-8

Minus Eight

Cold weather is the norm in Alaska in the winter. But as someone must said, the show must go on, which is why on December 12, 2008, I elected to go for a short ride.

That’s what the thermometer read, early this morning. I was on my way over to feed the horses and glanced at it. I immediately wished that I hadn’t because I then began thinking about how cold it was. Never mind that the sky was a brilliant blue, and that the snow hung in clumps on the surrounding birch and spruce trees, all I could think about was that it was utterly ridiculous, to be outside in weather like this.

I was, at least, wearing my Refrigerware suit, which is a large, dark blue insulated one piece snowsuit. If I didn’t have it, I would not go outside at all in sub zero temperatures. The suit’s only drawback is its one-pieceness. I have to take the top off and make sure that the sleeves are not hanging down the hole when I’m using the outhouse. Been there, done that.

I hesitated today, before taking Raudi out. There is always the slim chance that she’ll toss me, and the cold just makes me feel all that much more vulnerable. And for every two degrees below zero one must add another 10 minutes of prep time. Tacking up, gloves must be taken off and put back on, repeatedly. And I have to wade through snow to retrieve forgotten items, such as a handful of grain and the clicker. The bit, it needs even more warm up time. And where’s the crop? I must have dropped it in the snow. Raudi won’t retrieve it if I misplace it because Raudi don’t do lost items.

It’s no wonder that I considered bagging today’s ride. But then, I got to thinking about it. If I let the opportunity go by, it would be another one in which Raudi and I would learn absolutely nothing. Six months of idleness (which is the average length of an Alaska winter) is too much time to squander.

So I decided to ride the loop, going yesterday’s direction in reverse. In seconds, I was glad that I’d made this decision. The freshly fallen snow lay in bright white glittery mounds along the roadside. Here and there were rabbit, moose, and ermine tracks. And the only sound was that of a chickadee calling out to its mate.

Raudi was not as taken by the beauty of the landscape as I was. Rather, she was more concerned about its changes. On the way up the road she stopped and snorted several times, at what, I could not be sure. I finally got her going, and my efforts were rewarded with a lovely extended trot. I live for those moments in which we both have it together, and this was one such time. I posted, rising and falling in the saddle, as she tucked her head, took the bit, and moved forward in a concentrated and happy manner.

Having gotten what I wanted, I slowed her to a walk. As we passed the Fifthian’s place, Raudi saw a moose, and became quite agitated. Rather than ride this one out, I changed our game plan, which was to again trot. Instead, I changed my agenda and took us back to kindergarten. We worked on the ground, on walk, whoa, over, and back, repeating this several times. Once her focus returned, I climbed back on her. We walked a ways further; and I then got off and walked the rest of the way home.

I put Raudi away dry – even though it was early in the day, I did not want her to get overheated. Some days I am pleased with Raudi, but today I was more pleased with myself. I was glad that I’d both taken Raudi out, and been flexible in terms of my agenda. Going back to kindergarten had been a good thing; one that I was sure would pay off in the very near future.

Alys
Pete
Raudi
Form and Function
Gerjun's Decision
Bolting
Chafa Chafa
Clicker Training
Trailer Training
Lessons 1
Lessons 2
Lessons 3
Lessons 4
Maresville
Minus Eight
Snow Day
Siggi
Tinni
Bootleg
Rainbow
Jenna
Goats
Chickens