The Equus Ink

I started a post earlier, but didn't manage to finish, so here's my second go.

Ink moved into a new area today.  He is now in a 12x16 stall with an attatched paddock.  The creme da la creme of all the barn spaces.  Can you say spoiled horse?  I like these spaces for many reasons for Ink.  You have the stall space and the ability to put stall guards up to lock him in if needed, he can walk in and out as he pleases and the attatched paddocks have all-weather footing in them which is nice for the winter.  Today I got to the barn for Ink's farrier appointment and he had blood down his front pasterns and hooves.  He opened up his fetlock joint sores again.  These things are annoying!  I swear I only hadn't put bell boots on him for two days and he riped them back up again.  It's all because he acts half-goat during feeding time.  - Knealing down and reaching under the fence for loose specs of hay.  And probably when he lays down as well.  Having the stall and footing paddock will help me heal this dang things.  Grr.

Onwards to the farrier appointment.  After the farrier talked to me about this option, we decided to put pads on the fronts.  I think this will be good for Ink. 

The schooling show on Sunday went really well.  Ink and I placed second in our first two classes which was just a pole course.  It was great for him and he was absolutely wonderful.  We also got two thirds, a fourth and fifth.  Everything went well, I even did a 2' course on him which was excellent.  I made the mistake of riding him later in the day in a 2'3" class, which was a disaster.  He was tired and I just didn't think about stopping while I was ahead.  He refused not because the fences were scary, which I do have to admit, I was totally proud at how Ink was brave and un-concerned about the different jumps, but he refused because he was tired.  As soon as we started the course, I could tell.  I should have pulled up and just said heck with it.  But all in all, I was so proud of Ink.  I noticed a big change from the show on the 3rd of Oct to the one on Sunday.  Ink is becoming a show pro :).  He's getting the idea, which is in itself, exciting. 

The above photo was from the 2' - 2'3" class.  We were able to go around without any refusals, hesitations, etc.  We did our first pole and x-rail course earlier (x-rail course photos are the first two) and then did this one.  Our first course with 8 jumps lol away from home.  It was FUN and Ink was awesome!!  - In the above photo, in the right-hand side of the background, there is that little ascending-ish oxer?  Well that was part of a double and Ink went through like a champ.  Aww, I'm so proud of hammy :).