I went for a very pleasant woodland ride with my chum Ariel yesterday. I haven't seen much of him lately because he has been away a lot learning how to wear ropes.
As far as we can tell, the purpose of these ropes is to be unravelled into a long length so that Ariel can stand on the pavement while his rider goes into the local store to buy newspapers and chocolate.
Ariel arrived resplendent in a new western saddle with extra ropes attached. He had been away on a Western weekend learning how you might rope calves, etc. We were just moseying along in the woods when Ariel's rider decided to give us a lassoing demonstration. We stood with bated breath anticipating the zing as the rope cuts the air and flies to capture some remote object. Actually, it fluttered for a few seconds and then flopped to the ground in front of us. As Ariel moved forward for the retry, the noose caught fast on a tree stump and tightened up so much that it took a lot of manoeuvring to release it. She enjoyed this demonstration hugely.
She decided that it would be a good idea to give Posy her first taste of travel and we went for a practice trip to Lidwell in the lorry. I was meant to be babysitting, but there was no real need. Posy thought the travelling part wasn't too bad but felt it was very difficult to walk in the stiff leg boots. I could learn from Posy as she proved very adept at extracting the maximum number of carrots for each loading attempt.
When we got back, Hanuman was lured into the lorry with some peppermints. He was a bit puzzled by it all but went in and then didn't want to come out again.
Today She decided to see what Hanuman would do in the arena when let loose. He just followed Her everywhere and She was thrilled and forgave him all the chewings and destruction wreaked before this day. She thinks he may have a precocious talent for horse agility.
Hanuman said that he was just following the alluring aroma of peppermint coming from her pocket and was very pleased that this had been so well received.
She does seem fond of her vet because She keeps inviting him round. Today they took X-Rays of my legs and while I was dozing put an injection in one of my hocks. I was pleased to hear that I am to rest but it is bed rest in the stable which is boring, especially if you are left hunting for scraps.
After they had finished fussing with Posy, who has a snotty nose, I finally got something to eat. Thus occupied, I could gaze out and watch them shaking their heads over Tilly who was gamely trotting up the yard on three legs.
Posy came back to the stable full of herself because she had jumped a Clear Round, and proud that she had finally worked out that you weren't meant just to tackle whatever jump you were looking at, but were to jump them in the right order. I wasn't too impressed since the jumps were very tiny, her leapings rather erratic and it was at home and she hadn't had to face the terrors of an unknown venue. She also had to trot around the corners. If my hock hadn't been feeling a bit stiff, I would have demonstrated how to canter nicely round a course of big jumps.
An Enlightened Equitation Instructor (Level 1) came today to teach Her and a number of others how to ride more effectively. She dreams of riding like Helen Langehanenberg was keen to improve. She was a bit disappointed to be told that there wasn't a lot wrong with Her position.
Next She took Her spurs off and I did a very good demonstration of what happens when your rider isn't wearing spurs - nothing. I plodded round slower and slower despite all Her efforts (ha, ha!).
In the end, They decided that Her leg aids were too feeble and, unlike Helen Langehanenberg, Her legs too short to be able to wrap them round effectively. I had a very relaxing time and am looking forward to snoozing through the next session.
After my dressage experience She thought it would be fun for me to venture across the main road and explore the other side. I bravely coped with the field of donkeys and the malevolent park bench but froze in terror at the sight of a huge flock of cyclists heading my way. I stayed rooted to the spot with my knees trembling as they swooshed past. At least the front of the herd swooshed. More and more went past and at long last the line thinned and comprised those who looked like they had been strangers to exercise since the last Olympics. She said that this cycling mania was a Legacy of The Games and would last approximately three weeks and I shouldn't be concerned. Much against my better judgement I was persuaded to advance gingerly but there were cyclists hiding round every corner. I was jolly glad to get home I can tell you.
