Another Nice Day
Or the lull before the storm as rain is still predicted for later.
Footing in the arena was good, so I gave Tucker a fairly good school. I worked him in a frame at all three gaits, and did the basic exercises: 15 meter circles, 10 meter circles, shoulder in, half pass, and rein back. Canter lead changes were through just a trot stride or so, and he showed no signs of any obvious discomfort. I did still wonder a bit about the left front--the one he lost the shoe from repeatedly. Every once in a while, he MIGHT just take a little off stride there.
After the workout, I took him out on the woods trail. He had the most forward, businesslike walk you could ever want from a horse. I let him trot for just a few strides twice, but with the previous rains and the leaves over top of the ground, I do not trust the footing out there. So it was just a tiny bit of trot.
I managed to snag Toby next and I took him out for a ride in the woods as well. Unlike the other day, when I had to get off to lead him home, he was an angel. I think he actually enjoyed himself.
I finished up with Chance, taking him out into the woods without any schooling beforehand. I am sure he was delighted. However, as we walked along this time, I focused on how straight he was underneath me. He tends to lead with his right shoulder, fall a little to the right, and bend to the left in the process. Today, I kept correcting him with a little rein and some definite leg, pushing him back to the left so he was straight again. When he straightened out, he would drop his head down on to the bit and soften through his body. I'm sure it wasn't his idea of an ideal hack/trail ride, but he didn't seem to mind too much.
Everyone got a nice fat carrot as a reward once we were home again.
A good afternoon, and we didn't get wet after all.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
What a great set of rides - I never know how you manage to get so much done! :) Hoping for a ride here tomorrow as it looks as though the rain is finally done - probably heading your way, though. :( (Sorry for the emoticons - couldn't resist!)
ReplyDeleteGosh you are a very fit lady to ride three in a row. Or a very talented rider. I am convinced you are the latest.
ReplyDeleteWhen one rides well, riding is NOT a physical activity, it is a mental activity.
I am glad you had fun.
No rain here, but very very humid, it is horrid and hot temperatures above 10 degrees centigrade O_o !!!
It all seems so routine - the basic exercises for Tucker, the hacks for all of them - one might think that it's just an ordinary day. But think of all that went into the rides today: your past experience of many, many years, your commitment to their health and happiness which includes the proper equipment, training, feed and environment. Then your skill that went into top quality rides today - so much more than meets the eye!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good day! I always school horses on hacks, I see trail rides as a change of scenery to break up the monotony of the ring and a great place to school. I guess I'm just mean that way. After all, there's no rest for the wicked! :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a good day Jean.
ReplyDeleteC