Driving Photos

 I hope y'all are ready for a couple dozen nearly identical photos of my horse in her new harness and cart. On Saturday, I didn't have much of a game plan. The day started off incredibly windy, but cleared up later on. I did not have a riding buddy (though Mike offered to come do whatever I wanted). It was technically Booger's turn, but I wanted to take it easy on her after her puffy leg thing last week. Mike suggested bringing the camera to the barn and getting updated photos of everyone. I will never say no to that! Mike took over 400 of these so you should all be glad I narrowed it down. (Best of all, Booger looked forward and sound for the duration of our drive, and her legs felt normal afterwards. Phew!)

I love her expression in this one. She's so bright-eyed. This was Booger's second time in the blinders. She is being very good and they definitely make her less reactive to my movements in the cart (something she did not mind in the jog cart). It is taking some getting used to. I have always driven her in an open bridle and she likes to be able to see her surroundings. I may go back to the open bridle, but I think this is a good skill set to have (and blinders are mandatory in some forms of competition... not that we're competing in anything any time soon.) On a breezy winter afternoon after most of two weeks off, she was definitely sensitive to things appearing suddenly in her field of vision. I'm interested to see what she thinks of driving on trail with and without the blinkers. (I wonder if a Kant See Back bridle will be a good option...)

I couldn't pick just one preview image. I love how balanced and uphill she looks in this one. She looks relaxed and happy, and I really enjoy driving her.

She swivels her ears at me a lot more in the cart than under saddle.

This was our first canter in the new cart. It was so smooth, rhythmic, and lope-y. I was like, "Do THAT under saddle!"

She was really elongating her body and lengthening her stride while slowing her cadence. It was very cool!

We did not like the left side as much on this day.

I will never tire of this background.

She looks like a standardbred to me in this one.

Relaxing more.

Her loose, happy tail.