"Zwergenaufstand", long lining - and tips for the trailer

Our recent lessons were a mixed bag, mostly good, but one day Remy decided he had to voice his opinion about the changes. As Roz puts it "he is allowed to his opinions, but he is not allowed to voice them too strongly". And sure enough, I had to deal with a "Zwergenaufstand" (unnecessary fuss) during our changes on the long side, all of a sudden, I found myself in the midst of some serious bucks. Really, Remy?? Thank you, one rein stop.

Next day we went to long lining, and Roz showed me where the problem was: Remy did not like the idea of being straight on the left rein. Interestingly, when Roz gets on he's perfectly fine, if it's me the little stinker still tries to see if I'm serious about the whole thing. "You mean, I really should listen?? and even do what you say??". Ah, yes, buddy, that's the idea!

Roz and I went to audit a long lining clinic, it was interesting but not anything new to our program. I was surprised to see the clinician working with all the horses himself, instead of the participants being schooled. It's good to see how it's done, but then once you get home how will you recreate it if you've never practiced it?

This week Thursday through Saturday it will be "take your horse to work days". I have clients at the Waterloo show and Remy gets to hang out there. Glenda is coming with Boomer, so we both have great company. The idea is for Remy and me to stay chill, enjoy, and tackle our -MY- Waterloo (Nomen est Omen??) phobia.

With travel comes trailering, and the question how best to feed hay during a  trip. Our straight load trailer came with hay feeders, but the boys used to root through them and a lot of hay ended up on the floor. Hanging vertical hay bags puts the hay too close to their faces and can cause allergies and breathing issues.

Voila - Enter JP's brilliant and easy solution: Hay bags clipped in horizontally!

A small, sturdy hay bag (this one is from SmartPak) clipped in horizontally. The horses have to lower their heads (which is healthier), it keeps them busy, and there is less waste: Win-Win!

Another great idea, this one from US Rider, is to have emergency information in your trailer. If you have an accident and are incapacitated, who should the Emergency Responders contact? Who is authorized to make decisions? We have this completed form taped to the tack room door.