Summer Vibes

 First of all, thank you to everyone who reached out and commented with encouragement, support and empathy. I really appreciated it. 

This morning the vet clinic I had reached out to called me. They are working hard on a plan to support the horse owners in our area. The woman I talked to was professional and kind. She said that they are looking at setting 1-2 days a month to come to our area for routine care/calls. She outlined the emergency procedure and generally made me feel a lot better. They also have a great set up for hauling in so I might do that. The big worry is that if there's a major emergency and the horse can't be trailered because of how far away they are but I won't borrow that trouble.  It feels like a huge burden has been lifted.  I'm hoping that we will see equine services in our area again. 

I love this screen shot from my lesson last weekend

Last week we got our small square bales in. It was a lovely day and it was fairly easy. I usually get a mix of square and round bales. This year I'm doing a mix of small and large squares. I'm hoping that this will be easier for storage and less dust. 

Cordelia approves of the hay

Ed and I also went strawberry picking the next day. I love strawberries and we are currently feasting on strawberry shortcake, putting strawberries in yogurt and I want to back some things with them. I made jam and will freeze some berries in baggies to add to my breakfast over the winter. 

summer deliciousness

I've been riding both horses fairly regularly. With the summer heat settling in I have to get it done in the morning. But I don't mind. Quaid and I growing in confidence and it's a lot of fun. We have some great conversations.  He developed this hop into his trot transition which was making me uncomfortable and trying to figure out how to fix it.  As with moth things, there's not one answer. He needs to be forward thinking and a little flexed to the inside.  The last two rides I've been working on correcting it. When he'd hop, I'd say 'no' and bring him back, reset and ask again. When he'd simply trot without the hop I'd praise and reward. I can really see him thinking it through. He's so cool in how he tries. Today was pretty hot so he enjoyed a good hosing after. 

He's filling out nicely

The deer flies are awful this year and driving him a little crazy. I finally caved and bought him a fly sheet. I hope this will help him. But man he looks hilarious. 

Serious Mrs. Roper vibes here

The flysheet was a bargain and is a cheetah pattern. The fly boots are hot pink because he usually comes in with just 1 and the hot pink is easy to find in the field. Carmen's expression when she saw him was hilarious.  I don't have a fly sheet for Carmen. The flies bother her but not too bad and I don't like how hot they can get in them. The longer I have horses the less I'm inclined towards blankets and sheets in general.  (but I do use them when I think it's necessary). 

I've signed both horses into a clinic at the end of the month. I'm looking forward to riding them both.  Based on last year's experience it should be a lot of fun. 

How's your summer going?