Today is NOT yesterday

55 minutes - 2.31 miles - Rhulain

Does this look like the face of a horse that almost dumped me today?  Hmmm.  She's lucky she is so kissable.

We walked for 0.75 miles then I swung into the saddle.  She fell apart ... head high, confidence draining, rushed hooves.  What was this?

I asked for a left turn. I got a clear "No." I "explained" this wasn't an option and we made the left turn.  Barely 2 minutes after our discussion, we were trotting along politely when she swung a hard left and jumped up an embankment.  I hadn't asked for the turn nor the jump and almost fell over her neck. What?

I had her turn around and get back to the path, walk a bit, then dismounted.  I checked the saddle (no slipping or pinching), checked the cinch (no issues there), lifted all four hooves (no rocks or tenderness), and checked the headstall (no twisted or pinchy parts).  Hmmmm.

We walked next to each other for 5 minutes, then I got back into the saddle and turned her towards home.  She was awfully spooky and full of "No" today.  We had to do quite a number of circles near the house and two laps in the yard today.  Tells me I've let her sit too long and she doesn't trust me as much.  Ok, dully noted.  We'll do some more ground work tomorrow before I saddle up ... and then we will ride.

On a good note, I took off her headstall and rubbed all her itchy spots after the ride.  She leaned into me and sighed.  She's a good girl ... an amazing mare ... tomorrow will be a better day.

My Newest Walking Partner

30 Minutes of Walking, 15 minutes ground work
Distance: 1.18 miles

Took Reagan out for a walk this morning.  Morgan tried to run out the gate and was not happy to be left behind. 

Psst, Reagan ... wanna go for a walk with me?

Reagan: Who me?

Me: Yes you cutie!

Awwww, thanks

 Reagan and I had good moments and bad ... she needs consistency when being led and she has some head-shy issues.  Looks like lead ropes must have been whipped near her head ... she's very jumpy and worried.  Some quiet talk and lots of rubbing for correct behavior/ positioning helped settle her down. We have a long way to go.

I can still hear my friends. Maybe we should head back.

We will, once you're done snacking.

We had to spend 15 minutes going in and out of the turnout gate and stall gates this morning. She rushes through with no thought as to where I am positioned, which is dangerous.

Made it safely home! Now, where's breakfast?

Coming your highness.

So we worked on standing still until asked to move towards the gate, and then walking (not rushing) through until asked to stop.  Just going to require a little more time to get her used to our rules.  She tries hard and I appreciate the effort.