Two dogs and the beginning of Spring

Both days this weekend I took two dogs to the barn. There is Blue Eyes on the left, and his mother Mina on the right.

I had taken only one at a time since I was concerned that the two together would roam like a pack. However Mina has slowed down considerably of late. I suppose that all those miles on the trail have taken their toll. Or perhaps simply she has had enough of running for miles when there are empty stables with nice straw beds to sleep in?

Now Blue Eyes runs with me whilst Mina hangs out and solicits attention. He is rather like his mother was at the same age, roaming within a certain radius of me (generally not more than a hundred yards) but not running off after other dogs or wildlife. I don't take him if I will be riding on a highway since he hasn't yet learned road sense. That took MIna a while and some near misses.

So I shall take the two dogs as often as possible when I am going to the barn. They enjoy the outing, and get exercise in proportion to their appetite for running around.

Spring is arriving. The weather is showery and changeable, and the first bright green shoots thrust forth from the dark wet soil. It is a beautiful time, if one that frequently demands a raincoat.

Doru is livelier too, stepping out enthusiastically. Has he noticed that I have lost weight? (A 25lb reduction over three months, with more to come.)

Some further discussion took place concerning archery practice. Now the second landowner (two hours ride away) will agree to mounted practice from a stallion so long as the beast only visits for training sessions. Well, that is all I really need for archery purposes, although finding a place for Doru to cover the three mares is proving to be a problem.

As for the barn where Doru stays now, it is situated on a farm of rolling land with some hidden corners. The advice informally given is to go and practice safely in a hidden nook, firing at a target set on a hillside to catch any arrows that miss.

If the landowner in fact discovers what is going on, the way out is to explain to him that "we didn't realise that archery wasn't OK". After all, there is no mention of archery in the rules. Or, indeed, of any pointy or sharp objects.

This method, aparently, can be quite effective with the individual concerned. Foals were not supposed to be kept at the barn but, curiously enough, now there are two. The delivery of the message, it seems, is the key to success.

Meanwhile, here is a small dog in a large field. Blue Eyes loves exploring within his safe radius of Doru and I. One can see just how much open space there is available for riding around the barn. Soon this grass will be lush and green. Not long to wait now.

Comments

[Nick]

Sometimes when I practice archery and miss the target the arrow goes so far in the ground it can be hard to find. It seems like practicing from a horse would make this even harder. Maybe you can get someone to retrieve the arrows for you so you don't have to do a lot of getting on and off.

[horseideology]

I know that the arrows can be driven in with such force into the ground that it is hard to see them with the natural turf cover. Also, at the practice field, there is a metal curtain that hangs behing the target butts, that stops the arrows from going further. Perhaps you could rig up something similar (just a rope tied to two trees, and a canvas curtain to be behind your target)?

[White Horse Pilgrim]

Actually that is a very good point - the risk of losing arrows in the turf. I've seen pictures of an old carpet hung on a rope behind a target, and that kind of thing would help. Recruiting an assistant will help too. So many horse training books refer to that "assistant".

[horseideology]

LOL! Yes I've had assistants - horse crazy girls that are more trouble then they are worth. Nowadays I prefer a Horse Hubby.