Neil, Aly, and Chuck Norris

I'm not sure it's possible for a horse to be as laid-back as Neil: today when I went to catch him, I found him and his 11 hand pony friend stretched out, fast asleep in the middle of what was once a round bale (like two days ago, to be exact). Most horses have some kind of instincts, but apparently the Canadian Sport Horse has evolved past basic self-preservation because my 4 year old 'hot' event horse did not respond to various attempts to get him up off his ass, including but not limited to cajoling, clapping, poking, prodding, the other horse being awakened and chased away, etc. I had to actually put his halter on and give him a good shove to get him up.

That said, he was a good boy today. I am still figuring out our contact issues and trying to get him to carry more in his back, which is an interesting challenge for me because I'm tight in the hip, which is contributing to the problem. Margie Godson's words of wisdom from August keep coming back again and again (Margie is awesome, we rode with her at Rohirrim farm, and she teaches at Myrrdin Equestrian Center in Ontario): I need to loosen up my leg. I see more chiropractor visits in my future.

The red mare is leaving earlier than planned- next weekend. The good part is, since March is jazz season, she'll actually get more work than if she had stayed with me. And she's going to an awesome barn. With an awesome person, and an awesome instructor, and they will take awesome care of her. And I will be able to visit frequently. The bad news is, they will never love her like I do, and she will not be in Houlton. Which sucks.

In other news, my dad has rediscovered his love of all things Chuck Norris, and has been watching a Walker Texas Ranger marathon all day. Nothing to make you feel like an inferior human being than Chuck Norris in your living room, inescapable.