Howdy Friends,
We’ve had over 5 days of rain now and more on the way. Streams
are high, our yard, Kessy’s playground, and yup the logging roads we ride are
muddy. Here in central VA we have what folks call, Virginia red clay and the
logging roads are pretty much red clay, baked concrete hard in summer months,
muddy and sticky in the rain. Especially this much rain!
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| Sadie leads the way up the soggy red clay trail. |
We had a bit of a break for a few hours yesterday so Kessy,
Saturday, Sadie and I set out for a fun ride. Wet leaves and boughs splashed me
plenty as we tiptoed along, a light mist decided to drop in, but we were undeterred.
In wet slippery conditions I always allow Kessy to set the
pace, which she’ll hold to a sensible, careful walk. We stop at the stream with
25 water falls to take in the beauty of so many tiny ponds laced with fallen yellow
tulip tree leaves.
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| Saturday and Kessy wade in the stream of 25 waterfalls. |
After the stream we move to the logging road and into an
area of a few hills. Kessy navigates wisely the grade changes and slick clay, her hooves making
sloshing sounds with each step. But what they don’t do is slip.
I thought as we moved along about the marvelous traction a
barefoot horse has in the mud. I did not feel a single slip or slide—and yes we
were only walking, but still it was impressive. At one very level place she
even stepped up to a gentle running walk, not a single slip, slide or misstep.
As we went along, confident and happy, I thought back to
those years long ago, before I accepted the barefoot way and all the many
benefits to the horse. I thought of one horse in particular, my magnificent
Spotted Saddle Horse, Diablo, and the shoes he wore—and the slipping he would
have been doing today.
That was back when I was certain, and no one could convince
otherwise, that horses must be shod. And yes, we did different shoes for
different circumstances. I even remember putting shoes on Diablo with cogs, to
handle mud like yesterday’s ride. What damage do those cogged shoes do to the suspensory
tissues inside the hoof? I can only imagine ... but I can compare the better
traction Kessy displayed in the slippery red clay.
Kessy’s entire foot, every inch of sole and frog can, and
does, touch the ground, supporting her and me as those magnificent feet had
been designed. And providing great traction, mobility and surefootedness.
Riding in the red Virginia clay is a treat on a horse with
bare feet.
Gitty Up, Dutch Henry
