After several weeks of near perfection, Cleo decided to complain yesterday by acting very bad going down the lane, and then to the outdoor arena, and back to the covered arena. It's not her fault that the barn management decided to do some remodeling in her paddock, and she is displaced in a small, dusty, inconvenient pen. The work was supposed to last two to three days, and it's over a week now. So she let me know how annoyed she is by pulling the 'backwards, twirling, balking' routine. She had been the model of a good horse until we started down the lane behind Artie and he shied at the 'construction site.' Thankfully, our friend Janice was there to help me get Cleo's attention again. But it was touch-and-go for the last 15 minutes of our ride. Janice remided me that every day is a new day with horses--good and bad. At least we ended on a positive note. I got off in the outdoor arena and got back on in the indoor and she was an obedient mount again.

The Clinic

After much preparation,anticipation, and anxiety, the day of the horse handling clinic arrived. After practicing at Redwood Acres for a weekend in late May, at the last minute the clinic was moved to the second Sunday in May (8:30 until 4:00) at the gymkana arena in a town 15 miles away. Just as well--I didn't have time to get anxious. Again Cleo did great. She loaded in and out of the trailer and seemed to enjoy the ride with her friend Artie.

When we arrived, Cleo was the perfect horse. She stood tied quietly during the lecture part of the clinic. She was perfect for the loading and unloading practice. She responded beautifully to the lead line lesson. Then, after lunch, we tacked up our horses and got in the saddle.

At first, Cleo and I were both nervous. Artie scared his rider so they went to the other end of the arena to lunge. Cleo and I walked around and around until she calmed down and we both were able to enjoy the location. The skateboarders, basketball players, and party-goers didn't seem to phase her.

We had a wonderful time walking and trotting with the other horses and riders participating in the clinic. Even Artie was back in the program. But two-and-a-half hours later--a record for me and Cleo under saddle--Carrie and Artie decided to get ready to go home. As soon as they left the arena, Cleo said, "Me, too!" In Cleo body language that is expressed as running backwards, spinning in circles, throwing her head in the air, and refusing to go forward. I had to call for an on the ground helper to grab her reins so I could jump off. I almost fell off, but was determined not to embarrass us in public. Eric, the clinician had to get on Cleo so she would not win the battle or the war. But I was pooped and she knew it. She was pretty pooped too, especially after she was loped around the arena for twenty minutes. I think Eric was actually having fun.

The end of the story is a happy one. I had a great time, and in spite of the grand finale, I gained information and confidence that have stayed with me the past two months. And I'll do it again when I have the chance.

Cleo has human, feline, and canine friends

In addition to the horses sharing their lives with me, many dogs and cats also have been members of our family. As a result, I will be expanding my blog to include the other mammals--and sometimes birds, fish, and reptiles--enriching my life. Stay tuned for more introductions.

Back on the blog

Cleo and I had a great lesson today. As I get to be a better rider, she remembers all of her excellent previous training, and she doesn't lose her patience with me as often. Today she didn't refuse, balk, run backwards, or complain one time. We walked, trotted, did leg yields, turns on the forehand both directions, halt, etc., and she paid great attention. It's days like this that I remember why I love having a horse. Sometimes I get discouraged and allow myself to add up the time and financial commitment, and wonder why I don't stick to dogs as companions. But then when Cleo and I work well as a pair, I find no comparison. I need to remind myslef, it is not how often, how long, or how complicated my ride, but the satisfaction and excitement I feel after a good ride--especially since riding a horse was never in my life-plan.

Later in the week , I will continue describing the clinic Cleo and I attended. We both are still benefitting from that experience.