Angel By Day

Well, having my two WAP kids was not enough on my plate I figured, which is why I ended up with my dream TB - Angel By Day. Fate? - I had personally seen this horse 2 years prior and planned to bring him home, but as life has its funny twists and turns, here we are. I feel like I am behind the eight ball because of that. The thoughts of "what if", and "If I'd just ..." come to mind and I wonder where I would be today if it all had come to pass then. After purchasing this fine stead I found myself 2 weeks later without a job. Again, thank you life! What is one to do now? I didnt want the first missed opportunity to pass again so I made sure he came home with me 4 days after I went to see him. Knowing in my heart that he will be a wonderful partner for our new adventures together. I couldnt wait to show him all he had been missing out on racing at Suffolk downs.

A big 17h bay beauty! With the noble look that says "see you at the Rolex", how could I pass that up? Our relationship has begun to bloom, he calls for me now, and trusts me in unknowing situations that I create. I am always testing him. Although he is definately "thin skinned" with bugs and sprays, a tender flower for sure, he is not an airhead, bolting freakshow I could have ended up with. THANK GOD! I have been blessed with a horse that is up for the challenge.

Starting out is hard with a retrain. What baggage does he have? How has he been handled? Manhandled? Mishandled? Accidents lurking in ones mind waiting to come to a head? One never knows so you have to pretend you took him right out of the 3 year old pasture and are colt starting. Its the best way. That way you know you have covered all the ground work, ground manners, respect and relationship building one needs for the future. That will come in handy whether being trailed, competing, or selling. So why not invest the time and build a great foundation to better equipt them with?

Lounging... tho being on a hot walker doesnt count. He picked up body language quickly and is very sensitive to drive from quite a distance. What a pleasant surprise. Side passing without physical pressure & only a suggestion, amazing! Balancing on two legs while discussing forward and back motion.... WOW! He sure makes you think you know what you are doing in the unspoken world of horsemanship. BUT... thou shalt not let your guard down.... tho it looks good thus far. I am in awe of his greatness and potential given our odds of coming from 8 yrs of track life.

Ground rails to see whether he knows where his feet are, and extend his trot over time is a good thing. Exposing him to small ground jump options are our next feat. Blue tarps, water jumps, ditches outlined with rails, brush jumps..... all under 12" will determine where we are at physically and mentally and hopefully he will pass the test so that we can start all over again but in the SADDLE - and I cannot wait! Euphoria for me is the day that we conquer platform, water and oxers! Fingers crossed that day is coming soon.....

Stay tuned!