If Horses Could Talk

I had a conversation, of sorts, with my horse this morning.  

My horse, of course, doesn't talk like the famous Mr. Ed, but he made his point loud and clear.  

Telepathically

To begin, I ran my hands across his body, looking for hot spots.  

I had watched a video on Equine Touch this morning and learned that hot spots meant inflammation and 

pain in the area.

As I'm looking for hot spots I'm also to take notice of twitches and flinching, as I go over areas.

Well, Buddy wasn't a fan of all this nonsense. 

I was able to do a quick scan and didn't find anything much.   

(One needs to get certified to do this. Really? 

Seems like something I could just learn on my own.)

I moved on to preparing for our morning hand walking in the arena.

Buddy has been injured and getting some injections for his sore areas in his hips and back.

Saturday was one such vet visit.

The Rx was to walk him for a few days before riding him again.

Back to the walk.  

I decided to only check his feet-- to be sure there weren't any embedded rocks.

This horse clearly avoided my attempts.  

He wouldn't let me touch his feet. 

I said to Buddy:

"Buddy, what's the deal here?"

I paused for a moment and thought 

"Did he want the whole enchilada?"

The curry comb-the brushing-the massage-and the-then and only then could I do his feet package?

I was not following protocol, according to the Bud.

Alas, I gave him the works after which,

he lifted his feet nicely and we proceeded to the arena.

Mr. B.  

He made his point loud and clear.

Love that horse.

 

He Always Knows

He knows when I'm happy

He knows when I'm comfortable

He knows when I'm confident

and

He always knows when I have carrots.

My horse, Buddy is all about the treats.

The look he is giving me in the photo above, is telling me

I should be giving him the last two treats in my pocket.

I probably shouldn't give him so many treats, but I love seeing him happy.

I actually think I've spoiled him a bit too much and now I'm only rewarding him after a job well done.

Meaning, he didn't let me eat dirt.

Buddy isn't really one to dump his rider, but it's always my fear and it's incredible the amount of anxiety I can muster up

during my drive to the barn.

It's really quite ridiculous considering he's a sweetheart of a horse and is very considerate of me and my fears.

He knows when I'm worked up and tells me with

a snort to start breathing before I pass out.

I've started singing to him when I ride him.  I've heard that singing can calm a horse, but I think it's more to calm the rider.

I don't think he is particularly fond of my songs, however.

I'm still trying to figure out which genre he likes.

I've tried folk songs and classical humming.

I get his attention, but I think he prefers the classical music that I hum.  Which is good because I have to run through my cello music and humming Requiem is perfect.

I give a heartfelt thanks to my Paint for putting up with me

and my crazy fears.