Update on my Captain Clumsy

I hope that no one has been holding their breath all weekend for this post. I apologize for not updating sooner.

Friday I procrastinated in going to the barn. I was really scared of what I would find, and didn't want to start thinking about what to do next. So, I got off work and went and ran 3+ miles. After that, I felt a bit better about going to see what Granite had in store for his momma. I went and grabbed him out of the pasture, just glancing at his legs for any obvious signs of irritation. I didn't see anything. I put him in the wash stall and began meticulously inspecting his legs. I poked and prodded. I picked up each foot and poked around on the soles of his hooves. I checked his shoes. I stepped back and examined each leg for symmetry. I couldn't find ANYTHING out of the ordinary. I know that horse's body better than my own; I would notice any abnormalities.

So, I took him out to the round pen to evaluate his movement. I trotted him a few laps each direction. He looked perfectly sound to me. HUGE sigh of relief. I brought the kid back in and groomed him. Told him he was gorgeous (because, really? He could be a horsie super model--well, if you don't mind his large ears) then I put him back out in the "play pen" (large pasture with his coming 4yr old cousin and 4yr old friend).

I fed for the farm this weekend. They just sold one of the horses and they took 2 camping with them, so I only had to maintain 7 critters. It was really a breeze and thankfully went flawlessly. I am even early for work this morning (thus the blogging) because it didn't take me nearly as long to feed before work as I had anticipated. All of the horses were very well behaved and the routine is pretty easily accomplished. I love driving the 4wheeler when I pick stalls. If I didn't need a break on board so badly, I would feed for free because I honestly enjoyed being in charge of 7 gorgeous horses all weekend :)

The only stumbling block came when the owners of a verrry chunky QH pony came out to groom her. They are a really nice family and they always compliment me on Granite and deal with my growling dog; I like them a lot. But, they asked if their pony had eaten dinner yet. I told them that she was actually only getting fed in the morning. The pony is probably a 7 body score (maybe more?) and is turned out on lovely pasture usually 24 hrs a day (because her owners want her to "be able to enjoy the weather"). The owners were not happy with this statement. They proceeded to tell me that grain 2x a day was included in full board and they pay full board (despite wanting the horse on pasture 24/7 in the spring and fall). Sigh... the poor mare doesn't even need the grain she gets! Some people think these are large dogs and food=love! Our Barn Owner is not only a seasoned horse woman, but holds a degree in equine science. I wish more people would trust the pros. I am not a pro, but I read a lot and have owned/ridden horses for almost 18 years-- I still listen and learn. Some people, although well meaning, just don't get it!\

Anyway, Granite seems to be fine (thank god). Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers! Have a great week!