fake it til ya make it

Alternate title:  Transforming a ragamuffin into.... a marginally better groomed ragamuffin. lol

"who, me?!?" - bali

So Bali has maybe regressed while I've been laid up. I had felt pretty good about our progress, and was absolutely stoked by his super star behavior on our field trip to OF (the very day I broke my leg, blergh). But since then he hasn't been getting used much, other than his lease rider.

Part of the problem is that a few students who used to ride him regularly have since pursued horses of their own to buy. Very exciting for them - but not super conducive to keeping this green bean in work. Of course another part of the problem is that he scared a couple riders too and they're not interested in him any more...

bali doesn't want to be seen in these conditions

Bali has the potential to be a pretty solid w-t horse for beginner riders. He is lazy, slow, and uncomplicated, and is quite comfortable. Except for one big problem: he currently can't be trusted to stay earthbound, and is all too willing to let those hind legs fly when he feels pissy (which is often).

"nobody loves me" - bali (crying crocodile tears)

He hasn't exactly flunked out of the program... but he's not carrying his weight. Fortunately they're willing to give him more time, especially knowing that I'll be back in the saddle soon. So I'm committing again to doing whatever I can to help Bali learn to be a better citizen. Really, his attitude is stupid and is a terrible reason to lose a good home. But ours is a small program with razor-thin margins, and there just isn't room for lesson horses that don't get used in lessons.

lol pony looks like a mud encrusted orphan

Step 1 in my plan for turning him into a horse that people want to use is getting him to at least look the part. Maybe this is cynical or superficial, but I tend to believe that a horse that looks well loved or taken care of might inspire people to think better of that horse than something that looks neglected.

And, love it or hate it, this will hold especially true if the program decides to market him for sale. So I cleaned him up a bit - trimming his mane and bridle path, and banging his tail. The results are maybe not world-class-grooming caliber (I used scissors lol), but it's an improvement.

that's better!

Plus I'm a big believer that grooming can double as a ground work. Bali is not awful in the cross ties, but he can get a little impatient. Plus he is a bit of a bully, and will threaten to kick and bite when you reach certain areas with the curry comb. Not exactly beginner-friendly behavior. But it's also pretty half hearted, so I'm hoping he'll learn quickly that it's unacceptable.

conservative trim, still an improvement!

Another thing I like doing with sour horses is bringing them in for attention, with all signs pointing to an imminent ride. But then I don't ride them. They come in, get loved on (including corrections for any unwanted behaviors), and then go right back out again. No actual work involved. My theory is that it helps separate grooming from working, so that a horse who is sour about work won't be a total asshole about grooming too.

#ragamuffin4lyfe

And obviously this approach works pretty well for me right now, since riding is currently not a thing I'm interested in trying with Bali. Hopping on Isabel with a huge medical grade boot is one thing - I trust her intrinsically. Bali and I are... not there yet haha.

with a dinged up, ointment covered eye bc baby likes to play

But I honestly also really just enjoy spending time with him. I think he's freakin adorable and just wish that he would use his powers for good, not evil.

so he's just kind of a goofy horse

So the countdown is on now more than ever to start riding again. My leg can now take actual steps without the boot, and I'm actually sleeping without it entirely. But the boot stays on for pretty much everything else still until I am directed otherwise by my doctors (which might happen tomorrow!).

that tail tho!

And what a perfect way to get myself back in shape - nothing like legging up two horses to whip my muscles back up to snuff haha. Wish me (and Bali) luck!