reasons my horse loves me

This poor horse, guys. Seriously.

People always tell me that he must be so much happier in his new life post-track. And that ammy horses really have it the best bc of all those fancy supplements and body work sessions and primping and pampering.

the face of joy? or.... suffering? lol don't answer that

I'm not fully convinced Charlie agrees with all that tho, lol.

yea.... that's a freshly bathed neck. in freezing weather. sorry buddy!

As evidenced by his shocked - shocked - reaction to me spot-bathing him with a wash rag last night. He kept trying to tell me, "Emma - it's actually literally freezing out right now, are you friggin crazy??"

dressed for success tho, right?? the butt sticking out is all the rage, i'm told

Alas, Charlie.... some things just have to get done no matter the weather. And at least I used hot water!

and in case it's not totally obvious, that's my quarter sheet wrapped around his neck lol...

His herd had just changed fields the day prior and apparently there must have been some extreme running around bc Charlie was crusted in dried sweat from eyelid to asshole, I shit you not. Plus, ya know, it had been a while since he had a bath anyway so his coat was pretty cruddy despite my constant vigorous grooming efforts.

it actually worked quite well tho and he was dry in no time

On one hand, I honestly think the horse secretly adores all this hands-on attention (especially since it did not result in being tacked up (a story for another day) or ridden). And naturally there were many bites of carrots involved. Tho he maybe did not love the heavy focus on his belly and girth area.... it needed cleaned tho, buddy, I swear!

it helps that all the barn's winter windows have been installed, they make a HUGE difference!

And all for a good cause too. You see, I don't have my own clippers and am honestly pretty fine with just paying someone to do the job. Especially at our previous h/j barn, the barn mgr there was an expert groom and getting the horse clipped was an easy peasy add-on to board. Plus he looked fantastic.

so handsome <3

Which was fine by me, since last year was my first time with a horse who needed it anyway (Isabel never got clipped, hardy beastie that she was). Charlie's neck and girth area always get very sweaty very quickly even in light work, and that's a huge pain in the ass to dry off before blanketing. Clipping is the easiest way to address that, as far as I'm concerned.

tho maybe slightly world-weary lol

It's turned out to not be quite as easy as just "adding it to my board" at the new place tho, and actually was a little difficult finding someone to even do the job. Finally tho, we got it done. And hopefully Charlie's impromptu late-night spot-cleaning session kept my friend's clippers in relatively decent shape!

And. Now that the big guy is all clipped up like the little sport horse he's intended to be, maybe we can get back to doing more and more fun stuff! ;)