by EatMyDust » Tue Nov 08, 2005 9:57 pm
#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I know I post alot about my rides with Dusty, but this one was great!#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Tonight I got home from school, and headed down to the barn, brought Dusty in, and groomed him. Since I got him, Ive had alot of problems picking his feet, he either leans on me, or just wont pick them up. I usually have to do one foot, do something go back, do the other one, go do something, so on and so worth. Well tonight, I said heck with it, bent over,and...picked his foot up. It was so weird. Ive never ever had it go that easy before. Since he was being such a good boy, I thought maybe I could introduce him to some new things. I have cute, but very curious kittens in my barn and one just happened to make it over to my feet(they are only 6 weeks, maybe younger) I picked it up, and let Dusty smell it. He was in love. So I grabbed a feed bag, and rubbed it over him. He was a gem. I gave him a treat, and groomed him over again, and then tacked up. I do this veryyy weird thing with Dusty when I want to know if I can trust him. I will do a simple flat lesson with him, without a helmet. He always knows when I dont have one on. Its sooo weird. He protects me,he doesnt try any funny business...nothing. #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Oh and...from the wind on Sunday, it blew all of my jumps away, so we walked around the field pushing them back (they are made of barrels) it was getting hard dragging him behind me, so I put the reins over the saddle horn, and he followed me everywhere. I should have thought about getting the jumps before I decided to ride, but with this "getting dark earlier" crap Id rather waste time getting jumps with my horse, then running arounf trying to rush things. It also gave him and me a chance to warm up. So we move all the jumps and set them aside the ring. I figured Id just do some basic western stuff, and run the barrel pattern one or two times. I put my helmet where I could grab it. And set off. As soon as I got on he was a angel. We walked, jogged, trotted, and cantered. I worked on some turning(wow, we suck)and circles, worked on my position, his position, backing up, side passing, some barrel techniques, everything I could. He didnt do one bad thing, except be a little pooky! But wow! I was so happy, he thankfully, remembered the barrel pattern, but all we did was walk it. I just had to share though! I have my lesson, not next monday but the monday after and Ill have to let you all know how I do, AND! if we do well...Im showing hunter jumper in May. I know its alot of work, but its one class, two jumps, and is supposed to be fun!Im going to get some training from my instructor, and Im also getting free barrel lessons in the spring. Since my fall, me and Dusty have sure come along way...its hard to believe it was only a month ago. My next step is the trail. I have no idea how I can keep him from spooking. I guess Ill just have to take it step by step!!!#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#