Chica Update from PONY Magazine #2!
Updated 6/20/08
Get more information on our PONY rescue horse Chica!
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A Special Ride with Chica I groomed Chica in her stall and then let her finish her meal completely before saddling her, as today I planned to take her for a long ride around the salt lake. I tightened her girth and checked that the leather didn’t chafe the mare’s skin. Chica snorted impatiently as I climbed into the saddle, and in no time we were on our way. I turned off the main road into a palm plantation. Chica behaved perfectly; an achievement that has required a lot of time and energy from both of us, but has been totally worth it. |
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When Chica came to El Rancho I started her ground training right away in order to build up her trust in me, before I even considered climbing on her back. A horse that’s been by itself for a long time has its own way of doing things, which can make it difficult to adapt to new ways. That’s why it’s very important to show the horse that you are the one in charge. Chica quickens her pace and her hooves barely touch the ground. It feels like we’re flying! After a while we turn toward a small wooded lot, and I can tell that both of us need a tiny rest. I get off her back and tie her up in the shade of a big fig tree. She ambles happily in the high grass and I sit down on a rock close to her. Could life have anything better to offer than this? I don’t think so. Chica comes to me and rests her head in my lap. I move the bangs off her forehead and look into her big, brown eyes. She seems to tell me that she wants to go on. I take a deep breath of fresh air before I get into the saddle again. Chica increases her step without listening to me. I smile and give her a long hug before I steer her back home.Best wishes, Text from Rebecca Uhrfeldt Photos: Ingalill Hall |
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