Hope you are able to get out driving in this lovely weather! Been kind of warm up here in the North, so horses get a bit sweaty as winter hair thickens. Husband has been able to get several horses worked daily over recent weeks. We could use some rain but the farmers are going full tilt harvesting on the hard ground. Soy Beans first, but corn is coming off too.
We have been driving the younger gelding both single and Pair, with the young mare about ready to go in a Pair with her dam. The old Pair got worked a couple miles yesterday, only a little exciting with all their time off this summer. Alyss actually walked by the roadside trash cans quietly! Though her body was bent away from them, feet stayed in a straight path! Progress! Ha ha
Wicker and Luke make a really nice Pair, getting smoother moving together. Almost ready to go across the road to drive around the hay field open spaces. Then down the road.
Peri the mare is getting better at bending, speed control during trotting. Doesn’t mind being alone out in the ring. She was driven on the road, as was Wicker, while at the Amish training farm. We just want a bit more ability to finesse things with them before going down the road.
I spend time watching how they go as I babysit husband with the young horses. Sometimes I need to change something for him. Head them as we hitch and unhitch in the barn for safety.
We don’t consider them “green” until after 100 hitchings and drives. Consistant repetition makes good horses. Luke has been terrific with Wicker, very consistent every outing. Wicker is helping get Luke moving bigger at the walk to keep up. A very good improvement!
I need to clip legs and coronet before the mud season arrives. Also tail shortening is needed to prevent any dragging in mud or snow. I HATE having to wash out mud balls or ice balls that clank together when they come inside! Mid cannon seems to be the best length, nothing collecting in the hair. It is kind of cute to see all the tails the same length as you look down the aisle behind the tie stalls. Shortening also seems to make tails look immediately thicker and more black with cutting off the sunburned ends.
Nice weather is very nice as we get ready for colder weather.
