Farrier Clinic, Sophie Style

We had a consult with a farrier clinician this weekend, which was interesting and fun. I highly recommend the format if you're at all interested. I pick my farrier's brain all the time, but it was pretty cool to have someone more accustomed to teaching come out. I felt like a lot of the info was still way over my head, but there was good news - the farrier was really happy with Sophie's feet and the work we have been doing. The take home of the day for me was basically that I can be more confident and take her toes back further than I have been, but to otherwise follow my instincts, because her feet look good and she's growing into herself as she should.

In other news, Sophie just couldn't bring her energy level down and was a bit of a nightmare to deal with. I was unaware it was a clinic format with auditors and such, so I was surprised when a number of people came and parked themselves all over the barn and around Sophie. I think that added to her anxiety. She's a very social creature and I think had a lot of questions as to who all these people were! Now and then, there were a few audible gasps from the audience at my lovely pony's more extreme measures at expressing her boredom, so unfortunately for Sophie, not too many people were interested in getting close enough to say hi to her properly.

I don't mean it to sound like it was the auditors or format at fault - certainly not, Sophie was having a tough day all on her own. When I got to the barn she was busy trying to show the boys that she's grown up and all mare, while also trying to start a play fight with the gelding she apparently doesn't find as attractive. Mares! The boys were less than impressed with her and I think were relieved when I took her out of the field. Poor Sophie, however, firmly believed her destiny was outdoors with Bachelor Number 1, so obviously taking a time out for a pedicure was not where she wanted to be and she was not shy about letting everyone know.

Having a drink with her boyfriend

As a side note, to give you an idea of how my life runs, there was also an informal acupuncture clinic going on. I can only guess what they thought of my barn smashing, screaming pony as they all tried to ignore us and embrace calmness and Zen thoughts with needles 20 feet away.  Looks like I'll have to keep Sophie, because after her display I'm pretty sure no one else in my town wants anything to do with either of us  :)

That's us. No manners, all class ;)

 In all seriousness, I'm not too fussed. Maybe I should be, but meh, she's young, she's had a winter off, and meeting a bunch of new people and having to stand and pay attention for 2 hours is just too big of an ask for her right now. There was a time I would have been worried about what everyone thought of her/me, but I'm past that - no matter what, horses are going to humble you at some point. I in no way prepared her for this weekend, so it would be unfair to have any expectations of her.

I apologized to the farrier, who is the one who matters, but the farrier loved her and didn't mind. I've honestly never seen one quite so positive and chilled out - I wish she came here all the time! She's a pro, and had a great feel for the fine line between getting it done and keeping it positive. Sophie doesn't have a mean bone in her body, at least (just many, many impatient ones!), so all's well that ends well.

"Treats?"

When a friend texted later in the weekend wondering if I wanted to take Bridget in a riding clinic the first weekend in May, I signed up. Except, I signed up Sophie and we'll do groundwork :) Boot camp is going to start a couple of weeks early for the yellow pony. I might be OK with her behaviour this weekend given the situation and the time off to grow up she's had, but that doesn't mean it's something I want to continue forever. Look out, Big World, Sophie is coming.