We have been through several stages of spring so far this year at Baymare Farm. From snow to mud to rain and more mud, to daffodils and peepers and more snow and more mud, this has been a fairly typical spring by Vermont standards. It started a little earlier than most, for which I am deeply grateful. The fewer days that I spend draining and rolling up 200 feet of hose each and every time I water the horses, the better I like it.
The horses have almost shed out their prolific winter coats and are starting to look sleek and shiny, though not yet in their full summer splendor. Many of our riders have received instruction in the correct application of the tool known as the shedding blade, and most of them have gone home covered from head to toe in horse hair of varying shades. Sorry mom. I always tell students that though they may harbor many expectations of their riding lessons, staying clean is definitely not among them.
After a winter of relative leisure spent hanging out in their run-in sheds eating, socializing, and napping around the “community center” provided by the round bale, the horses have gone back to work. They have settled into a regular routine of exercise, lessons, and grooming, and have been ridden through the inevitable kinks and friskiness that are as much a part of spring as the return of the robins and redwing blackbirds. We are still basically stuck in the indoor arena for serious work and lessons, but have ventured out on little strolls around the property for cooling out and relaxation.
We have been delighted to host another Therapeutic Riding group from Park Street School in Springfield this spring. Thanks to the efforts of Park Street nurse Jenny Anderson and the generosity of the Knights of Columbus and individuals from the Park Street community, four young people have been able to participate in six group riding sessions. None of them had prior horse experience, and they have spent their time learning to groom, tack up, lead, and get acquainted with their horses, as well as getting an introduction to basic riding skills. The riders have the same horse for the whole session so that they can really get to know a little bit about that individual. They learn whether their horse has any ticklish spots or any places where they love a little extra currying, whether they hate having the girth tightened or are stoic about it, if they are easy to bridle or a little sly about taking the bit, if they would rather lead or follow, if they prefer carrots or apples.
This group has worked hard and had great focus. Though today was only their fourth lesson, they are all able to stop, start, and steer, can balance with no hands in the two-point position at a walk, and are beginning a little trot work with the help of their leaders. We are especially grateful to our team of volunteer assistants (we call them “wranglers”), who are a huge help in keeping the lessons flowing smoothly and safely. Our wranglers for this session have been two mother/daughter teams: Jenny and Erika Anderson and Kathy and Sofia Gulick.
I am happy to report that the lengthening hours of daylight have inspired me to spend a little more time with my own horse, Max. Poor Max is a lot like the proverbial shoemaker’s child, always last on my list of things to do. We tend to go in fits and starts, and he is always testing me to make sure I really mean what I say. So far this spring we’ve had some pretty good rides, and I am looking forward to more as the weather and outdoor footing continue to improve.
Waiting for the rain to stop.
