I'm sorry to hear about everyone's injuries - I hope all of you heal up well and quickly!

I still haven't ridden Nine, and after four days off I can't get the saddle on him again! I think I need some help with it. I plan to ask my fiance to stand on Nine's off side and hand me the cinch. I think that way it will be less scary to Nine. He is terrified when the cinch touches his side and he doesn't expect it, so I think if we hold it there, it won't come as such a shock. After that, if it goes well, I will put the riding saddle on him and get on! Let's all hope I don't get hurt - I also have a weak ankle and would hate to re-sprain it, or worse, break it! (By the way, DGray, that was some excellent riding until Cap fell over.)

I also haven't been able to get much work with Nine's hind feet. He is doing quite well with his front feet, but I wimp out every time I try to get to his hind feet, even with a rope. I will also need help with that, just so someone is home when I do it and will be able to help if I get kicked. Just knowing that much will hopefully give me the nerve to really do it. Nine is such a sweetheart, though, I really doubt if he will kick me. He stamps the ground a bunch, but if he wanted to kick me he's had more than enough opportunities!