Hi-ho Silver and away!

Last night I took TP to drill practice with MIL. I wanted to see how she was going to do in a new environment and with all of the other horses.

Our first issue came with loading. I was already aware that she had an issue pressure behind the poll (doesn’t always tie well) and it showed. Since I wanted to get to the arena before everyone showed up I thought I’d walk in the trailer first (normally I don’t) so as not to fight with her. Well she wasn’t going in! So we did a little bit of LFR and finally she jumped in first. Once she was in you could tell she was a bit nervous.

Make a note: work on trailer loading skills

Once we got there we unloaded and I did some LFR to see what she’d do. She was pretty calm. No tail in the air, no nickering and she looked relaxed so we headed to the trailer to tack up. Once saddled, I walked her around the inside of the arena and over the flour that was poured out (from the keyhole race at the show this past weekend) and she could have cared less so I hopped on.

We walked around the arena on a loose rein. She felt even better tonight then what she felt last night (each night seems to get a bit better). We walk/trot/cantered both directions on a loose rein, did some bending and some trotting on a lighter contact rein and she did great. She still needs to work on her stop but everything else felt great.

By this time most of the team was there and riding in the arena with us. She didn’t have a care in the world that they were in there with us. Terry’s back has been bothering her so she asked me if I would feel comfortable going in for her so she could go home. I was happy to so I could see how TP would do.

We just walked the pattern since there were two new horses and one rider that was back that was still having back pain so it was a great opportunity to try her out. She was fabulous! She didn’t care about the horses coming at her, towards her, behind her, etc. She never once pinned her ears in close quarters or offered to kick. Sis was awful pinny so I had TP push into her and move her over.

When we stopped she stood very well (an issue we had on the trail). She is getting a little duller the more I ride her but still the more I ride her the more I like her. Besides we need her a little dull for DH.

Going home she loaded just fine. It is raining here today (of course) but DH was going to try to jump on and go for a short ride so he can start getting the feel of her. I’m hoping we don’t get too much rain. I’d like to see how she does on cattle. If she does well I have a feeling she’ll be a keeper. Heck even if she doesn’t I have a feeling she’ll be a keeper. DH is already starting to get attached.