Pardon my braggin on Ali....

[chrisnstar]

I got on Ali again today. We rode in the round pen for about 20 minutes. She did wonderfully traveling in a right circle, but was balky going to the left. so, feeling brave, I took her out of the round pen and took her to the back yard to ride. She did right and left beautifully there.. it's more open and more interesting than the round pen. Zab was in the back yard, but that didn't distract her. She did a good job of paying attention to me. We also walked over some ground poles and practiced standing still for mounting and dismounting.

I think she really likes her riding lessons. She loves attention and she's learning fast what I want her to do. After only a few times, she feels more solid under me now and less wobbly... we haven't moved beyond a walk yet, but that's Ok. I'm in no big hurry, just want her saddle experience to be easy and fun.... All in all, it was a good horsey day... John rode Zab in the round pen and then I ponied them around with Star. Beautiful weather, good horses. What a day! I think spring is coming!

chris



;D

[Einstein]

That's so cool Chris! What a good girl! Is she a future endurance horse too?

[chrisnstar]

I hope so! But we'll win a lot of turtle awards, I think... she's not very speedy... tee hee... but that's OK, I'm not either...

[CatB]

There is so much satisfaction in being able to start your own youngster! Ali sounds like a really sensible filly and, boy, that's always a plus! Sometimes, I think with all the training information out there, it seems like training a horse is this highly complicated, mysterious, and an almost unobtainable nirvana that very few of us can aspire to. When, in truth, with some common sense and a steady approach, it isn't as difficult as it seems. I was amused to read in a Kansas history book that in the mid to late 1800's, training a horse was akin to knowing how to ride a bike. Most all men, and some women, could train a horse to get them from here to there. ;D

[ZenRider]

Fabulous Chris. Oh and you'll know when spring is here. That's usually the day all horses lose their minds. When my saddle club used to organize group rides, the first one in the spring was usually interesting to say the least. Horses that were normally good acting goofy, horses that were normally goofy acting insane. Needless to say, it made for an interesting ride.

[relativecolor]

CatB - you speak the truth! I don't think many riders realize that when riding they are training their horse.

[Lynne]

Chris, I missed this post somehow Anyway, congrats on the great ride and good weather. I think you really hit the nail on the head when you said she was a little "better" out back because they need the stimulation. Crazy is all about needing entertainment constantly, although, knowck on wood she has been very sane when I've been on her! Now if I can just keep it up and eventually get a saddle that fits her lard butt and mine!

Congrats again.

Also, I think I asked you this earlier and maybe lost it too...what did you say the abridged version of the difference between CTR and NATRC rides were? NATRC judges too much on how you camp, care, and obstacles etc. Was that it? Sounds familiar...where or where is my mind...? Anyone seen it?

[niaru]

Cool! Brag away! You're entitled to it!!