My mum's lesson on Blondie went great! They looked good after so long without a proper lesson.
While they were riding, I brought Rose out. I didn't know if I would be able to ride today because I injured my knee while running two days ago and it's just gotten worse. I can't really bend it at all.
So I knew that if I would be riding, it would be bareback or at least stirrupless (so that I wouldn't have to bend my knee).
I brought Rose in and groomed her little, and she was her cuddly, curious self as always. Then I clipped some reins onto the side rings of her halter, strapped on my helmet, and led her out into the misty rain and wind.
I didn't want to get on Rose right away, as I didn't know what mood she was in and how much energy she would have today. I walked her around the arena and did some groundwork with her. I asked Rose to follow me over the trot poles that were on the ground. Then I stopped and asked her to backup over them. She wasn't comfortable with that and instead of backing up straight back over the pole, she would turn her bum sideways until she was standing parallel with the pole. So I calmly got her back into position and asked again, rewarding for the smallest step in the right direction. It took awhile for her to try and take a step back. I understand her hesitation as she couldn't see behind her. But she tried and I gave her lots of praise when she finally managed to step backward over the pole. We went back and forth a few more times until she was pretty comfortable with it on the ground, and then I got on her.
Now, most "horse people" would say that bareback, in a halter, in the rain and wind rides would not be the best idea. Especially on a horse who hadn't been ridden for four days. But Rose isn't like that. She decides what mood she's in as soon as I get her from the field and she sticks with it. She was calm and curious today so I thought I'd try it.
I always forget how much better she responds to pressure on the halter vs. the bit. I think I'll ride her in a halter more now as she seems to be more open to trying new things and accepting than when she has a bridle on.
There was also quite a beautiful and unique sight while we were riding. Around this time of year, the Snow Geese are migrating and they set up camp in the geldings' field for a few days every year. It's amazing how many there are! The field just looks like a sea of white. It actually looks like snow, which makes sense because they are called Snow Geese. Anyways, that was a nice view to stop and admire during our ride today.
We had a great ride, doing lots of leg yields/lateral work, and we cantered a bit at the end.
Very cuddly girl today too! She wouldn't let us leave when we put them back out in the field. She stood at the gate and watched us go. She's been doing that a lot recently.