…Or attractiveness – but that’s a whole ‘nother story.
I did it! I did it! It’s been exactly thirty-five days since I decided to keep my horse home and train her myself. I told my hubby, “After thirty days of serious work, I’ll decide whether or not I can handle this horse and whether or not I am capable of finishing her training.” It’s been a roller coaster ride, to say the least. But…
Today, my nine year old and I rode our horses together in the pasture for the first time ever! After over two hours of work with the horses individually and together in the round pen, we ventured out into the great unknown. It wasn’t the longest ride in history, but it was a RIDE. A very controlled, peaceful ride. Despite the wind. Despite the cows roaming about. Despite the fact that just over a month ago, I nearly got dumped on my ass (many times over) riding in the very same area on the very same horse. It was the coolest thing ever!!! Blue didn’t pull a single stunt. No bucking, no twisting, no kicking out. She went exactly where I asked her to go, at the speed I wanted (SLOW). Duke, being the ever obedient pony, followed calmly. My daughter and I could hardly believe it – we were riding our horses together, like we’ve wanted to do since the day I brought Blue home.
Blue’s training isn’t finished by any means. We’re just getting to the good stuff! But todays’ ride is the milestone by which certain people will judge my ability (rather than my lack thereof). It’s the most visible sign of our progress so far. There are so many reasons I’m proud of her (and myself) – the way she now stands quietly to be groomed or saddled, how I can bridle her so much easier than before, her patience while being tied, her responsiveness and respect for the humans who move in and around her space, and the effort she’s put forth during groundwork – but today’s ride takes the cake. I feel like a proud mama whose baby has graduated from Kindergarten!
Yee-Haw!!!!
