The Howie Chronicles

In a barn full of thoroughbreds, you have to remind yourself that a Morgan really doesn't mature until he is 7 or 8 years old. Physically and mentally. The mental part you get reminded of often, like every time you ride. It's the physical part that you have to keep reminding yourself about. They may look all grown up, but they certainly aren't done changing. For me this means, every once in awhile, it's important to step back, take all my tack off my horse, and put it back on as if it were the very first time and I need to fit it to him. When you see your horse every day or so it's easy to miss that he is growing here or there, and suddenly, or what seems like suddenly, you realize you need to adjust this piece here or that piece there. Not just the girth, I'm talking about breastplates, martingales, bridles, the important things that we set and forget. But then our horse grows and matures and we need to adjust. It's all part and parcel of being aware and in-tune with our horse. Meeting their needs so they can meet ours. It is a partnership, but we do have the greater responsibility.