Hap

[threeringedmoon]

Today, Hap did something that I have only once or twice observed before in our eleven years together. While he was rolling in the sand of the arena, he rolled completely over and did the other side. He has the sharp, high withers typical of many Thoroughbreds, and I have always supposed that they get in the way of turning completely over. However, the arena was damp and very soft after the precipitation a few days ago, and Hap had picked a deep area for his roll.

Usually, I turn him loose to roll, so I don’t have to follow him around for five minutes while he picks his place, but there were people handling other horses in the arena. Hap is very particular about where he rolls. He is even slow when he is at liberty to pick a place, but seems to spend far longer when he is on a lead rope. Perhaps he enjoys leading me for a change.

At least, in his comparatively sober old age, he no longer springs up from his roll ready to buck and bolt. In his early years, he was so explosive after he rolled that I wouldn’t let him do it if there was anyone else in the arena

Comments

Horses

[nwl.livejournal.com]

It always amazes me to see such a large animal rolling around in the dirt. Cats, dogs, birds, but horses? We were on some trip recently and passed a farm where a horse was rolling in the dirt. It was so comical to see the hoofs waving in the air and the other horses looking on. Probably waiting for their turn.

[threeringedmoon.livejournal.com]

Yes, horses seem to have a definite hierarchy about who gets to roll whare. My old horse, Smoke, loves to roll and does both sides with no trouble. I figure when he can't get up easily any more on his own, its time.....