We had a lovely hack out with a friend yesterday, out for a good 2 hours and most of it was round a country estate that was all completely new to Luka. He was very good, led a lot of the way despite my friend being on a 17.2 ex racer, and is clearly fitter than I thought given that he was still posing and high stepping on the lane back up to the yard. We had a nice but short canter that went well apart from a sidewards leap at a very threatening water trough, he didn't break stride just did a massive leap to the left which left my heart in my mouth as it was also down the side of a bank but fortunately he managed to keep his balance and popped back up onto the track a couple of strides later! I'd forgotten he can be a bit spooky and maybe canter in a strange place where the sides are overgrown isn't the best idea . He dealt very well with lots of walkers, woodland and open spaces as well as a squeeze gate that he wasn't sure he could squeeze through - I love how trusting he is and will have a go if told it's ok and reassured. He did light up a bit and do some enthusiastic bouncing when he realised we'd turned for home, but even then he didn't try to buck or run off, just bounced and bounced and bounced with very high steps in front and behind for good measure! Oh wow does he step! When we got to a better place he was allowed to trot slowly - have to think of the ex racer! - and that settled him beautifully and he was back to forward but sensible after that. My friend loved him and said she wouldn't mind a ride on him one day, high praise indeed from someone who broke her back coming off her very unpredictable cob. And I have to say I couldn't have had better horse company than that ex racer who didn't mind going front, back or level and was completely indifferent to the shennanigans.
I'm feeling it today though! My thighs are so sore and aching, he can't be ridden off the rein so it all has to come from leg and seat when he gets wound up. I'm a lot fitter than I was, but clearly I still have a way to go to match him since he was bright as a button afterwards and positively hyper today. Oh to be the human equivalent of 8!
I'm feeling it today though! My thighs are so sore and aching, he can't be ridden off the rein so it all has to come from leg and seat when he gets wound up. I'm a lot fitter than I was, but clearly I still have a way to go to match him since he was bright as a button afterwards and positively hyper today. Oh to be the human equivalent of 8!