Hello,
Been while since wrote however frequency will pick up. Day before yesterday reached milestone.
Always said take care of horses first,this was much harder than thought would be.I've said from begginning 30 miles a day. Wednesday we went 30 miles without lathering up in 5 hours with 3
rest stops to blow. Learned an invaluble lesson,I have a book old school Teamsters manual.
In this book were many tips on how to train team.One of these was so simple I overlooked it.
I was driving horses with two hands,an a little heavy in mouth.The consequence of this action was a team not working together as well as could.Picking own speeds,sometimes one ahead of other.Well my head
went back to manual remembering page on holding reins.It was as easy as holding both reins in one
hand splitting with 2 fingers on each side of each rein and over thumb and easing back while
appling small amount of pressure two right fingers on right horse. The result of getting this hold
was with light touch I could make boys walk at snails pace and get two more gears. A fast walk,a
perfect clip clop of 8 feet hitting simultaneously and faster in control trot.Easyer on all of us..
Saving shoes and feet and resting horses. Oh it was best ride ever left farm at two returned at seven.
The boys werent even lathered,warm but not lathered,it was twilight. We took an hour cooling out
properly little sips of water till refused then hay then grain.The difference was thrilling to me.Sponged and brushed, cleaned feet,whole nine yards.
Next morning had to put liniment on hands. But I set goal of 30 miles a day and reached it with
less wear and tear on horses,great acheivement. Now they are ready and I can see fifty miles a day
in days ahead.
Missed appointment with accountant today in town,need three contracts notarized, One for sponsor.
Race track chaplaincy of america one for Frank who will oversee my farm while gone one concerning horses. The chaplain will get me more publicity than can be bought.ABC is ready and waiting as are
the Ocala Star Banner. I feel the accomplishment in my heart for I set goals and have reached them.
This is no longer a dream,take care of my horses and dawg and they will take care of me.
rodneymm@ladderhfarms.com