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Rainy Days and Mondays ...

© Gwenyth Browning Jones Santagate

Another day of rain. My senses are waterlogged - my time with the horses at a standstill. The horses even hang out in the barn, venturing no further than sticking their noses out the stall door to see if the rain has let up - yet.

Here in New England, this has been a year with no summer. Seventy degrees in the daytime with nighttime temps down in the forties. The horses still have a bit of coat on them, never having to fully shed out their winter covering. It’s been great for riding when it hasn't been raining. Daily hoof cleaning has been a real chore but a necessary one. The mud has left the paddock only for a few days. Thankfully, my horses are barefoot and trimmed in what's called the "Mustang Trim". This allows their natural hoof to grow a thick, healthy sole. The frog touches the ground with every step allowing the blood flow to the hoof to be quantitive. The trim also allows the hoof to expand and contract naturally which causes the hoof to actually spread and become round. Overall, the hooves are healthy but do need the daily cleaning to keep the thrush at bay. This year is providing a perfect environment for thrush to grow and become prevalent.

The horses' coats are shiny and sleek, even though a bit heavier than usual for this time of year. Currying and brushing and having the opportunity to check over every inch of their bodies during grooming helps to ensure no rain scald is developing from the damp environment. I can also tend to the small scratches and cuts that appear after a night out in the paddock. Even though paddocks are checked daily, there is always something to find; a nail that has wiggled loose; a tree branch that has broken and left a sharp point within reach of the horses' faces - all debris is removed daily but it seems the rascals can always find something on which to scratch themselves.

When the wind blows the rain across the land, the horses with thinner manes and tail develop "dreadlocks". These are gently untangled each and every day after their coats have been meticulously groomed. Even though the horses won't be ridden yet another day, they are show-ready. After all, what else is one to do on a rainy day?

The horses' manners are becoming more and more solid with the extra groundwork and attention they are getting. Even though there hasn't been much saddling up, I daresay that the time to come under saddle will be far more enjoyable than usual just because of the extra rainy-day attention they've been getting. The relationship that is being strengthened due to the time together under shelter will certainly pull through when needed out on the trail or in the ring. The games and "tricks" that are being taught after grooming will all add to the horses' repertoire of ground manners. I daresay, I'd even venture to say that in the show-ring they would surely shine!!