I took Rayzer for a four mile jaunt around the farm and across the street in the nursery the other day. On the farm she was confident, relaxed, and fun. Jabby and Erin joined us across the street. Rayzer will follow another horse to the ends of the earth, but she doesn't like to lead. It's something she needs to get over so I practiced trotting and cantering away from them. Rayzer was great.
Then, on Thursday, I took her out alone for the first time. All I can say about that ride is that it made me appreciate Ozzy. I regularly brag about the big scary things that don't bother Ozzy; motorcycles, barking dogs, screaming children, trains, etc. What I have been completely taking for granted are the ordinary things that can be scary to a horse; rustling grass, birds in the brush, bunnies, lines on the pavement, flags two blocks away. Oy!
I managed 6 miles on her in a little over an hour, but it was definitely a struggle at times. Her brain sort of fell out when we came around the corner to the kickball field and there were other horses (fellow boarders) working in the grass. I was a little worried about doing any road riding, even though she doesn't seem to mind traffic, so I opted for a completely different route than usual. The good news is I found a way through the nurseries from the donkeys to the abandoned house.
At one point I actually had to dismount and lead the poor mare. There were green houses, tractors, and the nursery dog was running over to say hi. Rayzer started backing down a steep, slippery hill and I thought that was quite enough drama.
The good news is she's a rock star when I get her out in the wilderness she's awesome and her canter is just about the most fun I've ever had. She's still young and green, but she's better than Ozzy was when I got him, so I'm hopeful that things will get better as we go along. She definitely needs some confidence, but she's willing to try and she seems happy to see me and try new adventures.
Wish us luck!
Maps of our rides.
If she is happy - she will figure it out.
ReplyDeleteIf you are not stressed then she will not be stressed either, horses are good at working that stuff out. I hear you about taking horses for granted. I could take Cash out on the windiest wet days with thunder rolling in the distance and he would not even notice it. Unfortunately having a horse that laid back may one day set me up for disaster as I almost expect every horse to be like that. I have to remember that horses like that are the exception, not the rule. That is not to say that with positive experiences in new situations that just about every horse could become that confident.
ReplyDeleteI WILL come a cropper one day.
.....hang on a minute...where are the photos? Of Rayzer at the very least. Where is our Dom dose of sensory overload of gorgeous horses and gorgeous Herbie and gorgeous riding trails?
Coming later today ;)
ReplyDeletephew!
ReplyDeleteI totally know how you feel Dom,
ReplyDeleteRenegade is steady as a rock (er... usually) with any beginner on him... I ride him and he spooks at the most ridiculous things. Weeper will never be normal and as I've stated previously, she's been scared of her own flatulence (that was a battle and a half to over come)
Sometimes It amazes me what these horses will spook at and then it amazes me that while Treble is rearing at a mouldy hay bale (scary!!) she won't even blink an eye as a stupid squirrel falls out of a tree... (really horse? REALLY?)
Anyways, you seem to have a knack for getting the insane resonably sane.... you can do it... and I'm sure you'll have a blast.
best of luck to you