Trail Rides

So we made it... 2 trail rides down, this 100 day ride challenge is definitely going to happen. Yesterday I went out with Charlie and Lauren. I was going to start B in the bit but L smiled and said, "trail ride?" and because of the circumstances and having less and less time with them, I said, "FUCK YEAH!" I mounted on the trail and off we went. Bugs weren't as bad as I thought they could have been, but there were definitely a nuisance.

We made it to the bridges and I worked on a few new techniques I've been trying to refresh in my head. Took Brantley a few tries but he finally walked up and put his nose to it, I didn't want Charlie to get too antsy while waiting so after I got him to approach the bridge, I dismounted and walked him across (something we've done over and over again). If I can make sure he's calm 10 feet away from something scary, he's going to be calm walking closer and walking over. As long as he was moving, back, forward, side to side, I kept his nose pointed to the bridge. I only asked him to walk forward when he stopped moving and when he made a step I'd keep his nose forward and let him move where he wanted. When I went over the bridge today he remembered and it took him a few tries and seeing Mason on the other side (my little brother rode his bike), but over he went.

It was really nice to talk ponies with L as we made our way to the boat ramp with our 6 year old crazies. The more and more we talked I felt the more relaxed the four of us were. Brantley went right into the water without a flinch. He loved it which I remembered from last summer. Charlie was a little hesitant but with his new bff, inch by inch he wade up to at least his ankles. Then he got brave and stuck his entire nose down to his noseband straight in the water. We made it home in one piece, both boys walked over the bridges like gentleman and B tried to jog home. I would've loved to let him trot but I'd like to get a few more calm 'n cool rides before I start galavanting like I'd like to. I just need to strap on by cowgirl boots and ride the beast. My confidence is getting better but once you have that one fall... It's the fall that changes everything.

We'll keep it in the ring tomorrow... Definitely putting the bit in his mouth. A few different exercises to try but he's getting more relaxed and more supple. I'm so happy. I have to keep remembering everything that I did with him before the few weeks he spent at Cherry Croft. I couldn't have done it without CB and the Cherry Croft crew, but he had to get the building blocks somewhere and I know he wasn't perfect and I know I don't know half of what they know but I really worked hard to get him to be the horse that he is. Calm, cool, smart, thinking, sweet, trusting... If he didn't trust me, I wouldn't have sent him away. Just have to keep remembering I did something right.