One morning, around 24 years ago, my mom called me with news about my niece, Jamie. She was then only a few months old. Mom was the doting grandma who loved to relay baby stories; Me, I'm just not into kids...
My mom: Stacey, Jamie is developing so fast -- you know this morning she ate pudding with her fingers!
Stacey: [sarcastically] Have you called MENSA?
Well, the shoe is on the other foot. I marvel at Riley's growth and development. Only a month ago he could barely hold a canter for a few strides on the lunge. I lunged him yesterday and he cantered on and on, no sign of tiring. Experienced horse peeps are no doubt thinking my goodness, this is typical young horse development -- why is she so amazed? I can't help it, it all just feels miraculous.Stacey: [sarcastically] Have you called MENSA?
So, here's this week's progress video (click here for Vimeo version).
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He's looking lovely. It may just be my imagination, but he sure looks like he's getting far enough under himself to elevate his shoulders up. He's not quite strong enough to carry himself like that for more than a few strides, but when it's there you can see the dressage horse he'll be.
ReplyDeleteYou and your trainer have done wonderful with him.
I'm with you. I still think it's amazing. People tend to underestimate both a horse's intelligence and capacity to learn, especially when they are young. The other thing is, I think, that because they must, for the sake of survival in the wild, learn to be physically adept pretty quickly, the concepts of learning to balance, etc, is probably pretty instinctive with most of them. Being an athlete is second nature to them....
ReplyDeleteAll of which simply adds to the wonder, particularly with a talented guy like Riley.
Riley looks great but buy your trainer a helmet!
ReplyDeleteHe's looking so wonderful! I've been noticing how he is starting to muscle up as well. Lovely boy!
ReplyDeleteI'm loving that pad on him... just saying. Nice choice.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to boasting about your horse, I say go for it. The early development of a young horse is fascinating.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I hate to be party pooper, but I just realized your trainer is riding without a helmet. I know it's hot....but her head is far more valuable than anything she owns. Please remind her of that. If it can happen to Courtney King.....
ReplyDeleteI know, I know. I KNOW. Jean, you and I and Courtney KD and others have the terrible insight that BAD THINGS CAN HAPPEN. Unfortunately it's like seeing dead people. Not everyone perceives that horses freak out in trailers, kids are kicked by horses, and people fall and injure their brains. It would be so easy if we could label oblivious people as stupid, but they aren't. I'm at a loss.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I read the most lovely story about CKD the other day. She was at the Festival of Champions and made a little joke when a friend told her to "look at all the people who love you!" Her smiling/joking response (I imagine her rolling her eyes): "Yeah, all you have to do is almost die."
I used to wonder who I would have lunch with if I had my pick of lunch companions. I'm starting to think it's now CKD. What a spirit.
He's turned into one big beautiful hunk of horsecake! We are so proud!
ReplyDeleteGo ahead, brag! He is really, really looking good.
ReplyDeleteya know...I wasn't crazy about that saddle pad before (psshh, what do I know?) but it is totally growing on me. It just looks so good on him- although I'm pretty sure it's because he is such a handsome guy to begin with! You are right to be proud.
ReplyDeleteOh I hear you. When coworkers are talking about their kids or nieces/nephews at lunch, I often want to chime in about my birds or my horse. They just seem like the same conversation piece to me. I do have to be careful though, some people seem to get offended if you liken your parrot's latest trick to baby's first steps.
ReplyDeleteOh well, what can you do. I don't get people who don't have pets or love animals either.
He looks beautiful to me! You have a right to be excited!
ReplyDeleteHe's just lovely Stacey, thank you for sharing the video. No need to apologize for being a doting mom to us! Been there, doing that!
ReplyDeletePerfectly understandable to be relieved and pleased about Riley's rebound from hoof troubles - tell us more.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great comeback to your mom. Other people's children are boooorinnnnggg! I flee when people bring their babies and toddlers to visit the office. Now animals, pets and livestock, that's interesting stuff.