Oakley - line driving down the road - 17 July 2024

Oakley, the 2yr old Paint gelding, was put on Stand-Stay outside the fence to be tacked up. https://griffes.tripod.com/standstay.html With no warm-up I then line drove him over to a neighbor farm, through their U-shaped driveway, and back. A total of 1.7 miles. We were passed twice from the rear by pickup trucks - the first one was going very fast for a gravel road (likely 45-50mph) and did not slow down a bit but did fully get into the other lane when they passed and stayed in the other lane until well past us. The other driver passed at a lesser speed (likely 30-35 mph). Neither passing vehicle bothered Oakley in any visible way - he simply kept walking along. Oakley's body however was prepping him for flight - on this 1.7 mile walk he manured 7 or perhaps 8 times - which horses do if their body is prepping for flight. Nothing about his actions reflected what his bodily response was indicating - he was acting calm. Do realize that a two year old would not be out front in a normal herd setting - but when driving a horse the horse is out front. So that requires more personal courage which can be supported/augmented by trust in his master.

Training horses always involves some risk of injury (or even death) to the horse, the trainer, any spectators, equipment used, etc. - this risk is totally your own as you will be making your own judgements on what to do. As with any suggestions on any subject you must weigh them out for yourself and proceed accordingly - at your own risk.

Remember to intentionally, on purpose, learn of God each day by prayerfully reading, studying, and pondering upon God's word each day. Talk to God in prayer as your Heavenly Father who would like for you to be His friend. Find out what He would like you to do for Him as His friend and go and do it for Him as His friend. Yes very intentionally, very much on purpose, become the friend of God. And have a blessed day!!

Jack Griffes
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