Third trail riding report

[Cindyg]

It went really, really well! Neither of us felt perfectly calm, but there were no scary incidents. I rode about ten minutes, which is by far our longest trail ride. (The first trail ride was about ten feet. The second, about 50 yards.)

I had to stop and get off five times (once because of a low-hanging branch, once because of mud on the trail, and three times because of other horses showing up); but all five times I really wanted to get back on. (And I did!)

I was thrilled with this ride.

I was thinking what a thrill it would have been to have had access to these trails when I was 17 years old and riding my "nice horse" (the sweet horse that I had back then). And, then I thought how wonderful it is to have access to them NOW, now that I have this lovely horse to ride :)

So, on the way home, I'm leading Ivan, and I pass my neighbor out on his horse. This neighbor puts in hundreds of miles a year on the trails, and I know he thinks poorly of me for doing so little with Ivan. (He would not rate passing Parelli Levels 1 and 2 and overcoming a major fear as accomplishments.) So anyway, he sees me leading Ivan, and he says, patronizingly, "Nice day for a WALK." I smile and say, "Yes." He says, patronizingly, "It would be a better day for a RIDE." (Which I knew was what he meant.) I say, breezily, "Oh, we rode." ;)

Maybe my ten minute ride doesn't impress him, but I am thrilled. :)

[Ottakee]

GOOD FOR YOU

I think that whatever you can do is great. I am trying to rebuild my confidence and still looking for the right horse. I may do quite a bit of walking as well at first.

[Mekanamom]

Great job on the ride!

and ppppttthhh to your neighbor. :rolleyes:

[Remudamom]

Would it be inappropriate to tell him what he could do with his riding crop? Or yours if he doesn't carry one? Just ignore ol Billy Bob.

It's slowly getting around here that I train CA. A lady that runs and rides with a big Billy Bob group here wanted me to ride for her this summer. Thankfully I could tell her I already had too many horses lined up. (The next four riding seasons are full.) Stick to your guns. I bet your neighbor can't do half of what you can do with Ivan.

Jingle your chains loudly please. I'm supposed to have two folks come see two different horses sometime soon. Sure would take off some of the riding pressure if two more sell. I'd really like to get to a point where I can just ride. Just. ride.