*I wrote this in 2025 and never published, so the perspective is from 2025.)
Spring is this Thursday and it’s so rainy here in the Bay Area. I was hoping to take the kids out to look for four leaf clovers on this lovely St. Patrick’s day but it looks like it will have to be tomorrow. Jig is wearing his neon green though! This weather was just too yucky not to blanket him, but thankfully he seems to appreciate it.
Last week the horseshoe guy came to trim and shoe Jig. It was the first time without our beloved farrier and Jig was a little grumpy but he adjusted and stood well. Horseshoe guy did a great job and further explained what was going on with Jig’s hoof. He showed me where the dishing is on the right foot and the dried blood you could see deep in the hoof after he trimmed. He said it was healing well and should be hopefully back to normal in a few trims. He thinks it shows that he possibly foundered 6 months ago and that it didn’t look nearly as bad as some horses, in fact one of the better. So that gives me hope! He said light work was still good.
I have still been lunging him to the right because he seems to enjoy it and just a little to the left to see how he feels on that foot. I noticed it isn’t bothering him as much, especially if I sent him on a longer line and not such a tight circle.
Since my in laws are here and my husband took them with the kids for a Costco run over the weekend, I took the time to groom Jig and warm him up and try for a short ride in the pasture. I put up a net to make a makeshift round pen. I say round but that area is actually square. He tried to walk off when I tried to mount from the left, but stayed still from the right, like usual. Once I got on he immediately tried to walk me into the fence and tried to toss his head near the netting and refused to be steered either with neck reining, direct rein, and leg cues. I took it as a sign he wasn’t up for it and got off. I truly don’t know if it’s the foot, saddle fit, age, or behavior, but he definitely still doesn’t seem to enjoy being ridden. Many will tell me I need to “get after him”but I don’t really have the skill or bravery to do that right now. Any advice is welcome!
Jenny and Jig 