Awareness of the outside world. Imagine the effect on geopolitics if Russia still owned Alaska. Idea courtesy of listening to the audio edition of Full Circle by Michael Palin (St. Martins 1997, Audible 2012), which begins with the author looking out across the Bering Straits. Palin Travels: Full Circle
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One of Rodney’s shoes made it over 6 weeks! During bug season! “Perhaps they can go 5 or 6 weeks in the summer instead of 4 or 5 weeks.” [Seven Weeks!]
Milton’s two front shoes and Rodney’s right front shoe were put on new on Thursday 2 May, and reset Monday 17 June. That’s 6 weeks and 4 days!
Rodney’s left front was put on new on Thursday 2 May, came off, put back on Tuesday 21 May, and reset Monday 17 June. [Shoe Removal Service]
The one that come off is usually the one that stays tighter. Rodney must be right-hoofed and stomp more with his right front. That is the one I use to judge if he is due for shoeing. A long way of saying the length of time is real. If the right can stay, on the left will as well – usually.
Anyway.
Over 6 weeks!
In summer!
Huge!
Will I continue to celebrate every little shoeing increment?
Absolutely.
Thoroughbreds are bred for speed not for foot strength. The have notoriously thin, delicate feet. Any progress in this department is notable.
I might have made the appointment for Thursday and gone for the full 7 weeks. One, I wasn’t feeling that brave. (TBH, I had forgotten that 7 weeks was already the record.) Two, Milton’s handler had to leave for work early that day could not be around to hold his horse. Milton is noticeably more relaxed when his person is there, or at least not me. Blacksmith’s assistant will do in a pinch. This keeps Milton quiet, which keeps the blacksmith happy. You want a happy blacksmith.
Onwards!
Katherine
Virtual Brush Box 