Wonder of wonders.... Sun!

Really, sun is a big deal! After all the flooding we had a little over a week ago, it's wonderful to see the sun. The massive amounts of rain melted the majority of the snow, and in it's place is now lots and lots of mud. Yay.....not. I loath mud only slightly less then I loath flies.

 Luckily UK doesn't seem to be the type to roll in mud every chance he gets, that's Dacharia's job. His sheet is clean, while her's is a patchwork of mud.

Look! The ring is actually visible!

So on Monday I decided to take a walk out towards the big field we use as extra turnout. I always bring some haystring when I do a fence walks, just in case I need to do a quickie repair job. The big field is fenced with one line of electric tape, I know it doesn't seem like much but we haven't needed anything more. Our one rule is no ponies, as they wouldn't be as happy to stay out of trouble as our horses have been.

Every spring a long lost horse shoe surfaces.
This one is from Tessa, I'm certain and at least 2yrs old. 

So I after an inspection and some time spent tightening the fence back up I decided that it was ok to let the horses inspect the big field. Getting them to do it was a whole other matter. UK was suspicious as to why I was trying to lure him out past the gate and Dacharia had a look that said, "Why should I bother?"

So I decided to resort to bribery. 

As you can see, they didn't exactly come running... I was only able to convince them by starting to eat their carrots. The distinct crunch and snap got Dacharia's attention immediately, she was greatly offended that I would dare to start munching on what was so obviously for her! She'd walk ten steps closer and then pause, glaring at me. I would then take another bite and the process would start all over again. UK followed her, but not with much enthusiasm. Once through the gate, and after eating the carrots it dawned on them why I wanted them to  come over... There was room to move!

Then the inspection of the field commenced. There was a little trotting and a lot of UK imitating a hound dog. He had to sniff everything! They walked all over, checking out everything and seeming to relish the ability to stretch their legs again. 

Eventually they reached the bottom of the field, where UK decided to roll gently on one side in the cleanest patch of snow he could find. Then he and Dacharia realized they could run! 

Well I was going to post a video but it seems it just won't cooperate... stupid program.

On a separate note, I got to lunge UK today! He was awesome, very relaxed and using his back end. I'll do more once the weather improves again as it's supposed to rain all day tomorrow. :(