"Sunburn Watch 2012" is now officially over, thank goodness! The harsh summer sun has morphed into a gentler fall one and Monte has begun to grow his winter coat, both of which have led to an end of pink, peeling skin on the poor pony. His mane has begun to grow back as well and he is now sporting a jaunty little mohawk on the lower portion of his neck.
Monte has also been getting some exercise the past couple of weeks. Two young women are now riding him to help him get back into shape, "tune him up" and remind him of all his skills. I was a little nervous when Courtney first rode him, afraid that he might be a handful but he quickly settled into the ride and performed beautifully. After her ride she wondered why people have said he is challenging! Gabrielle rode a few days later and he was again well behaved. She did notice that he's not quite as soft in the mouth as he had been the last time she rode him (about 2 years ago), but we think that is something that can be regained.
I'm hoping that Courtney's karma with horses follows her with Monte. In the past, all the horses she has ridden have sold not long after she begins to develop a relationship with the horse. So come on, Courtney! Work your magic! :)
I've been able to ride Zoe at least 3 times a week for the past few weeks. The consistent riding is definitely making a difference for both of us. But I do need to schedule a lesson or two soon as I think I'm beginning to develop a few bad habits (like leaning too far forward as I ride). Another set of eyes would be good.
Miss Zoe has been a pig lately and tries to get to her neighbor's grain each night. That wouldn't be such a big deal except that she now has half-dollar sized sores on her front ankles that won't go away. Dropping onto the concrete to reach under the rails is not helping them heal at all! Cathy and I have been brainstorming how to get this problem fixed but so far we haven't been too successful.
