What the...

I am going to a cowhorse reining clinic tomorrow. On Farley. Yep - we are going to learn all sorts of things like "boxing a cow", running something down a fence, sorting something else, and somehow through of all of this accomplishing my real goals:

• Have fun
• Give Farley some cow experience, so when a bull looks at us from the side of the trail during conditioning rides, I don't melt into a shivering pool of fear.

This is really all D*'s fault. While trail riding he spoke of how much "fun" cattle work was, and how it really "matters" because there is a goal that either gets done or doesn't (presumably the cow is how you want it or not). In fact, he made it sound so glorious that I went back and edited by 2010 goals to include cattle work on Farley. Now, the day before, I'm not too sure. Really, what was I thinking?

On the other hand, I condition around cows. While Farley has progressed from snorting and doing her best impression of a bunny rabbit, to merely flicking an ear as cows tumble from the hill side along side the trail, I'm under no firm assurances that things wouldn't suddenly disintegrate if the cows moved TOWARDS us rather than away. Couple that with my naturally fearful nature and an over-active imagination and that spells T-R-O-U-B-L-E.

Actually, it just spells trouble for whomever is riding with me (most likely a 14 year old cousin). As I've already explained to her, if the sh-t hits the fan, I'm under no obligation and it's every (wo)man for their own! It will be a close thing, but I almost positive I could make it down the trail first through hook or crook, leaving her to distract the bear, cougar, bull, whatever following close behind.

But I digress.

I pointed out to my co-worker, whom I'm going with, that I won't be exactly inconspicuous in my english saddle, bright biothane tack and helmet, even if I'm going with the jeans and cowboy boot look. I attempted to disguise my saddle with a cleverly placed western print pad and nope, it's not going to fool anyone. But then she pointed out that the 2 Fresians she's bringing aren't exactly traditional cow horses.....

So off I go. Poor little Farley. Just this morning we tacked up and went on a lovely 5 mile trot/canter down the canal, complete with shoulder-in practice (my newest tool in the tool box from Wednesday's lesson). Tomorrow morning is going to be an eye-opener. I've NEVER fallen off of Farley... Making a note to make sure I put on my helmet...... Remember that I showed dairy cows for 8 years and LIVED at a dairy in college. Beef cattle are not the evil cousins. Just the smellier ones.