The crack in 'Mr F's front right hoof has become worse again. It is however not infected but the hard ground has put additional stress on the hoof wall, resulting in the crack opening up again.
I was adviced by our barefoot trimmer that I should not trott or anything faster if on hard ground. It would be fine to do so on soft ground for a short time (such as a menage).
The barefoot lady has very kindly left me with a rasp and instructions so I can trim 'Mr F's hooves in between her visists (which are in an 5 week interval). This means I have to keep the sides of the crack rounded so that there is no sharp edges he can catch on. I suppose its a bit like a 'Mustang Roll'.
'Mr F' has had a break of approximately 1.5 weeks and now it was time to take him out again. I miss the riding and I could tell that he was quite keen on going further than just the usual walks (on lead rope).
The sensei of our dojo had ridden in the past so he 'borrowed' a horse from a riding club member to go on a ride with 'Lillian'.
I and 'Mr F' were to join them, which meant that I had to rider over to hers on my own with 'Mr F'. The ride from 'buttercup farm' over to 'Lillian' normally takes about half an hour (some trotting included), depending on the route.
'Mr F' and I have not been out on our own for some time (months) and so I prepared to have at least twice the time, just in case 'Mr F' wasn't wanting to leave the yard in a hurry. A year ago I did have my fair share of struggles with that.
I was looking forward to the evening though, another member of our Aikido Dojo was to meet us in the pub in 'Lillian's village. The weather was lovely and warm but with useful breeze to keep the flies at bay.
Tacked up and ready to go, I proceeded to mount and was prepared for some discussions with 'Mr F' because I thought he may not want to leave the yard. If I lead him, he is fine going anywhere but doing the same sat on him is a different story, or used to be so far. I can only guess that he isn't trusting me quite enough as a rider.
But to my very surprise, there were no discussions to be had! 'Mr F' cheerfully went on his way down the lane and was cool and relaxed all the way over to 'Lillian'. He didn't even argue when we had to go past the caravn site which was quite loud and there were all kind of strange 'things' on the green.
And then there was a steam rally going on nearby and we had to pass some of those vehicles, too. Again, 'Mr F' did it all very bravely.
Once I had arrived at 'Lillians' place we waited for our riding companions to tack up and then went on our way.
It was a lovely, straight forward ride. Mostly walk. Except for one bit when 'Mr F' decided he did afterall remember that he was a race horse ... it was in an open field, going up hill.
By this time the other's were a little ahead and I was leaning forward a little to check if 'Mr F's hoof boots were still in place.
Meanwhile the others decided to have a little canter and 'Mr F' decided he wasn't having any of that and that it was time to be at the front! I was still bending forward looking at his hoof boots when 'Mr F' decided it's now time to canter. Needless to say, I was about to be able to examine these boots very close up! Of course I lost my balance and found myself on the soft grass, wondering what just happened.
'Mr F' didn't go far, he just wanted to be in front of the others and the field was enclosed by fencing anyway. He did give a bit of a look though when I caught up with him, leaving me wonder if I may have just taught him that he can rid of me. Although its not really in his nature to do that. He had many chances before and never made use of them.
We met up with our b-day Aikidoka in the pub and enjoyed a couple of beers. We all had a lovely time. With the days shortening it eventually time for me and 'Mr F' to make our way home before it was too dark.
'Mr F' behaved impecably on the way home! I could not have had a more safe 'escort'. He was very smug and pleased with himself when we returned home.
And I was once again immensly proud of 'Mr F'!
'Hmmm ... where should I go ...'
... 'I could go and eat some grass along the drive? Or I could go and see where the ponies are ... '
But I did not have the time that morning to let him wander around freely so he had to go back into the stable with the girls ... "Alright ... if I MUST go back in there ... pfft"
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