My blacksmith calls these ridges fever rings. Rodney has them on his hind hooves. Mathilda has them on her fronts. He estimates they represent 4-5 months growth, closer to 4. He doesn’t know why one horse has them on the front and the other has them on the hind, unless Rodney’s front rings have beenContinue reading “Fever Rings”
Category Archives: Physiology
New Do
Yes, I have hacked Rodney’s mane off with scissors. My top hand brilliantly determined that Rodney’s behavior changes bilaterally. On a circle to the left, he would walk as calmly as possible as long as requested. On a circle to the right, he would fly into a trot at the slightest provocation. We decided thatContinue reading “New Do”
Blades of Progress
At Exploratorium-style science museums, exhibits are full of buttons to push and levers to slide. Many of the displays work with optical illusions. Stare at the black dots on a white background until gray false dots appear in the interstices. A concave model of a face will appear convex. Lines misbehave. It’s all about theContinue reading “Blades of Progress”
Form Follows Function
The theory behind equitation is that the ideal riding position is the most effective one. Therefore small lapses in position indicate deeper flaws. Instructor and I finally sat down to critique my photos from the last show [photo location given in Report]. In all of them, my left stirrup is too close to the toeContinue reading “Form Follows Function”
A Sign of Progress?
Since Rodney’s back injury [Daddy Dearest] is directly under the front pressure point of a theoretical saddle, I continue to poke away at the accumulated scar tissue. Weekday therapy is heat [Therapy] and massage. On the weekends, Hubby flexes his he-man fingers of strength to break up adhesions. When we brought Rodney in Saturday night,Continue reading “A Sign of Progress?”
Horse Hunt, 2 of 2
The second Quarter Horse was older, less fancy, but full of can-do spirit. He didn’t have pin-up conformation but moved better than he stood. He could trot out briskly or shuffle along at a jog. We asked the rider to take him over a pole. He a) was able to adjust and b) seemed toContinue reading “Horse Hunt, 2 of 2”
Foto Friday Furlough
Foto Friday will return when I repair/replace my camera(s). There’s one advantage to writing. In a pinch, you can use a crayon and a grocery bag. For photography, you really need the gear. Plus, I’m too beat from my lesson to come up with an alternative. It hurts to sit down. Unlike hunters/dressage, a fundamentalContinue reading “Foto Friday Furlough”
Virtual Brush Box 