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Thread Nine: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1584833/posts |
Posted on 10/04/2005 9:56:41 AM PDT by HairOfTheDog
That's a good age to be getting started at:)
I can see a conflict developing for Jenny. I'm at a loss what to do. The horse that Blake, her stepson, rode last year at playdays probably won't be able to be used this year. He is very old, and they have a terrible time keeping him sound. I'm think his problem is arthritis, and/or founder. He belongs to Jenny's inlaw parents. They bought him for the grandkids, 3 years ago. They have another grandchild who use to ride him too, but last year she switched to a different one, so that the old horse wasn't getting used so much. She gets to ride alot more then Blake because in the summer Blake is with his mother.
Anyway there was talk last night (I kept my mouth shut:), about Blake riding Dot this year at playdays. Jenny doesn't really want to do that because Dot isn't really trained thoroughly for barrels. She'd be safe, but he could also confuse her on the barrels. The grandparents, (and I'm not critisizing) never really have made the kids learn to run barrels properly. It's just been whup and ride. And to be honest, I don't know if you could get kids to really do it properly, their legs aren't long enough to really give signals with. I think they could be made to use their reins better. But it's not for me to say:)
Anyway. I know Jenny does not want to be selfish with her horse, but she doesn't want her messed up either. She showed alot of promise last year at the clinic. With some consistent riding, which Jenny hopes to do this coming year, she could be really good.
The thing I'm looking at mainly is, at this point I don't believe Blake is alll that interested in riding. He pretty much told me so. He doesn't mind getting out and piddling around down trails, but from what he says to me and watching him, horses right now are not his thing. I told Jenny that and she agrees, but his daddy, and grandparents aren't resceptive yet to hearing that.
Becky
Settled in:)????? Are you making a move?
Becky
Sounds like a lot of people deciding what Blake will do without asking Blake ;~D How often are these playdays?
My suggestion, knowing the smartest thing to do is to not say anything, is to maybe have Jenny work with Blake to not confuse Dot... or if the playdays aren't very often, don't worry about it. I don't think Dot would be ruined if it's only occasionally running around with a kid. If it's every week though, it'd be more of a problem.
On the old horse, have they had a vet out? might be that with some treatment for his symptoms, he would be more sound... Maybe Bute him the day before and on playdays.
Bob and Kay and Jesse should be among the first people you meet. :~D
Haven't you heard? The whole Hobbit Hole is moving to WA LOL :~D
The playdays are every week, and sometimes, they go to other places, occasionally it is more then once a week.
Jenny working with him on Dot runs into the problem that Blake is at his mothers thru the summer. They go pick him up there to take him to the playdays. They only have him every other weekend.
Oh yeah, they've had the vet check the horse. He has special shoes, and was Buted last year, but it's getting to where that doesn't help. They are very responsible in their care of their horses. That's the main reason they cut back to just one kid riding him. But now they have ANOTHER grandkid coming of age to ride, and they think it's time for Blake to move on to something faster, and let this younger one have the old horse as he will only be in leadline....
IMO, Jenny needs to say not no but hell no, if everyone is so set on him riding, let the grandparents buy another horse for him. They bought one for the granddaughter.... I also think Jenny needs to encourage Blake to voice his feelings on the matter more, and stand up for/with him on it.
Becky
O really who else besides Rosie???
When are you moving???
Becky
hehehehehe...
We're fulfilling the dream of a Hobbit Hole compound, doncha know. ;-)
I'll be moving up at the end of June. I'm so excited!
Ah - if they're every week, that's a major commitment... And I'd agree with you on everything then :~D
Ruthy saw what it was like here in February, so it's not my fault when she realizes how cold and rainy it is all winter right?
Just Rosie and Ruthy so far...
And Ruthy's not coming here for me, she's coming here for my brother ;~D
But they're coming... two by two :~D
I'll take a cold and rainy winter over hurricane season any day!
:-P
*blushing furiously*
Thanks:)
Jenny and I have lamented that he can't use Rocky. They don't allow studs.
Becky
LOL. I kind of knew that:)
Becky
Well then, you should be there when I come to visit:)
I found out from my dad this weekend that the party he is having in July is the weekend of the 29th. So that's the only date that would be a problem for me coming.
Becky
That's the funny thing. Everyone knew except ~us~.
It was a most pleasant surprise. :-)
Really? That would be terrific!
Chris just left. He didn't have a problem with what Teri wanted him to do to Harley's feet. He said it makes sense altho he'd never heard that before. But it was worth a try.
Later when it warms up out there I'll take my camera and take a picture of his new shoes.
Becky
Congratulations:), Wishing you all the best!
Becky
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