At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I have to mention the weather again. This fall has been exceptionally sunny and dry. Sunday was in the 80s, and there was almost no wind. It was actually too warm. I like a nice day as much as the next guy, but in October I’d rather have a sunny day in the 60s than one in the 80s.
Bear agrees, too. He was super crusty and sweaty after our soybean adventure. And all we did was walk. There were also no spooks or bolts or dashes, that shows how low key we kept things. Bear had definitely limbered up some from the stretching and/or day off. It also helped that Steen was relaxed and our friend Gay came who was riding another quiet bay named Doc.
Throughout the ride Bear continued to get more and more comfortable. He was definitely tight in the beginning, but as things progressed he warmed up and started walking a little faster on the steep downhills. After the ride we untacked in the airlock while the guys grazed (we actually tacked up there, too, as the barn was noisy from the stalls being power washed).
While Bear was munching on the long grass, I took the time to stretch his hind legs again. They have been stiff on and off since I got him, so I’ve really worked on picking them up and just going slow. To stretch them out I’d ask for his hoof, hold it gently, let him relax, and then slowly pull it low and away from his body. He’d continue to munch along until I hit a sweet spot, then his head would pop up and he would pause to enjoy the stretch.
It is nice to help him out and get the sense that he is aware and appreciative of what I’m doing. In the end we left the guys in the airlock to continue munching on the long grass before they have to make the switch to bales.
