On the Road Again

With my trailer fixed, I was on the road again for that Monday, now Wednesday, trail ride. 

I had my new trail halter from Knotty Girlz. 

It fit nicely under his bridle. 

When we arrived, my trainer was there with another student. I was able to say hello and get some before-ride tips. Tweed was relaxed (no need for ground work) so she suggested I do some basic collection work in saddle. 

As I was at the mounting block I saw this creepy skeleton hanging on the arena. I was like, is this some kind of voodoo stuff? Yikes. Probably a kid’s toy. 

Anyway, we warmed up and then went out to say hi to friends and get Tweed used to new horses. They are part of the mounted patrol. One of them is a close friend, part of my cowgirl group, and she offered to go out with us. 

I was like, sure! And off we went. 

As usual, Tumbleweed is very confident leading and he keeps up a good trail pace. My friend said she was very surprised it was only his 3rd trail ride this season. 

He balked once, and it was at this stump. (Remember his aversion to freaky stumps?)

I asked her to lead past it. And then we switched back again. 

I took him down a steeper hill that had loose rock to test out the new working length rein and long, straight legs. My friend said that she finds her leg position by lifting her feet from the stirrups and letting her body balance naturally. That worked for me, too. 

Tweed did great, but he is still getting the feel for rocking back and letting that hind end dig in. It will take more practice, but so much better than before. 

Another great ride under our belt and more technical work this time. I’ll just keep building his confidence a little at a time. 

Oh, I almost forgot we came across riders on the trail and he did well with them. 

They had a little mare in the group who stopped in front of Tweed and refused to go forward. I told you he’s the Mare Whisperer. Her rider finally kicked her into gear. 

I am so proud of Tumbleweed. He constantly checks in with me and he has such wonderful trail manners with other horses. He doesn’t freak out or speed up going home. He’s steady Eddie. I just couldn’t be happier to see how he has matured.