Roads and Tracks

Last Wednesday, August 4, was the first lunging lesson where Harley just walked right from the start.  No bolting, bucking, tearing around.  When Jane asked him to trot, he cantered a little, but slowly and only about once around, then dropped to a trot, and the rest of the lunging was excellent.  My ride after was a bit more eventful, with Harley taking off at the canter briefly, but he slowed down when asked, then picked up the canter again on his own, cantered much more slowly and calmly, then trotted when asked.  He did spook at something rather energetically at one point, but then calmed down and trotted nicely on contact.  

I recently mentioned to my trainer, Jane, that Harley is much more relaxed when I ride him around the ranch, outside of the ring, and that he picks up the trot with no head raising and trots along like a trail horse.  She suggested I do more trotting on the roads and trails, and he loves it.  He carries his head low, and seems really happy.  We are still working with Harley on relaxation, and it will help to do the things that he enjoys and is relaxed doing.

So, today, August 8, we went outside the ranch on a real trail ride.  Although Harley had never been off the ranch property before, he walked out eagerly, looking around at everything like a tourist.  In spite of a big scary stone gateway, cars coming around blind corners, and a mini-tornado (dust devil) that almost blew him sideways, Harley was a real champ.  He had no problem being in the lead, walking past strange new things, and went up and down fairly steep trails like he'd been doing it his whole life.  In this photo, Harley is practicing for his next trail ride/dust storm :)

Not only is this kind of activity good for Harley physically, working his hindquarters on the hills, but it is priceless as far as helping his mental state.  He learned today that it is okay to be afraid, and if he is brave and trusts me, everything will be okay.  I think he would walk anywhere for me, and I couldn't be more proud!  We will be doing these trail rides 1-2 times a week, weather permitting (not too hot, or raining), and I can not wait to see how this experience transfers to our next lesson in the ring.