Changes

The reason I take so many pictures is because I have a terrible memory. Things change so fast, that it is easy for me to forget where I was 10 minutes ago, much less, 4 months ago. I was looking back at the pictures that Evan took when I was riding Tex for the first time and it is awesome to see how far he has come is such a short time.

First Ride 11-22-14

Bekki Moore riding 3-17-15

 

Tex has been a true gentleman throughout this entire process. He has put up with trying new things, like bending, being ridden sidesaddle, trail riding, tarps, roping, dragging logs, packing kids, and so much more!

 

 He has learned that when other horses come up behind him he doesn't need to go faster, He has learned that contact on the bit doesn't mean go faster, he has learned that going from a trot to a canter doesn't mean go faster (there is a theme here).

 

 I don't know what kind of foundation that he had when he was started, but I do know that the previous training that he had taught him how to learn, gave him a work ethic and helped him become the willing partner that he is learning to become. To go from winning 109K on the track, to the horse he is now is just amazing to me. I am thrilled to be a part of his journey!

120 days

Today marks 120 days that I have had Tex. We picked him up in a crazy Mid-November snow storm 4 months ago. It is so hard to believe how quickly the time has gone. There were so many things that I wanted to do and didn't get to...but there have been an incredible number of things that I never dreamed I would have a chance to try.

I have not kept up with the blog like I had planned (sorry!) but it was getting a little redundant. Hand walked, hand walked, hand walked, Emily hand walked...Rode finally, worked on transitions, worked on transitions, still working on transitions...you get the idea.

Now that I have been looking back at the photos of our first few days and some more recent photos it has certainly been a journey. and that is what this is all about. I am not going to reflect too much in this post (I have to save SOMETHING for tomorrow!) I just want to mention that Tex is not the only one who has really changed through this experience!

Boys will be Boys

Well, the title says it all. Tex and his buddy must have been having a little to much fun on Friday and Tex now has a very sore shoulder. I haven't posted about it because I was *hoping* that it would get better quickly but, while it is improving he is not going to be ready for the Gold Coin Show this weekend.

Tex is the best patient though! He has patiently endured me poking and prodding on the sore, feeling around on the swelling and generally annoying him. I have been able to easily do hydrotherapy (thank goodness that the weather is cooperating!) and we have actually had a chance to bond in new ways with hand walking. I have even had Emily helping me.

Tex also got his new end of winter hairdo. I did an Irish clip since he is still turned out most of the time, but the wool that he had was making it hard for him to dry after riding, and I know that Equifest has a heated arena and I don't want him to overheat. He stood, untied for me to clip him too...such a patient, easy guy!

Perspective

Well, I am glad to be home. I have learned several life lessons today that are going to stay with me for a while. Tex is doing great, he enjoyed a quiet day turned out with his buddy while I spent the day at the hospital with Evan. Evan is fine now. He went by ambulance to the ER with a very fast heart rate, shortness of breath and chest pressure this morning. In my previous life (7 1/2 years ago) I worked in a cardiology office so I know enough about all of these symptoms to be pretty scared. It turned out to be an irregular heart rhythm that should be treatable. But boy, there is nothing like a scare like that to make you step back and realize what really matters.

I tend to become very one minded, and my horses and my job usually take most of my focus. I am going to work on making sure that while working hard, I need to take time to slow down, check in with everyone and make sure that they all know how important they are to me.

Thanks for reading and go hug your family, two legged and four legged.