My parents left for a 10 day vacation so I’m house sitting for them until they return. They still have some baby squirrels to take care of and a fawn so instead of going out two times a day (with my kids in tow) I decided to just stay in their house while they are gone.
Last night I went out to get my computer and a few other things set up and then headed down to the barn. Lu was just standing there looking at me awaiting her dinner. The boys were enjoying their nightly dig in the dirt with their toy trucks. I decided I needed to work on my balance so I grabbed my rope off of my stick, looped it around her neck and jumped on.
Our ride was pretty interesting. If Lu feels me get unbalanced she stops. I’m not saying this is a bad thing but sometimes I need to work through it. I pushed her on and started trying a few different things to get in sync with her. She was being really good and I the ride was just what I needed. I did learn that her steering isn’t so good. She doesn’t move off of my legs as well without a bridle to help guide her. I did end up getting her to go where I wanted a few times but I had to use my crop to help back up my leg cues.
Her steering might not be the best but her stop and backup were pretty darn good. If I took my legs off of her she sat down. When I rocked back she tucked her head as if I was picking up on the reins and backed up (almost better then when I do have a bridle on). If I would have had my camera, I would have had Chase take a video even though I was in capri pants and flip flops.
We messed around a bit. I laughed as she decided to take off after the dog – until she started to pick up speed! Then I shut her down. We tracked the dogs a bit and then I got up the courage to lope her. This was the first time I’ve loped her bareback. Now I’m not typically afraid of loping bareback but when it comes to Lu, I find I have a difficult time getting in rhythm/sync with her. I don’t know if it is her size, her athletic ability or if it is just me.
We headed down to the end of the pasture and I hopped of. On the way back to the barn I did a bit of yhq and yfq with her (halterless) and she did great. I’m hoping to do the same again tonight (only maybe w/an English saddle this time). I love being back on the farm!
2 comments:
Very nice.
Just out of curiosity, how did you decide you needed to work on your balance?
Gutsy move loping down the pasture.
No matter how old you get, there is something about going home that feels so safe and comforting. Enjoy!
I've always needed to work on my balance. I've been trying to work on it more and more but decided I "had" to if I had no saddle/reins to hold onto.
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