Is It All Worth It?

Last Saturday, my trainer put on a Mountain Trail Clinic, and we were all invited. I was very excited and couldn't wait to take Maxine. The clinic was at another location, so we'd have new obstacles and areas to use for training. There's no better opportunity for fun...

Or so I thought.

I drove down to the barn to pick up Maxine. She's been a little awnry with loading lately (a complete act that I refuse to encourage), so I got my tools ready before I brought her up to the trailer.

Personal observation: I typically trailer alone, so I've had to improvise ways to work this out myself. Basically, I run a long lunge line through the blanket holder at the front of the trailer. This allows me to keep forward pressure on her halter and at the same time get back far enough to provide a wee bit of "encouragement" with the whip. It works every time with Maxine in under a minute. However, I'm not sure if it would work with your equine, so "consult a professional before you try this at home." (That's my fine print for the day.)

Maxine was quickly loaded and we were on our way. After a mile or so with the windows down the listen for unusual trailer noises, I turned up the radio and prepared for a fabulous sunny day with my mule. Unfortunately, there were dark clouds ahead--literally and figuratively.

After an uneventful 40-minute drive, I arrived at the barn, parked the rig, and unloaded Maxine. Folks were already working in hand with their equines--both mules and donkeys--so we wandered over to training area. It was an equine playground , full of ditches, seesaw bridges, tractor tires (both will and without dirt in the middle), poles, snags, and more. What more could a trail competitor ask for?

Knowing that she can easily tread in and around a tractor tire, we headed over to one that was full of dirt for an easy start.

Jenny: "Cluck... Step up."

Maxine: "No."

Giving the benefit of the doubt: "Cluck... Step up."

Maxine: "I don't feel like it."

Third time's the charm: "Cluck... Step up... Tap."

Maxine: "You can't make me." *roll eyes*

Personal observation: Mom, if I was ever like this as a child (and I know I was) I apologize profusely.

I don't think so: "Cluck... Step up... Whack!"

Maxine: "Hey! Fine, I'll go. But I won't like it!"

Me: "See, that wasn't so hard. Now stand there while you're crazy Mother takes a few pictures."

After her photo shoot, I cued her off the tire. On the way down, Maxine thought that the best place to put her hooves was safely on my toes. Ouch! I think someone has respect issues, so we tried again. This time she was encouraged to step down politely and after on the third try she even stopped to pose for a photo at the midway point. I had won the battle, but it was only the first of many.

For the rest of the day, Maxine fought and struggled with every obstacle. Our biggest battle was the muddy ditch. My attempt from the saddle was unsuccessful, so I hopped down the try a little ground work under the watchful eyes of my trainer.

After a bit of butt weaving, she trod into the ditch while I walked next to her on the side. One step, two steps, three steps...

"I'm scared!" she cried, silently, as she thrust herself out of the ditch, pushing me backward and kicking my ankle in the process. I was none too happy and quickly let her know with a swift jerk of her stud chain. Only then did I check my ankle for broken bones. Once I was sure eveything was in place, we tromped back to the ditch.

Personal observation: Maxine once mildly strained a tendon in a muddy ditch, so I understand her hesitation. However, she must learn that Mommy knows best and running her over is never the solution.

As we entered the ditch a second time, Max hesitated and looked for an escape route. I sensed her hesitation this time and before she could make a break for it, I popped her up side the nose. Surprised, she stood her ground and then settled down. Lick, chew, lick, chew. Scared my ass (no pun intended).

We slowly finished our journey through the 20-foot ditch, halting a few times along the way for emphasis. Once we were through, we did it once more for good measure. This time, Maxine was an angel--another battle won.

I'd like to say that from then on Maxine was a gem--she wasn't. She continued to struggle with elementary obstacles. My only concession is that she was in a flaming heat cycle and the weather was definitely wonky. Excuses, I know, but these things do affect our equine friends.

Finally, knowing that I had accomplished all that I could for the day, I untacked Maxine and headed back to the clinic on foot, leaving her to quietly graze by the trailer. After saying my good-byes, I loaded Maxine and headed back to the barn.

I wish I could say that I had a fun day, but I didn't. I did, however, have a day filled with small personal victories. Not only did I win every battle with Maxine, I also helped others get through their own battles. It's wonderful to know that I'm now one of the trusted hands who's often called on to give assistance, rather than a complete novice who's constantly in need of assistance. It's definitely all worth it.

Personal observation: Not a complete novice, but still a novice.

Photo: Maxine patiently waits for me to take a photo.