We’re Fixed

This could be a very short post, because the title says it all. We’re fixed. 

Tumbleweed made a liar out of me and proved himself to be extremely willing, reliable, and well-trained. 

He was the most awesomest trail horse ever!

If it sounds too good to be true, I’d agree with you. I’m shocked. 

We were able to make it to all my old haunts, and Tumbleweed acted like there was nothing he couldn’t do. 

Of course, the information Katie had given me was invaluable. For one, I knew he could do what I was asking. That’s HUGE. 

But even more importantly was the “feel” she was able to bring back and which I put to good use, first in the arena at all gaits—rock star—then on the trail. 

I checked in with him gently throughout the ride, made sure to keep that neutral headset, but otherwise left him alone on a loose rein, which is my preferred riding style anyway, and let him figure it out. 

One of the worst hills we went on, he wanted to zigzag a little bit, which was fine. On the ones that didn’t allow zigzagging, I asked him with one rein to stay straight, but I gave him his head. 

There was one uphill that he wanted to trot, but again, I gave a gentle tug on one rein and he immediately returned to the walk. 

He did the hardest hills the park has to offer, even the one with the loose rock I was saving for last. He took it slow. That is where he wanted to pick his way more cautiously and zig zag a bit. One of the last ones we did was to the campground where we had our previous issues. He took it slow and steady and didn’t get at all worked up.

He really engaged his hind end and felt solid, which is a testament to the work we did all spring, summer, and fall with Regina. He was confident in his body carrying a rider. He was sensitive to the cues.

He came out of the trailer super chill, and already had that relaxed headset. 

And he ended even more relaxed and stood ground tied like a pro as I unsaddled him. Tumbleweed, you’re a trail horse now!

I told Katie she fixed us and she laughed and said sometimes all it takes is getting the horse and owner on the same page. Well, she definitely did that. 

I just knew running into her was a good omen. She was able to help put the final trail riding pieces together. 

The only bad thing is now I don’t want to stop. That was the most fun I’ve had on a horse since Cowboy and it is a feeling you just want to keep having. 

Maybe we will get lucky and have a few more good weeks to ride. 🙏