Another First With The Bonita Senorita

CC (full name CC Senorita, cause her mom is Spanish Arabian) had an Important First yesterday: working under saddle in the ring With. Other. Horses.  I'm sure some people instantly understand all that implies but for you non-horse savvy folks, let me explain: it's a big deal.  First off, it's a big deal that I was riding her.  I'm still honing my own riding skills and have only ridden CC a few times.  We are not used to each other in the saddle.  And CC is still in early training, hasn't been ridden by other more seasoned riders much, either (damn all this rain!).  She's got lots of energy and plenty of forward motion on her own.  Put her under saddle and her modus operandi is avoid it all and don't do anything, so she requires a very strong leg, which I'm still working on developing.  And any horse in any new situation (or familiar setting, for that matter) can come unglued over absolutely nothing.  That cavaletti she trotted over a gazillion times?  Maybe today it's really a snake lying in wait.  A leaf waving in the wind?  Perhaps it's hiding a giant drooling beast.  Another horse trotting up behind her?  Kill it.  Yes, my sweet tempered, gentle soul who yields dominance to all other mares becomes quite snarky about sharing the ring.  Ears back, teeth grinding, butt locked and loaded.  Makes for an interesting ride.  CC and I stayed at a walk and we all lived.  My thigh muscles, however...

Comments

[Anne]

But you did it! Each small step is really a big one. I think the best advice I got with a youngster is to try to set each new thing you do up with the highest chance of success. Then, they A) get confidence they did something good/right, and B) don't have the heebee-jeebees you have to work thru NEXT time. (Remind me to discuss Digger and large rocks, which he is now convinced are all cows lying in wait. And there are a LOT of large rocks out here.)

[Ruth]

Good for you! You and CC will be a team in no time. (My Pepper used to freak out about jump stands.)

[Shelagh Smith]

My very last horse (mid-20s QH) was totally freaked by burdock leaves blown upside down by the wind. That was the ONLY thing that turned her into a quivering bowl of jelly! Great memories. 8-)

[Laurie]

Strange critters. Both of you. Hee!