Maybe it’s Just Me

Last night we had drill practice again in the cramped little indoor. I had decided to go ahead and put the shanked bit in Max to see how he’d do. I barely had to put any pressure on the reins and he’d respond. If I set the reins on his neck he’d immediately start to neck rein (better than when we just have the snaffle). The only time I had problems was when I would put too much inside pressure on his mouth during a turn. Then he’d pop up his head like “hey, get out of my face”.

During our second “run” I managed to collide knees with two members (I run between two horses coming towards me). The one member hit me pushing me into the other member so needless to say when we were done with the run I was sore.

The decided on the last run that they would put in one of the members who only likes to walk/trot so I asked one of the other member’s daughter if she’d like to ride Max for me and I’d sit out. They show with us so I’ve seen her ride and figured she could easily handle him. I told her to keep his reins long and let him have his head.

They started the pattern and off they went. She’d put the rein on his neck and then get frustrated because he’d over turn where she wanted to go. Then she’d pull back on the reins and he’d flip his head up saying “that’s too much pressure”. I looked over at Terry and asked “is it just me?”. I’m I the only one that rides him and expects him to be soft? Do the majority of riders constantly ride in the horses face?

I was proud of Max for doing as well as he did for what he had to deal with. I need to work him in the bit some more (this was only the 2nd or 3rd time he’d worn it) to teach him how to give better vertically but that will just have to come with time.

On a side note – his attitude was much better tonight.