A Life of Leisure

Many thanks to all who have asked after Aaruba. He continues to do well, considering, though I still sense that he's what endurance riders call NQR -- Not Quite Right. I'm doing my best to keep him comfortable and healthy, a big part of which is managing his diet. He's not entirely thrilled that I've decreased his hay rations in favor of beet pulp and Senior mash, but there are some perks. Hand grazing has become a regular activity for us.


Managing his mental health is more difficult. Aaruba has never been content to stand around in the pasture for long. Almost two weeks after coming home from the hospital, he's bursting with energy and obviously bored without a job.


On Friday, I took him for his first, post-colic ride -- as leisurely a stroll as he could be convinced to tolerate. We've enjoyed some long handwalks. Maybe I'll teach him a few tricks to engage his mind. I have another job for him as well: Riding instructor. I'm overdue for remedial bareback lessons, and his schedule is wide open.

Aaruba? You're hired.
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