Downhill Work

 

Today’s trail ride was solo. My husband went with me, but sat at the trailer and read a book while I went out. 

I didn’t warm Tumbleweed up before we went because he seemed very calm. I figured we’d handle whatever came up in saddle. He had the last 13 days off, due to the extreme heat and smoke, so in hindsight, that probably wasn’t the best idea. 

He’s also out of shape. That snuck up on me and I am going to have to manage his food intake closer. They have pasture and a round bale because the pasture is so dry, but they must be finding enough out there to overeat. 

Anyway, we proceeded down the trail, and I checked in with him regularly with an ask for vertical flexion when he got too looky. I did some work through the trees just because I want him to be supple and paying attention to his feet, but it wasn’t necessary for getting his attention. 

He did great, except those darn downhills. He and I just haven’t gotten our groove together on them. He wanted to angle out on the downhills and kind of blow over to the right or left, like you take a ski hill, cross-crossing. I stopped him with my leg, but it didn’t keep him from trying.  

We ended up doing a lot of hills, small and big, and I think that’s the answer to them. Lots of practice.  Since my grandson started back to preschool today, I will have more consistent riding time. It’s not fair to give him two weeks off and expect him to be in tip-top shape.

Considering how miserable the last couple of weeks have been for the horses and humans, I was super impressed that he wanted to be there at all. It was about 85 degrees today, but felt like 90’s. Afterwards, he was pretty drenched, …and and so was I.  (Please make summer go away!)

I have another trail ride planned for tomorrow with the mare who ran to him. Most of our hills are loose rock and soft dirt, which requires your horse to sit back and even be okay with sliding a little. That sliding is what Tweed doesn’t like. I know some hills that are more solid, and I’ll try to go that direction tomorrow first. 

What is not possible at this area is a completely flat ride, nor should that be my goal, but I will try for as much flat as possible. There’s also the possibility of getting off and walking him down some of the extreme portions, just so he can get the feel of navigating them without a rider first.  

I will do whatever it takes to make him successful, especially since he is so willing to ride out. 

*My friend just contacted me to see if we could add our other friend to tomorrow’s ride. I didn’t know how to answer. On one hand, Tweed has been a rock star so far. But on the other hand, he’s still green and needs more exposure and practice. I couldn’t answer, so I let her decide and she thinks it’s best to keep it at two for the short term. That’s what my gut is saying, too, especially since he’s coming off a two week break. I don’t want to push him too fast.