Growing up

Hampton got a minor "spa" treatment on Sunday. And by that I mean I clipped his gross, hairy fetlock hair off, and also touched up his mane. Yes, I use clippers to "pull" his mane. Frankly, I hate hate hate pulling manes. I would rather clean a sheath than pull manes. So yes, I cheat and use clippers. Over the years I have gotten pretty darn good at it. It's still easy to braid, and is even with a "natural" look - not like someone took scissors to it. I also sometimes use thinning shears, but Hampton's mane isn't out of control thick or anything so the clippers have done the job for now. I know it seems like a simple job, but last year this horse would fly to the back of his stall, snort and bug his eyes out of head if I even turned the clippers on at all. I could not even approach him with them whatsoever. I have worked with him some on the clipper issue, but I wouldn't say I have put a whole lot of effort into it. However, on Sunday, he stood there practically ASLEEP while I crawled around his legs, clippers a'buzzin and then did his mane and cleaned up some goat hairs under his chin. I haven't attempted a bridle path yet or anything, but I was pretty darn impressed with his maturity. He also is a lot better about baths - as long as I back his butt up against a wall so he cannot run backwards. I do what I can. Tuesday will be a riding day, with a lesson and farrier appointment on Wednesday. He'll likely have Thursday and Friday off because of my work schedule. Maybe even Saturday too if I decide to truck it down to Rolex. On Sunday he was a good boy to ride - up until I was kicked out of the arena because a beginner was going to have a lesson there and "she can't ride with anyone else." Ugh. My horse and I are perfectly capable of avoiding a beginner doing nothing but walking around in a halter and leadrope, thanks. So our work was cut short but we did get in a very short trail ride. Such is life ... and that will change when we move to the new barn and people are capable of sharing an arena. Oh no I'm not irritated at all. (Says the sarcastic dressage queen in me)