Sweet Wild Syringa

[ducks4you]

Also, moving away from stimuli, such as a flick of a whip, a wave of your arm, circling the end of the lead rope. It's the Clinton Anderson idea of training your horse to move his/her feet. Horses are more comfortable moving than they are standing still.
You want your horse to move calmly but obediently when asked. This translates to leg cues when under saddle, which means when you are riding, OR, when you are driving from behind, like in a cart.

 

[thistlebloom]

Another first today. First ride at the park. She did wonderfully. Worried a bit by big boulders, and wanted to follow a group of 6 horses, but listened well and stayed tuned in. Yay! No more pedestrian trips for me unless I have a hankering to get down and lead her.

!3th ride.
4th ride out of a round pen or arena.
1st ride to a place we trailered to.
I am happy happy!

 

[thistlebloom]

Syringa is gaining experience and confidence steadily and Sunday she passed a grueling test with flying colors. I rode with 3 friends and we did a level of trail riding that you would ordinarily only do with a seasoned trail horse.
It included a water crossing, wide but only knee deep, that she had some definite hesitancy about but ended well with her going in and out several times, and a huge,very narrow (knee ripping trees), steep, long, boulder infested, (did I mention looong) climb of a trail. It came with switchbacks, a tree laying over the trail that could only be gone under dismounted, another small diameter tree, almost horse chest high that had to be carefully stepped over (nailed it!!).

After we reached the top and admired the view we headed down the other side which was just as challenging, but not so many rock outcrops to negotiate.
I'm loving this little mustang with the big heart and no quit. Thankful to have her as my lifetime partner.

At the top, catching our breath and enjoying the view.

 

[flowerbug]

Syringa is gaining experience and confidence steadily and Sunday she passed a grueling test with flying colors. I rode with 3 friends and we did a level of trail riding that you would ordinarily only do with a seasoned trail horse.
It included a water crossing, wide but only knee deep, that she had some definite hesitancy about but ended well with her going in and out several times, and a huge,very narrow (knee ripping trees), steep, long, boulder infested, (did I mention looong) climb of a trail. It came with switchbacks, a tree laying over the trail that could only be gone under dismounted, another small diameter tree, almost horse chest high that had to be carefully stepped over (nailed it!!).

After we reached the top and admired the view we headed down the other side which was just as challenging, but not so many rock outcrops to negotiate.
I'm loving this little mustang with the big heart and no quit. Thankful to have her as my lifetime partner.

At the top, catching our breath and enjoying the view.

View attachment 36273

look at that smile!

how is the saddle working out?

 

[digitS']

Is that Bernard Peak over your shoulder, Thistle'?

Can you still see Mountain Goats up there from across the lake?

Steve

 

[baymule]

Every time i read about you and Syringa, i smile at her progress and your happiness. She is an awesome mare, and you led her along the path that got her there.

 

[thistlebloom]

look at that smile!

how is the saddle working out?

The saddle is perfect, it fits Syringa well, and is a pleasure to ride in. Got it wet and muddy Sunday, and have put a few scratches in it here and there, so it's looking more like a working saddle and less like a show piece. I do keep it cleaned and oiled though.

Is that Bernard Peak over your shoulder, Thistle'?

Can you still see Mountain Goats up there from across the lake?


Steve

Ummm, probably. It would be in the right place. I have an unreliable sense of direction and am part Emu, though I do always seem to find my way around when I ride alone. Yes, there are still goats up there. Did you hear about the one ram that found it's way to somebody's house, miles from the park and was butting his reflection in their patio door?

Every time i read about you and Syringa, i smile at her progress and your happiness. She is an awesome mare, and you led her along the path that got her there.

Thank you! Yes she is, and she amazes me. I wish the trainer whose wife called her rank could see her now.

 

[ninnymary]

Now I want a horse.

Mary

 

[Rhodie Ranch]

I've wished for one since I was five, and had a cowgirl birthday party. It never happened...

 

[Cosmo spring garden]

She is a beautiful horse! So proud of you both for all the training and learning!