post vac shine

Not a whole lot to post about Prophecy these days… He is certainly enjoying his retirement status with his at least once weekly grooming and pampering.  He even tried out the barn’s horse vacuum for all his shedding mess! It left him nice and shiny.
He’s still a sass too sometimes

I have to admit that I have been distancing myself from him since the decision to retire.  It is necessity rather than falling apart every time I go visit and get angry about what could of been…  But it certainly doesn’t stop the pain and emotions that come with this change. I’m Grieving… that is the word I would use to describe what I am feeling… I am losing him, but not… Some days it hits me like a brick now…  The last ride we took but didn’t know it would be the last ; the longing for one more…knowing soon he will will not be where I can touch him often. There is always the possibility to bring him home one day as a buddy horse when have our land figured out, but that could be a while…
The day is quickly approaching for me to take Prophecy to TN for his retirement boarding… his trunk is packed…his paperwork in order…. and me attempting to hold it all together.  I had an opportunity suddenly appear to move him this past weekend, but just couldn’t handle it emotionally ; I was feeling like I didn’t have the time to say goodbye around a crazy week away from him…  I know he is going to a good spot, with someone I trust to care for him and keep me up to date too, and that is a lot more than you can say for many horses these days  😦

In other news :

• Skyler is still loving her lessons, and convinced Jeff & I she was ready to try trotting.  With the help of Lauren, Skyler got to trot bareback first sitting double and then by herself on the lunge line.  We both were jogging along each on each side of Flicka for a while when she was on alone, then I realized I could quit as she was able to correct her own seat.  This made Flicka happy, who I think was more annoyed we were babysitting so close more than anything else! <many mare stares while jogging along lol> 
  I was able to grab a little video of her trotting alone at the end of the lesson :

• I did make it back to The OD No Frills this year – I went to volunteer for the Saturday ride. Friday night was cold (27 at 6am Sat, and ice in the water buckets), even with my Buddy heater running for Lynne & I – but her sleeping area isn’t insulated either – I’m sure that makes a difference as I can feel it just walking into mine to work on how much warmer it was in winter once I finished insulating!  Starting out in many layers, I spent they day at the away crew spot, doing my best to ensure folks got grain & beet pulp for their horses, and helping out where I could hold horses for potty breaks, etc.  It turned out to be a really beautiful sunny 60 degree day (got a little sunburn even!) and had some great convos with fellow volunteers and riders alike.  Always learning something 😊
• Deciding what to do for The OD in June…volunteer or catch ride…or maybe visit some prospects?

I’ve also now got an ad out there in a few places looking for the next horse, hoping to find the right match… I’m in no rush…. if you hear of a good fit, feel free to send it my way. I’m hoping to keep it to a easy travel range from home so I can go visit/trial any prospects. My budget isn’t huge, but hoping to find that gem like I have before…