The forecast for the next couple of days is for high humidity, full sun, and temperatures in the mid-90s. Here in New England that’s considered HOT. The animals know how to cope.
The little dog sleeps in.
I wilt in this weather but I need to ride Tonka. After months of light work, we’re getting back into shape. I’ve got a goal – our first show is in five weeks. Getting fit can’t be rushed, but it can’t be done sporadically, either. This morning I arrived at the barn before 9 am, so that we’d ride when it was *only* in the 80s. The barn cats were already stretched out in the breeze.
Cider is a wise horse. He loves his cool shed.
Tonka, as usual, was waiting at the gate for me. After a quick brush-off, we went into the woods to loosen up on the trails – in the shade!
Then we schooled in the outside riding ring. We worked hard for a half-hour, and then went back into the woods, both to get fit on the hills with a bit of trot and canter, and then to cool off.
After the ride I hosed him off and let him graze for a half-hour in the grass paddock. Even in the full sun, it was so humid that when I put him back into his dirt paddock he was still wet.
Tonka was born and raised in Texas. He knows about heat. He knows just what to do. This:
Quite the thorough job!
When done, he came right over to me with an expression that clearly said, I feel great! What’s next?
The answer was a disappointment to him. I went home for a shower. He gets the rest of the day off. I’ll be back tomorrow. I’ll schedule enough time to give him a good grooming. He’ll need it.
Hi Terry. Tonka is looking his happy self, which is wonderful. Can you tell me what the strap around his neck is for?
It’s an experiment, a dog tick collar. More about that in about a month when I evaluate whether it works.
Your videos are so crystal clear! Whatever camera you are using seems to be just right for the job.
iPhone!
It’s reminiscent of my chickens, especially the shake off at the end.