Trail Riding with Ol' Man

A new pony moved in this past weekend, still miss Charlie and Lauren though. His name is Rowdy and he's a 26 year-old quarter horse who looks like he's 10-15. Moves great too. A friend of mine was looking for a place to board (which is always the case) and luckily I had a stall. Fun part is, Rowdy is safe for kids and beginner riders... Plus Kate! Mason has already ridden him twice and he has a 14 year-old girl leasing her. We'll see how this goes over the month but I hope things will turn out for the better. Sherry was going to take him as a companion for Pretty but honestly, I have a feeling he'll be staying with us for a while.

LuAnn (Rowdy's mom) came to the barn today and asked if I wanted to go out for a ride. Of course I said yes because I knew Rowdy would be a good match to get B out on the trails with and let me tell you, they were awesome. He was a little tapped yesterday during our ride (of course Deb came and watched) but hey, cowgirl up or get in the truck! Little bit of a jumpy start but as we went on, except for the bugs, we had an awesome ride. I took her to the bridges and B didn't want to walk over so I got off and walked him over. Rowdy made it over well which was great, she wasn't sure how he'd be. We only went over the bridge where the dam is, got back on, and rode over it. I decided B was being so good that I'd take it a step further and we did the whole circle. I showed her the hill area I love to work in and because I was reaching up smacking bugs off his neck and face, I thought he'd be okay brushing under trees and branches... Something he really does not enjoy. The first time was okay and he lifted his head but after that he was great. We went up the main hill and B was very well controlled going down, I just had to remind him to think before he steps. We made it home safely and even ducked underneath the low branch I usually walk him under!

A few other things he was great with was Rowdy, as slow as he is, trotted up behind us to catch up. He is not a quiet horse running up behind you. The first time I think it spooked me before it spooked B, but I had her keep doing it, just warn me so I can remind myself not to get startled. He probably could've loped up behind us and B would've been fine. Very happy about that. We also ran into an old man with his dog and after I told him he could pet B, he reached for his hind end area and brushed him slightly before I got the chance to tell him to rub his neck. He literally flicked an ear and waited for a pet on the neck. Very very proud.

We've been working a lot on hind end stuff when in the saddle, mainly me just reaching back and rubbing and scratching him. If you know the story of Brantley, you know what a big deal this is. When I first got him back from Cherry Croft and we went through our routine, I thought he'd be okay. The routine consisted of standing up in the stirrup and rubbing down his neck, patting the saddle, and rubbing his hind end, all before throwing your leg over. I thought it'd carry to being completely in the saddle. NOPE! The first time I tried he scooted and it took me 15 minutes to get his head back together. With some patience and work, I can rest and lean on his butt with one hand and even scratch without warning - totally cool with that! I think that's the main reason why he didn't freak out about the old man trying to touch his hind end and he feels safer going under things. 

Can't wait to get out there again. I have a goal! August 25th I believe is the next NBHA race at Cherry Croft and if I can get a ride... I want to bring him. Plus I think Gigi's owner (the buckskin) is going to ride her soooooo I'm out a pony to ride which is fine, I haven't been able to get together with them anyway which is sad especially because CB's been working with her and doing mounted shooting! I'm trying to get her to post more on her blog but hopefully she'll post and you can check it out. Stuff is amazing!