Sad news everybody, Operation Horse Sense is on hold indefinitely. :(
Last week I woke up and got ready to head out for my daily dose of horse only to be confronted with an empty pasture. I didn’t say anything, hoping that the horses would return. The owners will sometimes bring their daughters over and take the horses out for a ride, so I was hoping this was the case. However, after a long weekend in Rhode Island visiting family we came back to a still-empty pasture. *sad trombone*
There is good to this. The horses were really tearing up the pasture and it could definitely use some recovery time. Also I don’t have to worry about horse-dog interactions when I take the dogs down for a swim in the ponds. Also also, I have been using the well trod paths left by the horses as a bike path, which the dogs find highly amusing.
Overall I think I made some excellent progress in my week of Operation Horse Sense. I got to the point where I actually voluntarily touched horses without flinching or being terrified all of the time. I learned a bit about horses and horse behavior, and overall it was a positive experience.
I’m not 100% comfortable around the big animals, but I’m a lot more at ease than when I started. So that’s something. And who knows, maybe the horses will make a return before the end of summer.
For now, though, I’ll entertain myself riding the trails on my bike while the dogs chase along.
Horse trails make for excellent bike trails.
I imagine that does make a nice path! While Operation Horse Sense has had to be put off, I think what you have accomplished is extremely, extremely good! So give yourself a big ol’ pat on the back!
I’m pretty happy with what I managed to accomplish in such a little time. But I’m still hoping the horses come back at least for a bit so I can get a little farther in my progress. :)
Glad you were able to take lots of positives away from this! Hopefully your four legged friends will return to great you with happy hellos!
I’m hoping they can make at least one more appearance this summer. We shall see!
I’m with Holly–I’ve been reading your Horse conquering posts and I’m thinking you’ve made good progress. Do you know why they are not there? Hopefully they are ok.
I like your bike on the trail picture, btw.
Thanks! I’m pretty sure the owners just decided to move them back home or somewhere else for the rest of the summer. I’m sure they’re fine!
That’s good! By the way, don’t worry about your horse fear–they are big. I’m afraid of geese!! And those aren’t big! But they hiss!
I’m glad you’re making progress, my dear. Horses are quite gentle if you approach with no fear. And horses do make excellent paths. We have horse/bike/hiking trails all over here. It’s a good thing. :-)
The “horses can sense your fear” thing always just makes me even more nervous! lol