First Ever Family Ride!

17 minutes - 0.54 miles - Morgan, Rhulain, and Majesty

Bill was hard at work cleaning out his shed full of tools.  Kid was busy building ramps for his dump truck to jump over.  And I took the opportunity to saddle up three horses and invite everyone for a ride around the yard.

Bill led the way, and gave the kid instructions on how to use the reins.  Morgan was absolutely amazing and so extremely patient.  Rhulain made it clear she didn't like being in the back.

Once I moved Rhu up to the front, her head dropped low, she breathed out, and she showed the Kid how to go around bushes and zig-zag through the yard.  I was very impressed with her attitude.  

Since it was over 90 degrees, we only stayed in the saddle for about 20 minutes.  Though I noticed Bill stole Morgie and took her for a lap or two around the yard while I gave the Kid instructions on untacking.  Mmm hmm.  My horse, and I'm the only one who didn't get to ride her.

A few more of these, and we might be able to start riding off property!

Spending time with Morgie

21 minutes - 1.05 miles - Morgan
15 minutes - 0.25 miles - Morgan (lesson)

 *sigh*  Just looking at Morgie makes my heart melt.  Today she gave a 15 minute riding lesson (learning to balance) and received hugs for her efforts ... from rider and owner.

And since she was saddled, I hopped aboard and took a 20 minute spin around the block.  She stopped and snacked and I rubbed her neck and told her how awesome she was ... she turned her ears towards me to make sure she heard all the compliments clearly.  Love you Morgie!

Wardrobe Malfunctions

23 minutes - Rhulain - 0.71 miles

We left the tack shed looking like this ... bitless bridle, soft eye, and plenty of sunshine.

We walked to the mounting block and I realized Rhu only had one rein.

Um. What? 

She'd stepped on the other one and it broke.  Ok.  

Changed headstalls and we're off.

About half mile away from the house, my right foot slipped.  When I looked down, the stirrup was dangling upside down from my boot.  I lifted my foot, plopped the stirrup onto the saddle horn and we continued on down the road.

The dog "helped" find the blevins buckle on our property.  Bill made him drop the buckle or I think the dog and I would have ended up wrestling.  Not sure I would have won.

Asked her to step over a small sand dune and come down the other side ... it was filled with dead bushes and dried grasses.  She couldn't see the sand through the debris.

She stood and thought about it, then backed up.  I asked her to circle around and then right back up to the precipice and I sat in the saddle and talked encouragingly.  After the third time, she stepped down and walked through the debris.

I hugged her, praised her, and scratched her neck.  I didn't push her, but I was there for her ... she just needed to think things through and decide it wasn't scary.

Other things I learned from today:

Rhu does NOT want to take a bit.  Lots of head tossing and backing away from the bit.

Rather than fight about it, I used the back up bitless.

She was in a mood to stretch her legs today.  

Rather than fight to keep her at a walk, we headed out into the open desert and let her pick her pace and direction.  She settled immediately and we had an enjoyable time.

February 2, 2013 - Morgan & Majesty, 3 hours

Took the kids on the ACTHA ride.  They were horrible.

Majesty liked the new bit initially, but once the newness wore off, he became a little fiesty.  Morg started OK, but kept rushing up to Majesty's bum.  She tossed her head, wouldn't stop, wouldn't stand, wouldn't walk.  It was frustrating but manageable.  I decided there is no recourse with the bitless, so we'll need to try a bit for awhile.

Todd rode behind me and as Morg was fighting me, he told me my seat had improved.  It was nice to hear!

After the ride, Deub talked to Bill and I.  Said I don't sit in my seat - I sit on it.  He's right.  I'm anticipating rather than relaxing.  Said I need to clear her out of my space and quit letting her run over me on the ground.  He's right.  Said I need a bit as well, but my saddle is OK.