Imaginable spring
7 March 2009 23:40![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
glenatronIt may not be here yet, but this morning there was a hint of spring in the air and we figured it was a good chance to take the boys out for a little circuit on the common. It was the first time I've been off the yard since I came back (it's hard to believe that is a week ago) and the difference was noticeable- I can just get a lot more done with my horse now because I don't feel at any point like I have to back down for fear of what will happen if I don't and at the same time I have the tools at my disposal to keep offering him a better deal. And I'm much more off his mouth, riding with my reins long and usually just having one hand on a bridge at the centre of the rein with the other ready to take up a feel at any time but keeping off when it's not necessary. We were more forward, more willing and quite happy to take the lead with only a little discussion over the correct order of horses on a hack. I do much less now with my hands and legs which means that the instructions I do give are more meaningful.
The great thing about riding really green horses is because they don't really know what you think you're asking for they just reflect exactly what you are asking for, which is very revealing. Having picked myself up a step or two in the general direction of what they needed from me has clearly made a big difference in my mind which is reflected in how I sit and what I do on a horse. Zorro seems, in general, to appreciate it.
After the ride, Zorro gets to shift some of that winter coat and replace it with delightful cooling mud.
Muddy black horse is pleased with himself.
Rolling is a great way to start with a grey horse and end up with a brown one.
This little guy lives just down the hill from where we are living now, part of a herd of exmoors who graze the local nature reserve. They're just starting to shed their coats but right now they're still fluffy little poffles. Here he's scratching his head on a mineral lick.
The great thing about riding really green horses is because they don't really know what you think you're asking for they just reflect exactly what you are asking for, which is very revealing. Having picked myself up a step or two in the general direction of what they needed from me has clearly made a big difference in my mind which is reflected in how I sit and what I do on a horse. Zorro seems, in general, to appreciate it.
After the ride, Zorro gets to shift some of that winter coat and replace it with delightful cooling mud.
Muddy black horse is pleased with himself.
Rolling is a great way to start with a grey horse and end up with a brown one.
This little guy lives just down the hill from where we are living now, part of a herd of exmoors who graze the local nature reserve. They're just starting to shed their coats but right now they're still fluffy little poffles. Here he's scratching his head on a mineral lick.
