For those that have an OTTB (any horse actually but the OTTB's are notorious for taking off the minute any weight is on their backs...not their fault, they are trained to be moving/trotting/jigging to the track as jockeys mount up) mounting up can prove to be a challenge in the beginning.
Laz has been really great at being patient with me about 99% of the time
This photo series was captured my my sister in July
I thought I would share it with you today, as today I mounted Laz from the 2 step block instead of the 3 step, and he walked off with me dangling over his back on try #1. LOL! Try #2 he stood as I squirmed my way over on him. Good boy!!!
As I put his reins over him, I always tell him "Take care of me."
The beloved 3 step
"Oh the grazzez is calling to me Mom....lemme go!!"
What not to do...one leg over and your horse not paying attention to you starts to wander away
Resetting him
And a one...
Alley ooop jump swing
and squirm up a bit
Ahh heaven's seat
"thank you, thank you!"
And we're off
LOL! I loved it!
ReplyDeleteI laughed when you still had to jump to get on Laz even with a 3 step mounting block. I have a 3 step mounting block too, and it boosts me up so high that I basically just step over and I'm on... I forget some people actually have TALL horses!!
I'm so glad Laz is doing so well. :)
Kristen!!! This is my life! I also have a 3 step that isn't high enough for either boy bareback. I have to use an un-safe ladder. I thought of having Brian build me a perfectly high block, but the problem is that I need it to be high enough out in the field and woods. The jumping onto their backs from the block is annoying to them I think (they put their ears back so I know they don't like it!) Thanks for sharing this post - I loved it. Your Laz is the best boy on the planet - it doesn't look like he minds really. What a good boy!
ReplyDeletethat is a very tall horse you have there! It's like you need a yoga class just to get limber enough to mount him!
ReplyDeleteI finally had a few hours today to go back and read your posts starting in October when he first got sick. Let me tell you I haven't cried like that in a long time. It all seemed so impossible. When I got to the part about having his euthanasia date set I had to take a break. I couldn't stay away for long though and I came back and finished reading all the way to your current posts. I did skim some, but I read everything concerning Laz's hooves. I'm so, so, so, so happy you found Cliff and so thankful to whoever it was who pointed you in that direction. I'm so happy Laz is doing so well and that you didn't lose him. What a nightmare that had to have been for you. I'm glad you blogged about it so that other people can learn more about laminitis and it really could help someone someday who might find themselves in a similar situation. You deserve major kudos for sticking my lucky Laz. If it weren't for you and your persistence and hope he probably wouldn't be here today. Give him a big hug from me and keep up the fantastic work!
ReplyDeleteLOL, the older I get, the shorter I like my horses!
ReplyDeleteOMG that's hilarious!! I wouldn't even attempt to get on Miles bareback, with his 16.2 self and my short stubby legs:) Plus, I learned the lesson with my last shark-finned TB-some thoroughbreds were not meant to be mounted bareback. Talk about PAIN:) I'm glad that's not the case with you two though. And no one is taking my 3 step mounting block away from me:)
ReplyDeleteI think talking to your horse before a ride is the best. The smart ones appreciate communication in all forms, even if they don't know the words. I think they definitely understand the sentiment:)
Love it! We have a -beloved- 3 step mounting block & I still really have to work to get on my moose of a horse (17hh). Glad I'm not alone! :-)
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