Day 91

It just occurred to me that I only have one Wednesday left going to the stable until I go back to school. That I only have one entire weekend left before I go back to school. Next Saturday I have to do fund-raising for the equestrian team. And it's only hit me today that I'll be gone for almost all of October's weekends. I'll only get one weekend that month. So now I have a huge issue to face...
Who's going to ride Harry?

He's so easy for me to handle now. It's amazing how far we've come since April. I like to think that my work with him did more than his testosterone levels decreasing from being gelded in February did. I have to take full advantage of this weekend, finding someone to ride him, either my brother or my mom (maybe even my dad...). I can't help feel like while I'll be gone, one of them will always be a bit neglected. My dad doesn't usually ride, so that leaves my mom and my brother to split 3 horses between themselves.
Will Harry even remember me come November? How much will he have changed? I'm really only worried about him because Brie is...well...she's not changing much. She's had her attitude for 9 years already, so I don't think it's going any where. I can read her like a book. But Harry...I'm more than reluctant to let him go. If only we could afford to board closer to school! I could ride almost every day.

Enough of my sadness. Let's talk about training.
We got Harry a new jaquima and changed things up with the barbada and bosal (please refer to Paso Fino encyclopedia link). His bosal is stronger now and has a ring sticking out for me to lunge him from. I can say it worked out pretty well! He only pulled out once and he didn't travel much as he circled like he usually does. He was perfectly in gait today, although a little fast paced. I'm so proud of him though! We all went on a mini trail ride through the back of the property and while I remained on guard for him to spook at the slightest thing, he was perfectly fine! He walked most of the time until he saw the barn on the way back, then he started moving a little quicker, but nothing extreme like Brie. She was giving my mom an arm workout! And Nina, she just plopped along like always.

But wait. I forgot to say how we started this day: by putting all three of them in the same paddock. Yes folks, even though Brie seems to dislike Harry, I put them all in the same paddock. It was slightly unnerving and ended up within a minute we began to try catching them all, but it was progress. First, Brie and Nina chased Harry around. I believe Nina was playful but Brie was a little aggressive with her ears pinned back. She took a few nips at his butt but never went after him when they skidded to a stop in one of the corners. It was Nina who then had a problem with Harry rubbing up against her (because boys have cooties, don't you know) so she got in a little kick to his butt. I figured that as long as no one was lunging for each others throats then it was fine. Then Harry proceeded to chase Nina and Brie around. I think it was a good first time exposure all at once. No one got hurt, but they were breathing super hard afterwards from all that running! I might try again on Saturday and see if they can handle being nice to each other for a little longer than 5 minutes.

I didn't get to ride Brie or Nina today because we were pressed for time. No one wants to get stuck in rush hour traffic. I'm just thrilled about Harry's new jaquima. Finally he doesn't have to ruin his show bridle or be stuck with one where the cheek straps keep sliding into his eyes!