looks really cool!
LikeLike