Phase 3: Into the Future

Life has been going very well with this year’s makeover Loshenka with the help of Greg, our surly old farrier, and Copper, the mare’s new best friend and my makeover Loshenka from last year! The pretty spotted mare, now affectionately nicknamed “Socks” due to her two adorable front white socks, gets more and more comfortable and confident every time she exits the barn. She does depend on Copper and myself more than we’d like and is getting fairly buddy sour but at least we are overcoming her disdain of being left outside and can work on the buddy sourness as I continue her training. 

Greg says that her hooves are getting better and better every time he looks at them. He believes that with her being so active and keeping the footing dry has really done wonders for her. Greg does not believe she will have any permanent damage to her hooves as long as she continues to see a knowledgeable farrier and continues to receive the proper care she deserves.

Socks has accomplished some great things in her time here at the ranch too!! She accepted her first saddling with little fuss and seems to really enjoy her training sessions. She’s always so eager and seems pleased with herself when she figures out what I am asking her. We’ve also been going on nice little trail rides daily, getting further and further away from the barn with each ride. That’s just another way I’m trying to show her that the outside world isn’t as scary and uncomfortable as she’s been believing. She does seem fascinated by the wildlife that inhabits the woods and fields and is a joy to ride!

Socks’ future seems bright and full of life, a far cry from the damp and dank field she had been rotting in. I have decided to adopt Socks after the Loshenka event finishes. I am learning fast that I just get way too attached to these poor horses and I want to love them and give them amazing lives. Plus separating her from Copper just seems cruel after everything she’s been through. I’m not sure which path Socks’ training will take us down, all I know is that she will be just fine.