Because of the hot, blasted hot weather this year, the bugs are going insane. They are everywhere. Yesterday I realized how bad it actually was when I went to get Rose from the field and her entire side was covered in the darn little creatures. It was like she was wearing a second blanket over top of her flysheet.
We had a very unpleasant ride because of this. We couldn't stand still so Rose and I had a very frantic trot/canter around all the trails. Rose wasn't being crazy, but she also wasn't listening to me at all. Although it's not really fair to expect this of her anyway when she's being eaten alive.
So today I don't think I'll even attempt to ride Rose, unless the bugs have miraculously cleared for the evening. I'll just bring her into the barn and give her some love and a nice grooming.