The Four Year Olds

Last night I didn’t do too much with the horses. It rained so the drylot was more like a mudlot. I don’t want to ride Maverick in the mud. I’m not sure how surefooted he really is. So instead I messed with him leading and grooming. He started getting a little uppity with me so I decided it was time to get out of the mud and make him mind. Well, actually, more like make him stand there and think about things while I go do other stuff.

I tied Maverick to a metal pole and did some chores. He really got upset at one point. The trainer always cross tied him, never tied him with just the lead rope. So Maverick circled, and circled, and circled, and circled around the post. He pawed the concrete and messed with the lead rope. I believe at one point he had both front hooves off the ground. At that time I thought maybe I made a mistake. But the horses started coming up to the dry lot so I went to see them and left Maverick standing by himself.

When I got back, Maverick was standing as calm as could be with one leg cocked. I guess he needs some “alone time” to think about things. We may try it again tonight.

Chaos also gave me the greatest gift I could get yesterday. I started messing with him and tried to get on him bareback. Let’s just say I’m too old and fat to try and jump on a horse’s back without some type of assistance. So I pushed him over to the gate and hopped on. I was surprised he let me push him around and hop on. I sat on his back and messed with him. I hung from one side and then the other, much to Mike’s worry. I even stretched out and grabbed his neck and gave him a great big bear hug.

I had my hands wrapped around his neck and my face buried in his mane. It was the best horse hug I’ve had in a long time. I could feel his even breathing and his regular heart beat in my hands. It was the greatest feeling, very calming and relaxing. I actually almost fell asleep. It reminded me so much of Dictator it’s almost scary. How could this four year old gelding be so much like my “ol’ man” that I’m comfortable enough to do just about anything with Chaos? It’s really very odd for me. I always think of Chaos as this little unhandled, wormy, yearling stud colt when really he’s turned into a very magnificent black beauty. I’m really pleased with how Chaos is turning out.

I know some people had their doubts when I first brought him home. And I know others had their doubts when he started getting study and naughty. And I know some people still think I’m crazy for having as many as I do. But I really do think I lucked out with Chaos. Now some of those same people are starting to see Chaos differently and realize that he has so much potential. I really hope to get some miles put on him so that he can become my dependable, go-to guy! And the more I think about it, every horse has potential. You just have to give it time and let them discover themselves. That’s what we did for Chaos.

But last night, just laying on Chaos’s back really made my day. I wish everyone could have a horse like Chaos. He’s definitely one of a kind. I’m sure glad that I took a risk on him.