Back again - almost

It's been two months since my last confession - at least that's what it feels like.  We've had so much rain that despite Balthazar being sound we've been unable to do anything in the muck and mess.  Then yesterday thought it's dry enough to have a play and see where we're at.  Great idea but poor in its execution.  Through no fault of Balthazar's or mine for that matter.  The fault lay with the zillion flies.  Since the floods the flies have decided to breed all at once, hatch all at once, descend on the horses all at once - and there's no let up in sight.  Sprayed him liberally with fly repellant which worked just long enough to give him a quick groom (and a long mane de-tangling) but by the time we squelched out to the arena the repellent stopped repelling.

Balthazar was actually quite good.  I am continually amazed that time off seems to enhance their learning.  Between biting at the flies he porcupined and drove and yo-yo'ed and half passed and circled and yielded front and back, changed direction and was a thoroughly good boy.  But it was just cruel to ask him to continue. 

We don't use poisons in the house or on the land so I loathe spraying (and having Balthazar and I inhaling) poisons to keep the flies at bay.  All the horses wear fly veils and between their tails and their muzzles (or standing head to tail) they can take care of themselves.  Once a halter is introduced, however, it inhibits their ability to keep themselves comfortable. 

At least it's March and autumn approaches.  The fly plague has to start abating soon.  This morning it was 15 degrees.  The flies thought it too cold to go to work so if I want to do anything I will have to be extremely organized, get the birds fed, us coffee'd and fed and be on Balthazar's back before the day warms.  The problem with that is timing.  The horses are locked in the yards overnight.    Because there is so much food around they, especially Dakota, are at risk of  grass founder.  Selfish as a description, would hardly cover it if I asked Balthazar to go to work without a proper breakfast. 

So we'll just play it by ear.  At least he's sound again and willing to participate.  Played the 'hide the carrot' game with him.  That too was much more of a success.  He knew instantly what we were about and enthusiastically played until it started to rain and he wussed out and hid in a stall. 

What else is there to say?