I'm getting wimpy in my middle age. The temperature edged toward 90 today and I decided against riding. I just don't tolerate the heat as well as I used to (who needs a hot flash in 90+ degrees?!), and I tend to get grumpy when uncomfortably warm -- which isn't at all helpful when riding. So I decided it would be a good day for a bath.
I think Phantom was in full agreement. He stood very patiently in the wash rack (although he's always been good about it) and seemed to enjoy the sudsing and scrubbing. After rinsing and scraping off the excess water I applied Cowboy Magic to mane and tail, spritzed him with fly spray, rubbed sunblock and fly repellant to his face and then let him free graze to dry out. Gosh, his mane and tail are gorgeous when clean. But I banded his mane before returning him to his paddock. Keeps the mane from knotting up and allows the air to reach his neck on these hot days.
Kind of nice to just putter around with one's horse. Phantom has such good ground manners and he appears to appreciate my efforts to make him comfortable. He had a trim and reset on Tuesday, so his feet were looking good, too. A little hoof conditioner and he was good to go.
2 comments:
I putter with my horse nearly every day while I wait for my saddle. Phantom has a very nice mane! I'm letting Sophie's grow, but it has a long way to go. I bet Phantom enjoyed the extra pampering. Unless he's like Sophie, who doesn't seem to enjoy being brushed much other than when I use a soft curry on her face or brush her mane (especially when I brush it over to the wrong side).
Phantom LOVES to be fussed over and is most appreciative of a good brushing.
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