And another little update; Fancy no longer runs with the herd. Ms. Wilson told me she broke the fence and got out one night, so then she moved her to another field with electric fencing. But that became a problem, too, since Fancy would jerk her head around while Ms. Wilson was leading her. Unfortunately, Ms. Wilson's back was hurt a little by that, so Fancy now stays in the riding arena.
But I need to tell today's story! So here goes...
I led Fancy into the arena and tied her to her hitch, filled to the brim with excitement at being able to ride her for the first time since she's been in Asheville. She seemed rather excited, too, resounding her bugle neigh and pricking her ears, all the while dancing in place.
I struggled to haul her saddle, bridle, tie-down, breastcollar, and grooming bucket down the stairs and almost to exile corner to get to her but somehow managed and set to work grooming.
Once that was done, I tossed Fancy's saddle blanket across her back. As soon as I turned my back to get her saddle, she side-stepped, and the blanket flapped to the ground. Gritting my teeth, I set the heavy saddle down, tossed her blanket back on, and set the saddle on top. Then Fancy decided she wanted to back up. The lead rope said weakly, "No." Fancy said more strongly, "YES!" And with that, she set back, snapping her brand-new fuzzy leadrope. The saddle, of course, fell on the sand, and I had to fetch my little trouble-maker and saddle her once more.
With the saddle on and tightened, the tie-down clipped in place, and the bridle adjusted on her head, I was ready to hop on. So I grabbed the saddle horn and stepped up. Before I could swing my leg over, Fancy wanted to dance around. All I could do was stay in my position until she settled so that I could seat myself.
I looked down at her muscular shoulders and her thick neck and marveled. Amazing! I'd forgotten what a "real" horse looked like (No offense to y'all who ride little ponies.).
Everything kinda fell into place after that. I could feel Fancy moving beneath me, raring to go and tear up the dust, though I know that won't be for a while now. She was obedient for the most part, although she hated the slow pace of the other horses with a passion. She'll just have to get used to that, though, because we've had to put up with it before at my kidhood barrel races. And if Fancy wants everyone to eat dust at the competition, she's still gotta be patient and wait for her turn.
After our lesson, before I dismounted, Ms. Wilson asked me how much barrel racing I'd done. I answered, "Well, we've done it for years, but it's still been years since." She responded back by pulling out a barrel and telling me to head her at it both ways.
I walked to gate, whirled around, and left Fancy to find her lead. All three times she dropped her shoulder perfectly; good ole girl, she's still got it! I couldn't have been more proud. Although I didn't look, I knew people must've been gawking, like, "Omigosh, I never knew a horse could turn that tight so quickly."
So that's how today was. Pretty darn good. Can't wait to see more today's.
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