We went to the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center today. Part of the visit was a lecture about stingrays followed by hand-feeding them. The zoologist assured us that it would feel like a 'wet kiss'. Hmm, I've never been a fan of wet, sloppy kisses - but what the heck, the stingray won't kiss me on the mouth ... I sure hoped so! I was not disappointed when I put my hand holding a shrimp in the water: The stingray took the shrimp very gently, and it felt indeed like a wet kiss on the hand. No "yuk", I went back for more!
The big draw for me were the sea-horses - well, yes, of course: they really resemble horses! The little guys in the aquarium just looked so intelligent and awfully cute. I want some at home, finally horses that can live in the house!
During the days we've been here I spent hours walking in the surf on the beach. I love feeling the sand, wind and ocean. Sometimes the waves caught me, and I was grateful for having strong legs that kept me grounded. Pretty interesting, I hardly wear skirts because I think my legs are too muscular, but then when it counts I don't mind the muscles at all!
Still, riding or the boys are never far from my mind. So I asked myself why I have such a hard time putting these muscular, athletic legs of mine on a horse? Judy has been after me ever since we started working together to put my legs on, especially the inside leg. I guess Saumur has trained me well, in the early days putting a leg on him was like squeezing toothpaste out of a tube: fast and no return. Now he takes the leg well, but my brain has not caught up with it, and I project the same reluctance onto Remy. So - insight gained from my time on the beach: If these legs of mine can keep me from being swept to sea they sure can give the correct aids to a horse!
The journey of two Morgans: *Saumur*: Dismissed as not-trainable by experienced trainers and the Amish alike. Together we worked our way from learning to steer to the USDF Bronze Medal. Saumur passed away in 2022 at the age of 26. *Remy*: Cheerful, loving -but not without quirks- on his way up the levels. This is also a tribute to the remarkable professionals helping us along the way, Roz Kinstler, Lisa Oberg, Vanessa Voltman; and most of all to Jean-Paul, husband extra-ordinaire.
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