At Long Last.... The Sun!

What's this I see?!?! Could it be?!?! It can't be! But wait... it IS! It IS the sun! Hello sun, we've missed you! You've been gone for so long!

Finally, after way too many days to count the sun is finally out. I can only hope that the sun will stay out for the next few days. I need the swamplots to dry out. Maverick and Zeke are over their hooves in mud. I almost lost my boot this morning to the mud.

I decided that the mud was too much for Maverick and Zeke last night. It wasn't raining cats and dogs but I figured they may appreciate a night on dry land. I noticed Maverick was full of himself bucking and running around in the drylot. I knew he was going to be a handful leading him to the barn. He's losing his ground manners.

Thankfully Mike took Zeke and I manhandled Maverick. He settled down after I tied him to the fence but that short walk to the barn was no fun for me. I am coming to the realization that I may need to send him every spring to the trainers for a refresher. It's impossible to ride in the mud so Maverick is going to regress.

I'd forgotten that I'd left Sam in the barn so I had to tie Zeke and Maverick to the fence while I kicked Sam out. I threw some hay and got the stalls ready. I decided that they needed a lesson in standing quiety so I brushed them down. Maverick of course was naughty. Darn horse. I need to work with him more.

I first led Maverick in to the barn. Bob was still in the barn. He was just finishing up so he ended up sniffing Maverick as we walked by. Unfortunately I didn't have the forsight to shut the gate and while I was trying to get Maverick in his stall Bob decided to make a break for it.

Bob made it all the way out of the barn and went over to meet Zeke. Luckily there wasn't a big wreck and both Mike and I were able to convince Bob to come back into the barn. Mike grabbed a lead rope but what do I grab?!!? TREATS! The only way to Bob's heart is treats!

I finally got Bob in to the big lot and went back for Zeke. Unfortunately Zeke is totally herd bound. At one point he must have thought he was completely alone (never mind the ponies, donkey, and the horses behind the barn).

I think it may be time to work with him and Maverick on being alone. Maverick can handle being alone but he's losing his ground manners. I do NOT appreciate being run over or walked in to. Since it's so muddy in the swamplot I may sacrifice a portion of the driveway to work with Maverick. He needs to be exposed to more so maybe just lunging him on the driveway will get him accustomed to different surroundings AND burn off some excess energy.

This morning Maverick was decent walking back to his pen. He has taken to crowding me but at least this time he didn't do a mini rear. He still spooks me out but if I would work him like I should he would be way better.

I have a huge ToDo list for the horses. I'm hoping if I can tackle some of that list I may be able to get the red shed cleaned out in a small portion so I can start working Maverick, even if it's just flexing and bending. Anything is better than nothing at this point. All the horses need some "mental time". I guess it'll be back to school for the younger gang. I just have to figure out some of the logistics.

Hopefully the sun will stay out so that I can be more motivated this weekend. Keep your fingers crossed.