This is the 2nd consecutive day of trail ride. Oh woe if we could only have 5 days or 2 weeks or so consecutive days.
Today, Sue was more relaxed on the trail.
Today, Sue was more nervous on the trail.
Huh?
Even though the saddlebred did wonderful on his first trail ride, he is still a fairly high energy horse. I believe that energy sparked more of Sue’s inner terror that still exists.
Part of today (the first half away from the trailer), we were able to follow our two trail riding buddies. She was relaxed enough to just follow instead of scooting ahead. What a great ride that was!
When we hit the turn around spot where we are going back to the trailer, Sue’s energy comes up. This is where I found out how great of a gait she had over deep mushy muck. Well the same spot today with the saddlebred behind us caused a few more bolt forward reactions on our way back home.
When she startles forward, my body tenses in alarm and I grab for the rein. This causes the forward part to go on longer than if I were relaxed. I wish I wouldn’t do it.
So, part of the way home to the trailer (when we weren’t in the deep squishy mud or muck), I had my fellow trail riders wave their arms around. It made Sue raise her head, but she didn’t spook. We’re going to have to do this more so I can quit my over-reaction.
The nice thing about today in terms of Sue and I is that my confidence is still sky rocket high. I can’t wait to get back on the trail again.