We got Boomer moved to the new barn without incident on Saturday. He is in a 5-8 acre pasture with a QH gelding named Jack. He and Jack are getting along like they have been buddies forever. I was happy to find that Boomer doesn't have a bite mark on him yet. He will be with Jack for a few weeks and then they will go out together with the other 2-3 geldings. One of the geldings is going to a show next weekend for breed approval and the owners want to make sure he doesn't end up with bite marks right before the show. So, after his return, they will all go out as a group.
John and I went out to visit him on Sunday afternoon and he seemed to be fitting in just fine.
I went out on Monday morning and he was pretty nervous in the cross ties and I was afraid he would try to pull back, but I just groomed and tacked him quickly and then took him out to lunge in the outdoor arena. I ended up lunging him for about 40 minutes until he really started to calm down and relax. The arena was on a side of the property he can't see from his pasture and shares a side with a mare and 5 month old filly. So, he was a little excited at first. After he really calmed down and started to get tired, I put my old Crosby saddle on him and walked him around for about 15 minutes. The Crosby is still tight across the withers, but it is all I have and I think it is fine for walking only. I noticed that I am really tense in the saddle. Boomer didn't do anything to make me nervous, but I just couldn't let go of my tension. I don't know if that is just something I will have to live with for now, or if it will get better, or worse. Just part of the changes, I guess. After we were done riding/working, I put him back in the cross ties and he was MUCH more relaxed. He stood there with a leg cocked and waited patiently as I puttered around, organizing my tack.
I am very happy with the new facility and I really think Boomer and I will both be so happy there! Did I mention it takes less than 10 minutes to drive there? Yup, I'm pretty thrilled with it!
I'll take pictures tomorrow, I swear!
3 comments:
Yes - all part of the process, be patient and kind to yourself. grin. Glad you love having him so close!
Congrats on the uneventful move! Sounds like Boomer is happy there - that's wonderful. :)
It was uneventful, not much fodder for blogging, but a good thing for Boomer!
Shanster- I really appreciate you reminding me to be kind to myself. Its easy to think of all of the things I should be doing or could be doing, etc. I just need to be happy with that I can do and know that I am doing what is best for baby! Plus, Boomer and I are both still young and we will have plenty of time to ride for the next 10 or more years together!
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