"Oh no you di'nt"

Maddy has ridden Lucy for me a few more times this week. Lu got the first half of the week off to relax and reflect upon her new old job, of you know, working. Maddy got back in the saddle yesterday and then rode her again today.

I was working when all of this went on but I love that she tells me how it all goes, and she's not afraid to say, hey, your horse was kind of a jerk. During yesterday's ride, Lucy started out really nice and sweet and mild-mannered, and was enjoying her nice long rein. When it came time to trot Maddy picked up just a bit of rein, not even enough to actually have contact with Lu's mouth, but enough that she could have contact if she needed to.

Well, Lucy did not approve. Even though Maddy was not messing with her mouth at all, Lucy's ears went straight back, tail swished, and she kicked out(!!!!).*

Maddy dropped the reins and tried again. Happy ears, relaxed tail, adorable Western jog.

One more time trying out the contact? DEVIL HORSE!

On the buckle? HAPPY HORSE!

Ok, the mare has spoken. I guess she wants to be a Western Pleasure horse?!?!?!?!?

I told Maddy that as long as the horse was happy and sound, I didn't care what she was doing :) If she wants to doodle along on the buckle with happy ears, that is totally fine by me. It's actually what the vet wanted her to be doing, and I was standing there thinking "Lucy? Long and low? Relaxation? Umm can I buy some more Ace?"

Hehehe. I think I'm going to have a lot of extra Ace in my first aid box. :)

*Disclaimer: teeth are UTD, saddle fits great, she's going in a super mild snaffle, feet are solid and UTD, she doesn't give a crap if I poke and prod her all over her back, so I am quite certain this is not a pain-related issue or response.