planBE

Sunshine is the greatest antiseptic and melter of snow and there is certainly room for hope as the grass continues to appear at every corner. But in the woods, we still have hard packed slick ice that will take more time. So we are condemned to finding alternative ways to amuse ourselves. Some are working in the arena (1/3 lost due to spring flooding), Im walking the streets.  We probably have another 1-2 weeks to go like this. Q is amazing at street walking on a stretch where cars are often moving at speeds above 80km/h (50mph). There is a bit of a shoulder, but no protection of sidewalk or barrier. The road is quiet most of the times, as its just an access road between two villages. But there is an excess of speed on this less policed road and so have to be cautious. My 50th year has me throwing caution to the wind and Ive signed up for a cowboy packtrip for 10 days through the Alberta mountains and grasslands in a few months. Now Im anxious to get my body ready for 8 hour riding day

Yep, trails are a disaster this week and likely will continue to be for another week still. Temperatures are not warm enough to melt the slick ice in the shade of the forest. So we wait. It being Q’s birthday I opted for a spa day and a little road walk, accompanied by NINE peppermints and of course some carrots too. And the big bonus, at least for Q, was the first nibbles of grass in between the patches of snow and ice. He is getting lighter with every year, and its clear to me that a flea bitten grey is waiting to emerge. His bum is still his darkest area, along with his legs and mane. Happy birthday!

On the eve of Q’s 9th birthday, I can say that this Florida-born native has finally got his ice legs. Ever since he arrived, in the middle of snow and ice in March 2016, his body would go into a scrambling panic at the mere hint of slippery ice. I took precautions and watched for icy conditions in the shoulder seasons. His turnout was always limited when footing was compromised. We had a few incidents over the years. Crossing a field with fresh snow, we ended up on top of a 20 foot wide slick puddle covered with light snow. Once we were in the middle, all traction was lost. Q panicked, did a 180 and jumped towards the fence plowing my knee into a square wooden post. He was safe, I still have the scar. When trail reports speak of ice, I abstain. Sometimes I will do some road walking with him instead.  I could put winter shoes with studs, but his hooves are spectacular (and mule-like: upright, tough, balanced) and he does really well barefoot. I could put boots on, but I don't bother

Spring is just a few days away and our recent mild temperatures (and fresh dump of spring snow) have made the trails magic all over again. Ice is still underfoot hidden by a few inches of groomed snow but it was good enough to walk and trot most everywhere and even get in a few canters. The winter term ends in four weeks and I cant wait to have more time to enjoy the trails. But until then, there is much work (aka grading) to do and the spring thaw will likely wreck havoc on the trail conditions. So we do what we can, when we can, and make the best of it. Yesterday, was bliss at 2C and bright sunshine. Q’s best friend Chester.

Spring break turned out to be a delightful week of riding everyday. Some extra snow came our way and the weather eventually got quite mild. Footing was exceptional and we basked in many hours in the forest. One of my fellow boarders inquired about Q, saying “he is a machine”. I smiled and had a little chuckle remembering the trail just 2 weeks ago where Q decided he wanted to explode and go very very fast, or the other time where he kept bolting and spooking off. I then shared a sentiment that resonates with me, heard a few times on the Warwick Schiller podcast … “what is the value of yes, if no is never an option” I explained that I embrace the power of no with Q (to her shock) but that he makes me laugh every day. And thats all that matters for now. #flyingmane in Sector 2, H trail

With temperatures at -10 to -20C, its far from spring weather … but the footing is great, we have four new dumps of snow, and the sun came out to play! Well dressed and moving fast, we plowed through snow drifts and gained some much needed speed in our routine. Q has been a little spicy this week, but not as spicy as his equine buddies so Im grateful. Only one bolt this week!

Had a successful ride today and Q was great … he only tried to bolt once! 😂 I shut it down within the second stride, mostly because he telegraphed his intentions 5 seconds before. Neck up, ears back, back tight, accelerating speed … and then tail tucked in, and boom. I looked behind and nothing. Silly boy. I love my horses sensitive and forward. Q definitely delivers on that front. It requires no effort to get speed … slowing down can be a bit more challenging but he also hates being managed so I telegraph to him my request to slow down. I rarely need to escalate to bit contact. The “mistakes” of bolting have increased this winter but are also driven by my releasing contact and having loopy western length reins. I like it, and Im starting to increase the length of the reins. What I like most of all is that I can read his intentions telegraphically. An expressive horse is a beautiful thing,