Trail Ride!

Kid and I went on a trail ride with people from our barn and had a great time. Kid and Mr. Butters wanted to head back to the barn right off the bat, but we just circled them 2 or 3 times and headed for the bridge. Both crossed with no problem.

The wind was really gusting which spooks Kid a little but he soon got over it. Every time the horse behind him moved to his left or right, Kid would pin his hears and try to turn around which resulted in me kicking him and saying "quit it!" in my best displeased-mommy voice.

We rode for about an hour which was about all my butt could stand. While we were waiting for the gate to the bridge to be closed, Kid through a fit complete with head tossing which drives me nuts. Our next thing to work on is standing patiently.

Kid is afraid of the round pen

I rode Kid in the round pen this afternoon for about 15 minutes. He has always been afraid of certain area/objects surrounding/in the pen including trailers, buckets, woods and pylons. I was able to keep him moving in the directions I wanted despite a big, sideways jump/spook as we passed a white 2-horse trailer. I lost my right stirrup but stayed in the saddle with no problem.

We actually trotted a bit which has made the tailbone hurt a bit, but that is getting better as time passes. His ears were in constant motion most of the ride which meant I was on constant alert for the spooks. I still felt relaxed but would have been interested to see if I looked relaxed.

Trail ride is planned for Sunday afternoon and I can't wait. This will be the longest ride since I started riding again after the fall. Woo hoo!

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! I am so thankful for my family, friends, dogs, cats, and horses! I fly home from Virginia this afternoon and we will be headed straight to the barn to see Kid. I need some horsey kisses bad. No offense to Ares-pony, but you are not mine.

Saturday we are going to see Rupert and maybe ride him. He will be in training through the end of the year. I can't wait!

Getting on a Horse

I previously mentioned that I need to work on getting on a horse without someone holding the reins. A friend of mine got dragged by her horse this week because he does not stand when she gets on him (she's ok). Not good at all.

Kid stands 95% of the time. My goal now is 100%. I shouldn't expect less and will not settle. We always use a block when I get on because:

1. Chiropractor recommended it
2. I'm too big to get on him without it
3. Kid is too tall for my short legs

When we are done riding and get to the vicinity of the barn/block, I tell Kid to go to the "big, pink block" and he walks to it and circles around so I can get off. While we still might need to make adjustments, overall he has the concept down.

All of this being said, my friend was outside with no block at hand. I think she had knocked a barrel over so had to get off to right it. Note to self: Don't knock over barrels and/or poles. Easier said than done, I know.

All in all, I don't feel I should have to settle for bad manners from my horse. It is best for me and for him if he knows how to behave.

Why I Fell Off Rupert

After my visit to the cardiologist, we determined I fell off Rupert because I blacked-out due to low blood pressure. Go figure. Medication has been changed and hopefully problem solved. We will now venture forth!

I was checking my list of stuff to work on with Kid and we can now knock "riding like a car with frame damage" off the list. It looks like I've been hitting him with my spurs causing him to do exactly what I unknowingly ask him to do.

Today on http://wildponybeast.blogspot.com/, it has been decided to put Denali down. I have been following this blog for a long time now and even though I don't know the writer, my heart aches for her.

I won me a buckle!

Today I received my Champion buckle for the Novice group. It's beautiful!

6 Weeks is a Long Time

6 weeks ago tonight I fell off Rupert as he took off across the pasture. I'm pretty sure I passed out in fear since I knew I couldn't stop him. Bruised tailbone and related muscles are still sore and today is even worse, but it was worth it. I rode for the first time since the accident.

This afternoon, I saddled Kid up and rode in the same pasture. I was tense but that was more from being in pain than being afraid. After 15 minutes or so I was done but I am so glad I did it. Since trotting hurts right now, I'm going to use my time with Kid to start anew.

Rupert has been with a trainer since the accident and probably will remain for another month at least. I'm going to try to see him this weekend.