The Thing of Relief (Love the Taste of It)

On Thursday, Saxony had her second trim from our barefoot specialist. I'd waited eight weeks because Scout, along with my friend K's little Arab, Gambler, had been trimmed by M just five weeks ago and we're working to get them in sync for regular trims. Soon we'll all be together at one barn and M can settle into a routine with us.

Saxony daydreams during the trimming. I think that's because M is a farrier who easily inspires trust and relaxation in the horses. The first time she worked on them, she made an interesting comment while she was trimming Scout. "The horse needs to be with me," she said, at a moment when Scout was wheedling for carrots. I instantly knew what she meant, and it occurred to me that I'd never heard a farrier say that before. All three horses learned to stay with M during their first trims, and they settled right back into that place the other day. Saxony likes to keep her muzzle close to M's cheek, softly resting there.

One thing that I'd noticed since M's first visit was how well all three of the horses seemed to wear their trims and how neatly their hooves were growing out. There's been absurd weather during the interval. The horses have been standing in deep mud, frozen mud, water, hail, snow; they've had very few dry days, almost none of them consecutive. M was pleased with the new growth. She pointed out how Saxony's hooves are already beginning to find their own way to what they need/want to be. I'm looking forward to seeing how they respond to regular riding.

I feel such relief to have found M and to have recognized that she's a wonderful choice for the horses. I think I will be riding this year like I've never ridden before, and I feel good about supporting that by giving Saxony and Scout the best care I can. It just makes me feel really good. Not to mention that someone's beautiful eyes are clear, normal and healthy and her six-inch bridle path has almost grown out. I don't know how else to say it: The future tugs and I'm not resisting anymore.

 

See the tiny lock hanging next to the lead rope snap? I put it there when the barn owner asked me to mark Saxony's halter. That lock is very old, solid as steel, and keyed right to my heart, I love her so.