Riding

[prizmbluekigers]

We caught the last good days before the snow and cold arrived; now it will be frozen and or muddy/slippery for months. There is an indoor arena that charges $10.00 per day to use the facilities and in the better weather they have a trail course that Fit and I did "in hand". I like the idea of an arena and the deep footing for both of us, I figure it is not a matter of "if " I come off of him but when. Something spooked him the other day in the pasture and befor I could blink he had spun 180 and started hopping around like a crazy thing. I like my Australian saddle; not only is it comfortable, I stayed snug in it while he cavorted around. There is about a 3 second delay in him when he startles and then his thinking side take over again and he comes back to me. He will do a one rein stop in about three strides from a walk and trot so I don't worry about him taking off.

The best thing about this is that the more I ride, the more I want to ride. Rick says I am smiling more these days - best thing for the inside of a man.......".

[angelsdream]

You do look like your smiling in the last pic..I know what a great feeling it is to go thru all this and become a better rider and more confident, which in turn helps the horse also. Kuddo's on your continued success with Fit. Hopefully there will be many more good stories from you two...>! keep us posted!!!

On another note, not to change the subject, but since you mentioned the spooking part - when Lakota spooks at stuff, most of the time she thinks first before flighting (could be her age also as she's more mature)..she will look hard and then react, unless it's a goat..she is terrified of goats, thats the only time Ive got my SPIN on her, she tucked tail and took off..haha! And I guess another factor is I know her so well and can feel her start to tense up and just know her looks and whether she is going to react or stare - during the goat incident, I even felt her heart beating she was so scared...! Even 3 hours later she still had her eyes pinned on that goat...but that is one of the reasons why I love these horses as there natural instincts are still there . Me and Lakota ride a lot on the trail alone and I am very secure knowing she will let me know if something is out there that I cant see, no one will sneak up on us, thats for sure.

Didn't mean to hijack your thread...! Just wanted to share spooking experiences - Im sure Fit will get better with more time...I will be sharing my own experiences soon enough with Bella, my 2 1/2 year old!!!

[fantasykiger]

It is so great to see you riding Fit and know that you are both doing so well. I am bummed winter sneaked up on us full force so soon. Last Nov. was so mild I was riding alot still. Winter won't last forever and I do look forward to riding together in the near future.

[prizmbluekigers]

I crave obstacles and miles of trail experience. Are you going to do the ACTHA ride at Brasada in July? Maybe we can practice in the spring. Do they have a seniors division? ;D We have plans for a water obstacle, ditch, and finger of death aka "the carwash" to add to what we have here. My bridge can be stationary or it teeters, but I need to practice on one actually over running water.

[fantasykiger]

Yes, I plan to do the ride in July with Fantasy, so nice I can actually practice on those trails as they are in my back yard (just about ). Indeed we should get some practice time in together.

[stlkigers]

WOW...way to get on with riding Fit.....I went to an ACTHA ride and it was SO much fun and awesome...a great learning experience for so many horses and riders alike! Go and enjoy it...you won't regret it at all...

I've heard alot of good things about Aussies....Any advice for someone who's interested in them?

Here's to a mild enough winter we all get some riding in!

Angela