🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <1k17ekINNt37@morrow.stanford.edu> GC.SUL@forsythe.stanford.edu 
(Sullys Maze) writes:
>Of all the people I ride with, I like to think I am the most safety
>conscious.  ...
>him with the group and see how he did.  Now, we all feel this is the
>worst time of the year to ride-the horses all frisky from the brisk
>air, excited by the first good sunlight, and the footing not great.

I've been accused of being over-cautious, but when there are still 
people around who rarely move beyond a walk, I don't think I'm so bad. :-)
This is a great time of year to ride in some ways--there's that extra 
magic in the air (or extra spooks, depending on your horse) and the
thrill of getting out and curing the "cabin fever" that develops with
lots of storms.   It's definitely wise to spend some extra time longeing
before riding; I'm usually sorry if I don't as I have to deal with an extra
fidgety horse.

>square in the temple!  I guess my guardian angel was around that day

Whew, definitely.  Glad you're okay!

>knocked into me.  I guess you are never too old to be really
>careful. And, I usually don't do it this way

It's easy to slip into "short cuts" if you have a generally trustworthy
horse.  I know I do a few things that are a bit marginal, so I'm grateful
for your timely reminder.  

>I also stupidly tried to move our pony from one corral to the other.
> Just threw a lead rope around her neck.  She was prance and tried

The only one I do this with is Quiche--who can be led by the mane on a
good day (and by a bucket of grain any day).  BUT...I only cut this 
corner if there are no other horses, either tied or moving, in the near vicinity.

>  Please, all of you, be careful!

This might be the season to allow a little mistrust to creep into the 
horse-human relationship.

-Sallijan
 Quiche (19yo chestnut Arab mare)
 Shadow Dancer (11yo black Peruvian Paso mare)
 Picardia (7yo chestnut Peruvian Paso mare)
 felines Imp, Gringo and Rags (geldings all)

-
Sallijan Snyder, TechWriter      | "I don't let my employer take credit for my opinions."
Santa Clara, California          | (408) 765-5444 voicemail    (408) 629-5909 home robot
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