This was a day in which I went through the motions of getting through the day. This would have been far more difficult to do if I had to do something out of the ordinary. Ordinary days are good.

The day began with a mid-morning farrier visit. Josh, this time around only had three horses to tend to. He trimmed all the horses, putting the shoes he’d taken off back on Tinni and Raudi. As he worked, both Pete and I talked with Josh abut horses, shoeing, and competency in relation to farrier work and veterinary care. For instance, none of us understand how someone can, after watching a DVD or two on barefoot

trimming, profess to be an expert on this subject.

Next, Pete an I went for a hike with the dogs, doing what Pete called the Peaches Trail because it’s close to where we left our deceased goat. Actually, I am going to suggest that we call it the Chicken trail because it’s closer to where we left our three deceased chickens. Might have to lobby hard for this because the former was Pete’s idea.

Next, Pete and I determined that our driveway was too slick for trailering, so we opted out of our original plan, which was to take Raudi to the Sindorff Center for a lesson. No matter, we instead shifted gears and did TTeam work in the pen with all three of our horses. In the process, I realized that at this point in time that it’s absolutely necessary for me to be working with the horses in hand and over obstacles. TTeam work is good because it both strengthens the connection between the horse and the handler, and makes both more balanced.

Hrimmi needs the early training. And Raudi, who has been down this road before, needs a review. Today Josh discovered that she’s worn the Borium off her two right side shoes, front and rear. This is an indication to me that she’s off balanced. Furthermore, she is acting very touchy when I do ttouches on her neck area, which is an indication that she might have a cervical vertebrae misalignment.

I put out a few poles, cones, and a tarp – and Pete and I, after putting body wraps on each horse, worked with them, one-by-one. This was good to do for it connected me with the horses in a way that riding does not. Plus, they were at least momentarily less bored. I also started thinking about what I might do tomorrow and the day after. I must be consistent, otherwise Hrimmi won’t learn anything and Raudi won’t get better. Twenty minutes per day will do both horses a world of good.

Lastly, I went to watch Vickie Talbot and her horse Hunar’s jumping lesson. What the two have accomplished together is very impressive. The focus today was on cantering and picking up the correct lead. I did not stay for the jumping because after a bit I felt really tired.

Today was the equinox. It was a good day, in spite of my only being able to go through the motions. Tomorrow will be a better day. And the day after that even better than tomorrow. An added bonus is that, finally, spring is again on its way.

Next: 81. 3/22/14: The Writing Life: Get ‘er Done, Dammit