Mae!

Mae has, since June!!, been lame to some degree. All told, I haven't ridden her that much. Her lameness has resulted from strained ligaments in one or both of her front fetlocks.

We tried box rest, a mix of box rest and quiet turnout and full turnout. She was sound for a brief time in September, but it didn't last.

Anyway, she was vetted on Wednesday as being sound and recommended to longe her gently at walk and trot for 15 minutes a day.

Mae is hilarious on the longe. When you send her away at first, she usually squeals and humps her back with what I presume is excitement. Sometimes she squeals and runs, pumping her legs and scrambling around the circle. Sometimes she waits until she's done her first walk and trot and then flips out on her second trot when I ask her to pick up speed.

Today, I longed her outdoors in the snowy manege. The ground was firm but not frozen. She squealed initially but seemed settled, until...her second trot on the left rein. She went to trot and then jumped off the ground on all four feet, struck out both her front legs, and went to put her head between her knees.

I shouted at her to get down - it's like having a ginormous salmon on the line! And she did, and was fine after that.

I find it hilarious. I know not to let her get away with it, and I always correct her behaviour, but it's so funny, listening to her noises and watching her play. She's one fun girl, and I've never bonded with a mare, but she's pretty cool.