Most days we split chores into two parts, first call to action is always getting the stinky stuff picked and hauled away. Thankful that during Winters my friend bob(cat) is home! We usually head back to the barn in the afternoon after stalls air out a bit, spread PDZ (love that stuff, thanks Arlene!!) add shavings, clean out water dishes, take care of the kittens and most days sweep. Hay bags usually get filled at night, but sometimes the hay bag fairy fills them in the morning!
We were all but done with afternoon chores, when Brad said he was heading out to lunge Nemo. Wait, what? The big guy is going to be SO happy! He gets very jealous and grumpy when Brad chooses any horse other then him.
In usual guy form, I had no warning (insert eyeroll) so iphone photos it is. As soon as Brad walked out to get Nemo, a swirling blustery cold wind kicked up! So much for our cloudy but warmish weather. He told me Koda was in disbelief when he walked right past him (Koda always comes to the gate, always) to get Nemo, who comes to the gate when he chooses. Koda raced past Brad and stopped between him and Nemo who was munching at the feeder "here I am, take me, take me". Ha ha!! I said it before and I'll say it again, Koda needs and wants to do stuff with his humans. He gets bored and naughty otherwise. I missed all the funny.
I finished up the last bit of chores, and headed out to the imaginary outdoor arena to observe and snap some pics. Notice the random Fall 'er Winter leaves blowing around willy-nilly in the short video clips.
 |
| Nemo |
 |
| Nemo doing the loopdy loo |
Nemo was, Nemo. High headed and spirited at first, but with control for his trusted human. Brad knows Nemo best, and let him burn off some excess energy before asking for the intended light trot/walk lunge. Nemo is highly sensitive, and incredibly intuitive. To know him is to love him, he is such a good boy!!
The whole time Nemo was out, Koda was glued to the gate. Harmony called for their fearless leader. Koda was one happy boy when he found out it was his turn next!
 |
| Koda's merry-go-round view |
 |
| Koda's Fabio-ish hair blowing in the wind |
Brad mentioned he was so happy with Koda's behavior. It doesn't take much for him to become the good boy he can be.
This time it was Harmony that was glued to the gate, and it wasn't because Koda was out. She didn't even care about Nemo's pasture whereabouts. She wanted to see what was on the other side of the barn, just like everyone else. Can't blame her.
Brad had no intention of taking Harmony out, because, well our daughter doesn't like any one doing any thing with Harmony without her....enough said. After turning both boys back out, all I said was "she is STILL waiting at the gate" which is very unusual for her.
She was happy to be up next! He took his other girl out for a stroll, and even ended up doing a short lunge. Harmony gave the biggest spook the second she walked past the bucket/tractor/bobcat and saw the other side of the barn monsters. She jumps in place, but you can feel it a mile away. It is a tight feeling space to pass through with the column etc, apparently the extended view on the other side of the barn was a surprise or ? They paused for reassurance. I began to wonder if taking Harmony exploring was a good idea...
This time it was Harmony that was glued to the gate, and it wasn't because Koda was out. She didn't even care about Nemo's pasture whereabouts. She wanted to see what was on the other side of the barn, just like everyone else. Can't blame her.
Brad had no intention of taking Harmony out, because, well our daughter doesn't like any one doing any thing with Harmony without her....enough said. After turning both boys back out, all I said was "she is STILL waiting at the gate" which is very unusual for her.
She was happy to be up next! He took his other girl out for a stroll, and even ended up doing a short lunge. Harmony gave the biggest spook the second she walked past the bucket/tractor/bobcat and saw the other side of the barn monsters. She jumps in place, but you can feel it a mile away. It is a tight feeling space to pass through with the column etc, apparently the extended view on the other side of the barn was a surprise or ? They paused for reassurance. I began to wonder if taking Harmony exploring was a good idea...
 |
| Harmony was very lookie |
 |
| one tight rope |
While lunging Harmony was paying attention to everything but Brad, but other then that she did nothing wrong. In the old girls defense, who knows the last time she was out and about. She was happy to be included, and see what the others got to see. Such a pretty mover.
It has been a great horsey end/start to our year!! The hardest step is always the first one. I'm hopeful our exploring will continue, and expand for everyones sake. Weather permitting. Looking forward to being hands-on and out from behind the camera.
I sure have been a chatty-cathy lately. Don't worry, I am not going to post every single time we lunge our horses lol. These first few times were noteworthy, for me. I appreciate your reading my wordy thoughts, and commenting. Hope your year is off to a good start as well!!
4 comments:
Everyone is looking good! It’s great that they all got out. I think it does them good to get out and work and interact with us. They need some hands on even if they don’t get ridden. I did lunge Rosie over the weekend and might try a ride this weekend. Our weather is crazy. It snowed a bit last night but by Saturday it’s going to be 60. Go figure.
Sounds like your morning routine is almost identical to ours. Poop scoop ,shavings when needed, Then we fill hay nets and sweep. I have a little trick to make sweeping easier, I sometimes use a leaf blower to do the aisle, it goes a lot faster. We leave the waterers until the dust settles and then we’re done. Glad you had a barn fairy to help you get done quicker!
I don't mind chores at all- much better than doing housework!
Having your own arena or riding pen is going to be a huge help. Your place is beautiful.
So- is Koda a Driftwood bred horse? If so, they do love to work and the more they work the better they like it.
Arlene, your weekend weather sounds nice. We have a storm system moving in, and might actually get snow. Hope you get a ride in over the weekend, or get more Rosie time! Brad is all about using the leaf blower too. I personally don't care for it, unless you can open the doors. Makes the barn smell kinda smokey and who knows where the fine dust settles. However, it definitely cleans the aisles better then I do lol!!
I find chores kind of methodical, good thinking time. I don't mind doing them, but it's nice to get a break from the daily.
Shirley, from what I can tell Koda doesn't have any Driftwood in him. Not completely sure about decedents. The interesting part of Koda is that he absolutely loves to do things/have a job, but doesn't necessarily like to work hard. If it's at all routine and allowed, he would just do it for you. I constantly remind him to wait to be asked, and therefore change things up.
How nice that you can do horses as a couple—the work, training, and riding. You took all that time to build your dream place and it is paying off! Happy 2020!
Post a Comment