Four Reasons Why Fussing Over Your Horse Is Good For You Both.
When it comes to our horses we can all get a little nutty. Do you remember the Odd Couple? Felix was the one with a touch of OCD, Oscar was a slob with heart.
If you're a 'Felix' your horse is show ready any day! You have an ointment for everything from mosquito bites to hoof lacquer. The good news is you take time to enjoy every aspect of grooming resulting in a happy and prospering horse. You both enjoy a special bond. The not-so-good news? When time is tight you can get anxious because you have to cut corners. Relax, it all averages out.
For 'Oscar' the ride is the priority and time is precious. You run into the barn in a cloud of dust, give your horse a quick brush or two, check his feet, throw on
the saddle and go! Never mind the mud caked in his tail or patches of shedding
hair. The good news is you enjoy your horse on the
trail or in the arena. The not-so-good news, you 're missing out on giving him the gift of your undivided attention.
I envy both these riders. 'Felix' for the time she has to fuss and 'Oscar' for the freedom to focus on the ride.
Personally I used to be totally Oscar but over the years I've learned the benefit of a little Felix. Here are four things I've learned about grooming Annie:
- By going over every square inch of my horse I keep track of what's old and find what's new on Annie's body. Even little scrapes need to be watched for possible infection and as we all know, horses bubble wrapped and kept in a padded stall still manage to get hurt!
- An old horseman training a friend's horse said the tone of the ride starts with the grooming. Long, slow strokes of the brush lets Annie know I'm calm and ready to take charge.
- Horses usually love the attention. Don't we all? Spa days are few and far between but do I love them! Annie's the same. I swear our relationship improved when I started paying better attention to her grooming.
- It's such a girl thing! My self-esteem is directly correlated to the quality of my latest manicure, why should Annie be any different?
Comments