Trailer maintenance...

All this past week J. has been kindly fixing the brakes, repacking wheel bearings and generally checking our horse trailer over for us. This morning I took it in to the local trailer dealer to have the wiring looked at. Whenever we towed the trailer, the lights would remain on at all times - even if the truck was completely turned off. This hasn't been a problem for us so far (especially since we've only used the trailer twice now!) but I can imagine a time when I might forget to unplug the trailer from the truck and run the battery dead. The service guy found a crossed connection that easily solved our problem, thank goodness. And he even kindly turned our rig around for me without any comments about my lack of driving abilities! (Actually, he was quite nice about the whole thing. Makes me wonder how many other owners are squeamish about turning their trailers around in tight quarters.)

We now have everything in good working order and will begin "The Big Rust Abatement Project." (That's how I visualize the name of this chore in my head. ) But first, a trip to the pool with the girls.....

Learning to lope...

The main task for Curly and E. these past few days has been learning to lope. By last night's lesson they both had improved tremendously, picking up the correct lead almost immediately and continuing at the requested pace for as long as E. asked. He still isn't completely reliable when she tells him to lope, but I think within a few months they'll have it down. Which means, yes, they probably will still experience problems in the fair show ring.

E. has learned that the easiest way to get Curly to move is to make sure his buddy Zane is in front of him. We now call it the "Zane magnet" because Curly will disregard all cues and even cut across the arena to get closer to Zane! Funny to watch but frustrating for E. She continues to ride using two hands because of the "Zane magnet." Thank goodness Curly and Zane won't be in the same competition classes.

The "Zane Magnet"

While giving Curly his daily massage yesterday I discovered another tender spot near the middle of his back. We are hoping that it is just sore muscles (which is very possible considering the increase in riding lately) but I may have to call the chiropractor out again if it doesn't improve in the next couple of days. He is moving so much better than last week but still appears a little stiff in his hind legs.