beet pulp and bareback

The horses kept themselves quite entertained this week. . .

Shyloh spent a day hanging out with the big horses. Somehow, they got into the barn from the pasture, opened the gate from the stall area to the rest of the barn area (the gate the opens inward), and had a free for all away from the safety of gates. It does not appear that they went anywhere really, except for a set of Haflinger sized hoof prints that made a small circle in the field next door and came right back. 

Animal control rounded them up and stuck them in the barn (why not the pasture, I have no idea), closed the barn doors, and called it a day. The drafts took this opportunity to tear the barn apart and Shy took this opportunity  to taste test beet pulp pellets.

We are not sure how much she ate, but Jaime monitored her closely that night and into the next day. She kept giving me updates. . .Shy is angry eating. . . Gut sounds are good. . .I think she is ok, hungry again. . . She was bright eyed and hungry when I left for work. . .That pony.

Since Shy was clearly fine and the temps were almost 50 degrees (!!) I decided to hop on bareback and see how she felt. I tied a lead rope to her halter and off we went. Not an ounce of fear in me or her. It was wonderful!

We just putzed around the back of the barn and I practiced using my legs (my homework from my lesson). I still am amazed at how responsive Shy is in the that halter. Even with Jaime taking blankets off of walls and moving stuff around, Shy was spot on perfect.

For a while, I just sat and chatted with Jaime and Shy hung out with the drafts over the gate. I was so comfortable. Seriously. . .best feeling ever. Shy got co comfortable, the she cocked her back leg, which sends her into a total crooked horse and almost slides me off. I am pretty sure she does this to try and slide me off of her. Then Jaime got out some treats to give to her horses and Shy just had to wave, which knocked over a bucket. She was completely unfazed and wanted a treat too!

I took Shy for a few spins around the back and she walked over some bags of sawdust bedding. That was not a problem, but when my foot brushed the bag, Shy spooked a bit. I told her easy and she composed herself. I sat a spook bareback! And we kept walking around like it never happened! When Shy had enough, she tried to drop me off at the mounting block, but I kept her going. When I was done, I stopped her where I wanted to stop and got down.

I cannot believe that this is the same horse. Not sure exactly what happened, but I will take it! I am loving this and having so much fun with her!