No Saddle, No Bridle, No Problem!

I am working on another post about that book, Is Your Horse a Rock Star?, which is probably what got me thinking about how fantastic a horse that Speedy really is.

Legs wrapped, no saddle, riding halter ... ready to go!

When I last analyzed Speedy's personality based on the book, I wavered between Rock Star and Goddess. Several years later, there is no doubt; Speedy is a Goddess.

The Goddess is loved by most of the other horses and most people. They are expressive and sensitive and emotional. You will know how they feel. They try very hard to please and will worry and be anxious if you are not happy with them. In the negative they can have scattered energy that is hard to get focused. This personality can be loved on as much as you want.

In her book, Dessa Hockley says one thing about the Goddess personality that I must have missed before. She stresses that you should own them forever. This is because their personality type makes it very difficult for them to change owners. "Not only do we get very attached to these horses, but they to us as well."

I love the view from between these two ears.

Every so often I toy with the idea of selling Speedy. Working with two horses is time consuming and expensive. The more broke Izzy gets, the more I recognize that he is the more talented of the two and more likely to get me up the levels sooner, provided he can handle the show atmosphere. Speedy is definitely a rock star when it comes to all of the hoopla that goes with showing. Izzy? We'll have to see.

​But after a day like yesterday, I realize that I would be foolish to sell such an amazing horse. I hadn't been on his back in nine weeks. He spent a month in a stall followed by another month with access to his paddock. He hasn't been turned out to do anything in all that time. His hand walks have been very slow and involved more grazing than walking.

Yesterday,I groomed him, wrapped his legs to support the healing tendon, and threw on my riding halter. Without even a moment of hesitation, I slid onto his back and pointed him down the road.

A well deserved snack break after our ride.

In true Speedy fashion, he walked out happily without even thinking of spooking or freaking out. His gait was big and swinging as he happily marched along. He did blow a bit as we passed the Haner Family Farm, but I forgave him his lapse in sensibility.

Honestly, how many horses, especially those of breeds known to be hot (a mellow Arab?) would have been so well behaved after so much time off? It never even occurred to me that he wouldn't be a good boy. Rock Star or Goddess this horse is simply too good to sell.

Although ... I could do a lot with a million bucks. Any offers?