April 30, 2011 - Enough with the mud already!

It was a nice sunny, warm day today and I didn't have to go anywhere so I took the opportunity to wash Rory's legs and tail and get the mud off.  The mud was solidly crusted through the hair down to the skin on the points of his hocks and I had to scrub to get it off.  His lower legs came clean more easily, and his tail was easy to clean as well.

Muddy boy before his bath.

Another boarder brought her green horse out to sponge her off, and Rory stood very well despite the odd fuss the other horse kicked up.  I think Rory must have been a good influence as her owner had commented that the mare wasn't very good with the water before tying her beside Rory.  I kept a sharp eye on them to be prepared in case the mare panicked in our direction.

Clean, and groomed.

I toweled Rory's legs off and sprayed them with showsheen.  Then I groomed him with the help of one of the barn teens.  He was good about having two people working on him at once.  I took him out and got the teen to take a few photos as I stood him up.  We wandered around for a while as Rory nibbled on the grass poking up where it wasn't supposed to be growing.  We eventually made it down to the big haybale outside one of the single turnouts where Rory munched on the chaff that had fallen off the flakes.  When Rory's feathers were dry we headed back to the barn.

Clipping feathers.

I pulled out the little clippers and showed them to Rory.  He nosed them and I gave him a carrot.  When I turned them on he was unconcerned even when I put them on his nose.  After another carrot I put the running clippers on his shoulder and rubbed them over his shoulder and down his leg.  I gave him another carrot, then rubbed the clippers down his leg again and clipped a little hair.  Rory was quite happy to stand and have his legs clipped since he got bits of carrots frequently.  When I got to his hind legs he lifted each up as I was clipping.  I kept clipping and gave him a carrot when he put the foot down.  Considering he's not been clipped before I was very impressed with how Rory handled the process.

Clean and clipped.

I took a few photos before putting him back out in the paddock.  Hopefully the shorter hair won't collect as much mud.  The showsheen will help the dry mud brush off easily.