A.W.O.L.

Yes, yes, I have been AWOL. In a BIG way. But rest assured, I'll return shortly, with discussion over Sole questions...

A "Sole"ful Story?
Or... The True Window To The "Sole"?
We shall see...

In the meantime, It's Sunny In SD kicked me with a tag... and it looks like a bit of fun! She listed two pet peeves in her Bucking Off post, and they were gooood. While I have really vented my spleen quite a bit with similar posts, I see that there may be two more left in the bucket to toss out here. (Hmmm... therapy time?)

For Buck Off Number One:
- Just because I own a horse, does NOT... N-O-T!!... mean that Joe Schmo who watched two John Wayne movies can invite themselves over to ride him.

See, I have this *thing* about training. I busted a$$ (and wallets, backs, arms, legs, etc) to learn what a truly well trained horse IS. And I am quite particular about the training my horse is getting. Having someone up there, who has no clue about balance, hands, or timing makes my eye twitch and my stomach turn knotty. For example, a WHOA on The Big Red One is accomplished NOT by pulling way back on the reins. Oh no. The Big Red One will WHOA off my seat. If need be, ONE rein will be used to get his brain back on track, and my seat does the rest.

I've had my share of horses in the past that I would put someone who has never ridden before on. (Or someone who only THINKS they know how to ride.) But this particular horse now,...... well... Call me greedy, call me selfish, but I am not into sharing my horse right now.

Buck Off Number TWO:
Please do not automatically assume that because there is an absolutely adorable and friendly pony out in my paddock that I am willing to bring him out for your screaming, snotty, rude, obnoxious, demanding, LOUD, uncaring, and generally just rotten child to "ride".

Yeah, I know. Somewhat in line with the not sharing MY horse bit from above. But this really bothers me. Seriously- it really bugs the snot out of me. People have walked down the road, and more or less invited themselves over to see the pony and next thing you know they are telling Rotten Little Johnny that the nice lady will SURELY get the pony out for him to sit on! Um- yeah- I Think NOT.

Why not? Because I am NOT giving lessons here. And because should something happen to your spawn, You Would Sue. And frankly, if your child (or you- the PARENT) can not have a sense of decency and show genuine interest, and listen when I ask you to not run at the pony, and listen when I ask you not to bang on his nose, and listen when I ask you not to throw hay/ grass/ dirt/ toys into the paddock, then you don't really NEED to be around a living, breathing, reactive animal that could hurt you or your child seriously.

*cough cough*

Now, I am ALL FOR teaching someone to ride. I'll do everything I can to help someone learn as much as possible about horses. I have knowledge- knowledge and skills that I have spent my entire life learning. I love to teach, and am more than willing to share what I have learned over the years.

BUT.

If you simply want to "ride" the horse, then you need to go elsewhere. There is more to horses than just having someone else groom and tack the horse for you, so you can just crawl up, yank and kick your way around for as long as you wish, and then turn the horse back over to the handler while you head elsewhere. Oh no. If you don't want to pitch poop, move hay, scrub water buckets, clean tack, groom, and learn ABOUT horses, you will not be allowed here.

Well. Looks like that should wrap this edition of Bucked Off.... anyone else want to join in?