Training the Not-Hot Horse: The Unexpected

Small observations about Zoe-keeping that definitely caught me by surprise:

1) When there are no withers to keep your ass in the center, riding bareback requires actual skills and muscles

not pictured: skill or muscles. Plus Zoe and Lewis the Corgi.

pictured: both skill and muscles

In my defense, bareback riding hasn't been in my repertoire for many years, but now I have a horse that is safe, comfy, and fun. I'm working on it. Let's just say that.

2) It's almost impossible to keep her from putting her smooshy nose on everything--it's a part of her favorite game called "PUTS IT ONNA GROUND".

doorknob ONNA GROUND

I mean. Her smooshy nose is a major selling point so I'm not complaining. My barnmates might be less thrilled come winter and taking turns in the indoor.

3) It's nearly as impossible to pry visitors off said smooshy nose.

SMOOSH

I mean really.

4) She's a bit like keeping a buffalo in the barn--wooly coat, tape fences optional, and corner feeders are made to be removed when dinner isn't fast enough.

Courtesy of Courage Has Opinions

I'd say she's not my BO's favorite, but Courage definitely had his own set of challenging quirks that made him not-barn-favorite either. Let's just say she has be managed more like a force of nature than a horse. 

5) Zero-shits-given is Zoe's approach to life, which is fantastic and exactly what I need. It does require some mindset adjustments on my part though. 

hacking through the scary corner like NBD

I have a set of coping mechanisms I developed to deal with Courage's various antics. While they were useful at the time, they keep getting in the way of me riding Zoe effectively. Next up: putting weight in the right stirrup and breathing on windy days.

Zoe is such a fun horse to work with. I look forward to continuing to learn about her.