[drivingpairs] Re: Ice storms in North Texas

Have you ever seen a two thousand pound horse walk across a frozen mud puddle
and it not break?  I did this morning!  I'm here in North Central Texas where
the sleet storm has crippled everything.  I knew it was coming so I got out
yesterday and made sure everything was ready.  Unfortunately I haven't been
able to drive my hitch since October so they are all out in the pastures.
It's the first time my black horses have had white backs!  My wife is trying
to convince me to get the sleigh out of the shed and go for a ride but . . .
I did get a pretty day last week when I was able to drive a team.  My lead
team is the nicest to drive so I started with them.  Harnessing was really
hard for me after my surgery but driving was a thrill.  The joy of feeling the
lines in my hands was exhilarating.  My Casey horse has reverted back to his
scary days.  When I first got him he snorted at everything.  I had gotten him
out of it but after three months of no driving he gave me a little bit of
trouble when hooking him up.  My old faithful horse Ben, however, stands so
good and quiet that Casey just had to mind.
Normally Casey drives slightly ahead of Ben so I have to bit him down.  I
guess since Ben hadn't been out in a so long he had a lot of pep so I had to
change Casey's bit to the straight-away ring.  Of course they are completely
out of shape, just as I am, so when we returned to the barn they were foaming
and I was give out.  I had planned to work them some more but last week we had
rain and this week we've got ice.  The rest of the week is supposed to be rain
again.  I guess these guys will get an even longer break.
Ken



Helen Roeder wrote:

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> Nancy,
>
> We are having one of our famous ice storms here in North Texas.   =
> Couldn't drive in it if I wanted to!    I looks like little tiny beads =
> of snow, but it's ice.  It's been below freezing since last night, and =
> we're supposed to get several inches of this stuff.   Nasty!   I know =
> you guys think we're sissies down here, and laugh at us when we complain =
> about the cold.  But when you have the sun shining one day with 60 =
> degrees and the temps drop about 40 degrees within a hour, there isn't =
> enough time for the body to acclimate properly and it feels PD cold.   =20
>
> The fun part will be when we have to walk over to the barn......slippin' =
> and slidin' all the way.   The only ones enjoying this weather are the =
> geese, who make the rounds of our three ponds.  =20
>
> So to answer your question, I for one am NOT driving today.   Anyone for =
> some horse conversation?
>
> Helen
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