Bruises and Beautiful Moments- Lily's Log #16

Nature breeds sure-footed horses.....except, of course, my awkward 3 1/2 year old giraffe named Lily!

I went Monday afternoon to brush out both of the horses and spend some quality time with them. Kiowa is shedding like crazy, so I hope that is a good sign the spring is on its way! I am so tired of the cold! I started with Lily because she was a big mudball and likes to be in my space anyway. She loves being brushed and will stand forever enjoying a good currying. I thought to use this as an opportunity to introduce her to mounting and eventually being ridden. I stood up on the big round log/stump (about 2 1/2 ft tall by 2 feet around) and brushed Lily's back. We worked up to the point that she was totally comfortable with me leaning over her back and rubbing her all over. I decided she was lcalm and safe enough to try and lay on her, so I put the curry down and hopped up to where I was laying with my full weight on her, legs on one side, head and arms on the other. She stood there like it was the most normal thing in the world! YES!!! ☺ Then she started to take a few calm, explorative steps, so I just went with her. She proceeded to TRIP over the giant stump/log I was previously standing on and stumbled, almost falling completely down! I slide off, my right knee landing squarely on the edge of the afor-mentioned stump. I now have a fist-sized bruise as a reminder of how graceful and sure-footed my little mustang is! LOL. She is definitely going through a clumsy, awkward stage that, I am crossing my fingers, she will grow out of!

When I finished grooming both horses, I sat on the tire feeder, just enjoying their company. Lily has improved by leaps and bounds with her mouthy-ness and biting me. I was even able to share a beautiful moment of mutual grooming with her. While I scratched her withers, she would rub the middle of my upper back with her upper lip, matching the intensity with which I was scratching her. It was a priceless moment I will cherish forever. ♥