Sandy, Steve Holt! and I went for a ride today. I saddled Sandy up in the yard, loaded him into the trailer, then went and grabbed Steve Holt!, pulled off his blanket, loaded him and down the road we went.
Three minutes later we were at our destination...the tree farm! I'd really wanted to pony him with a second rider on hand just in case there was trouble. You know...I really need to heed my own safety advice more often. Not that we had trouble. No, far from it! But why tempt fate?
Well, tempt it we did, and we came out the victors. Steve Holt! was the first out of the trailer; he waited patiently tied to the side while Sandy unloaded, and then he had to wait some more for me to get the bridle on Sandy. And all that waiting made him yawn. Once I had Sandy ready, I untied Steve Holt!, mounted up and turned Sandy towards the trailhead.
Sandy, if we've not discussed this, is as slow as a slug. In fact, I've seen the local banana slug population get mighty excited when they see him coming, lining up for races along the side of the trail. Today was no exception. Sandy sleepily turned himself towards the trail, but was rudely awakened by Steve Holt!'s enthusiastic long stride as the taller gelding stepped up alongside and then attempted to pass us by. Evidently he didn't realize that just because I was in a saddle didn't mean he could break the 'don't walk in front of me' rule. I gave Steve Holt! a reminder pop, while Sandy glared at the young whipper snapper in disgust. Never mind that there's just a year between them, Sandy believes that he's old enough to have a driver's license. Steve Holt! immediately stepped down at my request, but Sandy had taken to heart the challenge and the rest of the ride I found myself on a speed walker.
Our ride lasted just shy of an hour, circling the tree farm, heading up the logging road a bit, then back around the farm and up to a little trail before heading back to the trailer. A gentleman and his little dog were spotted at one point and I pulled Steve Holt! up alongside me while we waited for them to go past. He looked with curiosity at the two of them but wasn't worried at all when the dog barked a greeting. Once on the trail we found it quite wet...and deep...and long! Soggy for the most part, but 20' of trail was knee deep in water. Sandy does not like water, but since Steve Holt! was more than willing to wade through, he felt he needed to keep up appearances and trudged reluctantly ahead.
I hope Steve Holt! enjoyed his time outside of the arena today. Tomorrow we're finally able to haul down to Curt's for a lesson!
Three minutes later we were at our destination...the tree farm! I'd really wanted to pony him with a second rider on hand just in case there was trouble. You know...I really need to heed my own safety advice more often. Not that we had trouble. No, far from it! But why tempt fate?
Well, tempt it we did, and we came out the victors. Steve Holt! was the first out of the trailer; he waited patiently tied to the side while Sandy unloaded, and then he had to wait some more for me to get the bridle on Sandy. And all that waiting made him yawn. Once I had Sandy ready, I untied Steve Holt!, mounted up and turned Sandy towards the trailhead.
Sandy, if we've not discussed this, is as slow as a slug. In fact, I've seen the local banana slug population get mighty excited when they see him coming, lining up for races along the side of the trail. Today was no exception. Sandy sleepily turned himself towards the trail, but was rudely awakened by Steve Holt!'s enthusiastic long stride as the taller gelding stepped up alongside and then attempted to pass us by. Evidently he didn't realize that just because I was in a saddle didn't mean he could break the 'don't walk in front of me' rule. I gave Steve Holt! a reminder pop, while Sandy glared at the young whipper snapper in disgust. Never mind that there's just a year between them, Sandy believes that he's old enough to have a driver's license. Steve Holt! immediately stepped down at my request, but Sandy had taken to heart the challenge and the rest of the ride I found myself on a speed walker.
Our ride lasted just shy of an hour, circling the tree farm, heading up the logging road a bit, then back around the farm and up to a little trail before heading back to the trailer. A gentleman and his little dog were spotted at one point and I pulled Steve Holt! up alongside me while we waited for them to go past. He looked with curiosity at the two of them but wasn't worried at all when the dog barked a greeting. Once on the trail we found it quite wet...and deep...and long! Soggy for the most part, but 20' of trail was knee deep in water. Sandy does not like water, but since Steve Holt! was more than willing to wade through, he felt he needed to keep up appearances and trudged reluctantly ahead.
I hope Steve Holt! enjoyed his time outside of the arena today. Tomorrow we're finally able to haul down to Curt's for a lesson!
9 comments:
I love how Sandy had to step it up to not let SH! outdo him! My old horse Cocoa was a 14hh 20+ year old Morgan/Quarter horse cross. She was pretty barn sour (she got over that) so when heading away from the farm was pretty slow, but once we were heading for home, she could outwalk a 16 hand horse, lol, if I could keep her at a walk and not a jig that is. SH! continues to show off each day, I love watching his progress!
Ooopphh... Too much fun with photoshop eh? Yikes Tracey, give the guy a break. ;) LOL Great job! :D ...But seriously, maybe that NorthWET weather is getting to you?
Wow, Souonds like a very successful ride, even though daring!
Tracey- sounds like a fantastic ride with the two (other) men in your life ;)
Love the creativity in your pic there ;) Looks like something he would actually DO!
Great progress!
I had an older QH that was a plug on the trails too - unless another horse was with them. Then it was a competition to see who could walk faster.
Won't be long before you are trail riding for real on Steve Holt!
Great idea, glad you were able to get out. I see quite a few people ponying younger horses on our trails! I wish I had your dedication to get out in this weather, regardless! I'm hoping to see my horse tomorrow, rain or shine.
Looks like things are really coming along well! I like to pony my horses too although one pulled on me this summer and my arm is still sore! haha! Thanks for stopping by, come again any time!
I just want to thank you for your blog. I just found it a few days ago – actually last weekend during the horse expo in Albany. I was there and so impressed with most of the mustangs and their trainers. Your blog is really helping me. I recently started volunteering at a horse rescue. I was given a young, frightened 3 year old to work with. It has been slow going. I have to get through all her fear issues before I go on to the fun stuff. This is good for me, because patience doesn't come naturally for me. I spent 3 days just getting her halter on so that she was relaxed and accepting. I am going to continue to read you whole blog and am sure I will continue to find inspiration!
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