Motivation

Totally Lacking

Of course, the weather doesn't help.  It's been "summer warm" over the last few days and the one time it cooled off, a terrific thunderstorm came through.  The wind was so strong at the start, I almost thought there was a tornado near by.

But that's not the main problem.  I am finding it hard to get motivated to do much around here, let alone ride the horses.  I am hoping this is a temporary condition due mostly to my knees, but I am a bit frustrated with myself.

Then again, I am kind of busy with campaign obligations too, so that does keep me somewhat busy.

I did go to pick up 8 bales of hay this morning to supplement my supply until my hay man gets his new load.  And I put a piece of plywood over the well for the barn.  The old lid caved in sometime this summer.  Fortunately, I had a piece of wood that fit, but I still need some more to cover the other side where there are some hoses and things stored.   So I did accomplish something for the day.

Not sure what's up with the horses becoming just big pets for the time being...as they have all summer, but I do suspect that once it cools off, I will feel more like doing some riding.  I am definitely in a slump in that department.

Fortunately, aside from their not being fit, my Boys do not pose a huge problem when they have not been ridden for a long time.  While Chance is not fully trained for dressage, he certainly has an easy temperament and I can just hop on to ride, even out on the trails. without any problem.  Tucker never was a trail star, but he works just fine in the arena, and Toby goes most anywhere with some element of reliability.

When I read of people who have to lunge their horses before they get on to work them down before riding, I realize how lucky I am.

But, a good part of that is related to turnout.  I have always kept my horses at barns where they have been turned out either all day or all night, depending on the season.  Now that they are home, they have 24-7 options for turnout and it makes a huge difference in their attitudes towards life.

I always feel sorry for horses kept in stalls for most of the time.  It is just not natural.  As well, while I do understand that sometimes there are logical safety reasons for it, I also feel sorry for horses forced to be alone all the time, especially in turnout.  If they cannot be in the same space with other horses, they should at least be able to see other horses.  As herd animals, it's important for their minds and bodies.

So, while I may not be riding them, my Boys have a pretty good set up here.  They stay a little fit just roaming around the paddocks and pastures, they get to play with each other, and I know for sure they are well fed and have plenty of shelter.

Not bad at all.