body shots (#iflmh)

If there’s anything I’ve learned from the SprinklerBandit, it’s that everybody loves a good progress post.  I mean for real, horses’ bodies change so much with work, and we have these neat little touch screen computers in our pockets at all times that can just CAPTURE THAT SHIT all the time.  So I try to do so.  Early and often.  Mostly I fail, but sometimes I succeed.

The end of this March is Murray’s and my one and half year anniversary, and also his birthday.  Six!  Six whole years old.  And this year, we’ve been hitting the dressage hard and I have been quite sure I’ve seen changes in his body. And I was right!  Check it.

(NB: Please forgive Murray’s semi-feral appearance at this time. Did I tell you about the Extreme Makeover, Pony Edition? TL;DR I pledged not to do any beautification of Murray after I clipped him until Spring so his transformation would resemble that of a magnificent swan. I’m coming to regret that but hold firm to the gunnels.)

First up, August 2014 til March 2015

My greatest joy: THE LOWER BACK LUMP IS PRACTICALLY GONE GUYS.  Murray’s always had this little vertebral protrusion/lower back roach/lump thing, and I’ve practically covered it up with muscle this year.  I’m thrilled and elated.  Also, the dip between his withers and neck is reduced, he’s put on some neck bulk, and his booty! Oh that booty. Let’s take a closer look at that booty in a minute.

Now, May 2014 to March 2015

I like these two because Murray is standing in almost the exact same position in them!  Ignoring the bloom and neatly trimmed mane, Murray’s barrel has deepened and rounded, and his shoulders have filled.  Also super heartening, his quadriceps muscle has filled in!  I scaled the two pictures to the same size and it looks like Murray also got taller and longer!  Oh, and his mane grew.

(Also, I’m not sure if any of you will have noticed, but his hoof angles have vastly improved since last May!  May was around the time the farrier incident occurred, and I switched to my new farrier. She’s done wonders for his upright RF.)

Now the booty shots.

Booty booty booty booty booty everywhere!

HIS BOOTY WENT FROM ALL DOWN POINTY TO SLIGHTLY HUMPED IN THE MIDDLE LIKE A LITITLE HEART!! Look, the spine is actually the lowest point instead of the highest now!  AAAAH.  And I personally think his tail has increased in magnificence.  It’s almost, nearly, practically touching the ground now!!  BUT FOR REAL THAT BOOTY.

Ladies and gentlemen (BAHAHA who am I kidding? No men read this), that is all.

(Oh, and #iflmh = I fucking love my horse)