Two days later.
I saddled Fancy and did the mandatory circling and three time saddle tightening. The rules are canter or jump and tighten cinch three separate times. It usually takes me 4 tighten actions.
Using the trailer fender, I mounted Fancy and we took off down the driveway. We were moving forward. We made it to the front gate and stalled. (It had been two days and the water puddles were all but gone.) Fancy was not scared of water puddles.
I flicked the reins on her backside and Fancy moved forward. We were on the road and moving. Hope blossomed in my heart. Fancy kept moving. My heart was singing and Fancy was traveling. We made it halfway up the gravel rode.
I decided to give Fancy a “release”. I had her turn around and we gaited back home. I got off, took off the saddle and turned her out to pasture. I fed the horses. This was Fancy’s reward for doing what I asked for. This was my release.
Fancy! Do you see how much easier our life can be if you don’t argue?
Perhaps it was good to have the puddles dried up too.
We’ll see how the next day’s ride goes.