dancing horses

dancing horses

Sunday, October 27, 2024

Putting the 'Fun' in Fundamentals



 There are a lot of basics things that horses need to know in order to live in our world. And a lot of it can feel like work. 

My horses have it so tough

But it doesn't have to. 

I mean, I know that horse training requires focus, dedication and persistence. But working on these things allows us to do the fun things and be safe. 

At the September show (that seems so long ago!) Tanya, Julia and I were chatting and riding at Coveside came up. Longtime readers will recall that we have ridden there before. We realised that it's been a long time- October 2021 in fact.  Then at one of our joint helping sessions we got out our calendars and found a date that worked for all of us- October 24th. I emailed the owner and she was fine with us coming and,  fortunately, the weather cooperated and plans were finalised. 

I've been hacking Quaid out on our property this year and he's doing really well. It is a big ask though to trailer somewhere new and do it. It would also be his first time trailering somewhere and being tacked up off the trailer and getting down to it. I knew it was a big ask but I also felt like he was ready. 


all ready to go

Early morning Julia came and we groomed the horses and loaded them on the trailer. Both self-loaded without an issue. I sent a quick text to Tanya that we were leaving and we hit the road.  When we pulled in Tanya was right behind me and pulled up beside us. We unloaded the horses and tacked up chatting like a bunch of 12 year old girls. 

Quaid: I don't know what's going on 

Quaid was quite understandably a little worried and curious about his new adventure. Carmen looked around and knew exactly what was coming.  We mounted and headed off. Quaid was put between Suzi and Carmen so he'd feel safe. He felt quite tense but he listened really well. I worked really hard on staying relaxed in my seat and not holding him tight.  

Carmen: just relax kid, I've got this

The trails are beautiful at Coveside. They wander the whole property and go up and down hills.  I didn't get a lot of photos but I enjoyed the view and the company. There's something about riding through the countryside on horseback that just makes me so happy. 


There was one spot where there was a shed with stuff inside. Carmen spooked but then went by but Quaid refused. So we sent Suzi ahead. He was still worried and did not want to go by. Julia brought Carmen back  and she stood like a statue by the scary shed. I sat there and quietly urged him forward but did not push. After a few minutes he screwed up his courage and tiptoed by (he might have had his eyes shut). I was very proud of him. 


I'm laughing here because he gave a huge shake and 
I almost came off from it. 


We went up and down some fairly stop hills and he handled it really well. He didn't get too upset when I kept him to a walk. Quaid did really well on the bridges. I don't know how far we went but we were heading back to the barn and passed through the area where they have the temporary stalls during show season. There was a girl on the back of a pick up truck parked there and we stop to chat. I could feel that Quaid had had enough. We were an hour in and he handled everything I had asked of him. So I decided to dismount and walk him the rest of the way. He walked beside me happy to have me beside him. We arrived at the trailer and I took off his tack. Quaid was as sweaty as I've ever seen him. I know that he worked hard carrying me over the hills but it was also nerves. I think he would have walked right on the trailer if I dropped the lead line.  Instead we loaded them as usual and headed home. 

all smiles at the end

I forgot how much support a green horse needs when first being ridden on new trails. We were both really tired when we got home. It was a big ask of a young horse but he exceeded my expectations.  Carmen felt great and really enjoyed herself. Quaid will get there. 

I can't wait to do it again. 




11 comments:

  1. what a great day!! and what a great way to keep the experience really positive for Quaid too! also i love that you and Julia are wearing the inverse of the same outfit haha

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  2. That was a great first outing for Quaid! There is always something that bothers them when they get out in the big ole world, but his trust in you and Carmen really paid off. It reminds me of my first trail ride on Kai. Good call on when you dismounted- a reward for him trying so hard and really being a good boy. You are going to have many more great rides on him! Love the smiles.

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    1. Thank you. It definitely felt like the right call.

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  3. Trail Riding is wonderful in many ways. My fav type of riding! You and the others (four legged included) did a great job helping Quaid on the trail.

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  4. He did great for his first ride! Those steep hills can be really hard when they’re getting used to carrying a passenger. A lot to think about for an inexperienced horse. But trail rides really are the best, and they learn to love and consider them a reward. He will be even better for your next ride!

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  5. What a good, brave baby horse! This sounds like a lovely first big outing and I love all the smiling faces <3

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  6. What a perfect outing! Quaid is such a smart boy, and I love that he trusts his mare friends to help him through the hard parts. Sounds like a really fun day!

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