Radar and I have had a lovely day out on hound exercise today. 85 in the field, mostly in control. Lots of little timber fences and lots and lots and lots of open grass to canter and gallop over. The land is very undulating, so quite a challenge to stay balanced and in control. He did try his usual trick of using steep downhill sections to get away from me, but I have remembered how to ride him again now, and he didn't manage it. Whatever you do Trayes, don't let him set in that left rein!!!
It was a joy to be out on an Indian summer day of bright sunshine and warmth. I felt lucky to be alive and privileged to be allowed access to that glorious rolling grassland :-)
I have decided that Ace no longer needs to be lunged as any form of exercise. It's his work walking up and down the field that is building him up, not ten minutes on the lunge. So for the next two weeks, I will only lunge him to check how his movement is progressing, not as exercise itself.
About a week before I intend to ride him, I will put the saddle on and lunge or walk him out with the saddle on.
I had a very kind offer today from a friend I hunt with to bring him down to her indoor school to reback him. And she also has a lightweight male rider working for her who has offered to sit on him for me if I feel that I am too anxious and may cause him difficulties with my own worry. So everything is set, and we are now in another countdown situation, waiting to see if his fabulous new freedom of movement translates into being ridden as well.
C
We were out today too on the Arabians. Rode for 3 hours over some very challenging terrain. Had a really good time. Weather here is perfect as well.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great opportunity for restarting Ace. I think the lightweight guy would be a super idea for the first time. But that's entirely up to you. How lovely of the woman to offer her indoor. Now the weather will not have to play into the scenario, nor will any worry about being in an unfenced arena.
Gotta love true horse people. They have hearts of gold.
I love Arab horses. My first was an Arab, very sensitive and a one-person horse.
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i too like the idea of rebacking him in an indoor.. and putting the chap up might be a plan!
ReplyDeleteI can go indoors at home of course, just not with much room. The weather may have a lot to do with it.
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