This message is from: Sessoms <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi people ... We Southern USA folks are in the midst of a long, dry summer. Although it is well into September our temps during the day are still in the 90's!!!!! My paddock and yard are a dust bowl with a few sprigs of crabgrass hanging on for dear life. Yet the 'ladies' are already growing a winter coat. I predict we will have a very cold winter. We haven't had a bad one in a few years.
I have had my Fjord horses for a year now and haven't regretted a moment of the experience. I adore them. The three of us have developed a strong attachment to each other. During our first few months together I worried about several things; both horses were pretty pushy towards me, Dorina seemed indifferent and overly bossy towards Aagot when they were together when Aagot was used to having a little gelding her own age to pal around with when she was at Brian's place, and Dorina clearly didn't like going riding away from Aagot. Well, a year later, both horses - knock-on-wood - seem to respect me much more and accept me as their person. They both nicker at me when they see me, sometimes when they aren't even hungry!!!!! And they both come to me for affection and amusement. 15 year old Dorina and 2 year old Aagot have grown to be great pals. Aagot has gone from being Dorina's scape-goat and hanging around alone to being Dorina's back-scratching buddy and hang-out partner. Dorina still lets Aagot know who is boss, but Aagot is closer to Dorina's equal now. Sometimes I catch Aagot and Dorina hanging out side-by-side and Dorina will snap at Aagot's muzzle and then Aagot will snap right back at Dorina's muzzle, and that will end the 'discussion'. And we have solved the problem of Dorina not enjoying our trail rides. At a saddle fitting lecture we discovered that our little, old Bona Allen was pinching and interfering with Dorina's massive shoulders. She was shying a lot, whinnying for Aagot and wanting to run back home, and acting horrid on the downhill. I thought she didn't like the footing which is either loose like shale or hard clay covered with sharp chert rocks. Come to find out it was the saddle all along. So, until I get a new saddle I am developing my leg muscles and refining my balance by going bareback. I don't mind riding bareback but my washing machine hates working overtime!!!!! Since I vowed to never put that saddle on her back again she has not acted up in any way. The two of us have been having some fun little bareback rides. I have been faithfully wearing my new Troxel helmet which I love. Meredith Sessoms Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee, USA mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] ~ Dorina ~ NFR Aagot .~:~. Fjords ~ Caper ~ Carly ~ Crickett .~:~. Labradors
