Hot! Hot! Hot!

We went from slopping wet spring to extremely hot summer. I guess I am lucky that I work nights. I can rush home in am and do things with by equine buddies before it gets impossible. My theory is: Horse sweating in stall? No work. the heat index really has been over 100 so that's another indicator.

Mick and my soft eyed Arab -Cole can take it better than the Haflingers who are just a mess. Mick has been agreeable to lunging and in hand work. Cole-at 18- his light springy self. The Haflingers become stubborn and lethargic. In fact, poor little April Fool-the gelding- was breathing heavily on Saturday and had to be drug out of his stall for a cool shower to help him cope. The two mares are still slightly lame in the trot from the spring wet hoof mess but can be worked/trained at a walk. Fortunately their stall gets a better breeze.

In -hand, Mick is doing well. Just a little better every day. His back-up is straight and responsive. the "steps" to touch are a little more responsive but it is a slow process. Voice is critical. Tone, rhythm, and tempo are all part of the recipe. In fact, Mick responds very strong to tone and tempo. He hears me pick up my voice and he picks up his pace. I also work with cadence. Down the road in training, I should be able to minimize voice as more subtle aids taker its place.

I am using a new in-hand whip. I am really proud of this as it is the first product of my home grown bamboo. It is a thin stalk but suited perfectly to the work of in hand. It has a lovely "crack" too! The length is perfect to work with big ol Mick! Long and curvy to reach around his hocks for signalling.

I just keep hoping for more tolerable weather as our efforts are minimal, short and sweet. Oh for days where I can have nice long conditioning sessions! Tehre was no spring. I can hope for a long fall and minimal winter AND and indoor arena???????