[normandy_shores]

Hi everyone -- I'm mostly a dressage rider (well, I fail miserably at it, but that's what we try). In my late 20's and kind of an all around chickensh*t with jumping, trails, etc... an all around suzy safety.

I've been out of the saddle mostly for two years, and got back into riding in July/August. I bought my new horse, a 15.2h 10 yo gelding of PMU breeding less than 4 weeks ago. He's generally a bit of a worrier type, insecure, but never DOES anything, doesn't react. I'm starting to figure out he's quite brave despite his apprehensions (except when it comes to sheep, llamas and geese).

We've hacked down the road -- first in hand with another horse, then mounted with another horse, then solo with my bf walking beside us. Handled all great. I got brave and hacked solo down the road, and even had the loose german shepherd come barrelling out of bushes at us. Pony skittered in place till I yelled at the dog, when he promptly planted his feet (guess he thought I was yelling at him?).

Barn Owner graciously took me on a trailer ride to the park with a babysitter horse, and he did good though was nervous about groups of pre-teen kids.

Today, BO let me hop on the trailer when they went to a clinic so I could ride the nearby park. 11km/2.5 hrs of trails, solo. I figured I'd handwalk if things went off course.

Besides passing the sheep to GET to the park (he just snorts and prances in place, I handwalked since it was on the road), he was AWESOME! He felt nervous but he walked out very forward, and if a runner or someone came around a corner, he just paused. He had one "spook" (his first with me as owner) and just did the in place jump, and split second later was fine. Handled going over bridges and water (with a minute of coaxing) like a pro. The last 20 minutes of our ride ended up being a downpour, so we trotted the last few km back to the trailer, where he earned himself some extra treats.

I'm so pleased with how he's turning out, and keep feeling even more confident that he was the right horse for me. I'm so relieved after today, and feel like I can trust him that much more.

Thanks for letting me brag Just so overwhelmingly happy with Pony!

[suz]

that's so lovely when that feeling of trist begins, isn't it?
i'm working with a nine year old green mare on trails and she's turning out beautifully as well; no real spook, more like a start and shudder,lol.
so congratulations on your boy--i hope you two have many happy and healthy miles of trails ahead!

[AKB]

If you are feeling like a Nervous Nelly you may want to equip yourself with a good helmet, eventing cross country vest, full seat britches, a crop and an iPhone that has GPS and Find My Friends in case you fall off in an unfamiliar area. It is amazing to see how much more confident you can feel when you are equipped.

[SanJacMonument]

Very nice!

[GotMyPony]

That's great - nothing better than a horse you can trust who obviously tries to please you, too. Plus may I say I agree with your safety attitude 100%. No shame in getting off and walking if things get a little hairy, especially since you and your boy are new to each other. Those iffy feelings will happen less as you get to know each other better. Meanwhile, live to ride another day ;-)
May you have many happy trails ahead!

One thing - no fair sharing new horse stories without pictures...

[katyb]

He sounds cool. Yes, pictures!

[baylady7]

That's awesome- just remember that dressage is just training so your horse is more rideable outside of the arena. Sounds like you have met success!!! You are fortunate indeed,

[normandy_shores]

If you are feeling like a Nervous Nelly you may want to equip yourself with a good helmet, eventing cross country vest, full seat britches, a crop and an iPhone that has GPS and Find My Friends in case you fall off in an unfamiliar area. It is amazing to see how much more confident you can feel when you are equipped.

Definitely already equipped, minus the cross country vest. I'm not timid by any means, just cautious. Always thinking "worst case scenario".. it's in my nature and my business!

[normandy_shores]

Pics

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v9...24640x4802.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v9...472640x480.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v9...455640x480.jpg

[GotMyPony]

What a pretty face and soft eye; looks like a people horse to me. Love the photo of you mounted. Hope you have a great future and many happy trails together.

[cloudy18]

He's horrible. Send him my way and I will take care of him. You two are doing well for having been together such a short time. And he is even cuter under saddle.