Trail Riding Initiative

I took the two boys out again today for a trail ride. We got a late start on the day, not getting out until 3:30, the humidity was oppressive, but it was overcast and the actual temperatures were fairly low. So Scout and Jobi seemed in good spirits as we started. I’ve been mulling it over to pony Jobi half way, then ride him on the return while ponying Scout. So, today seemed like a good day to do just that. There was no one else on the trails but us, which was nice in some ways. Not to mention that Scout was looking a little tired by the half-way point, and Jobi, although sweaty, seemed a bit more spritely.

I have to say right off, Jobi did wonderfully. Especially given that Scout was not the most cooperative pony subject. He would bobble between cutting Jobi off, to lagging so far behind that I was nearly pulling him along. He couldn’t seem to find just the right cadence to match Jobi’s pace. I also discovered just how much I hate rope halters for ponying, haha.

Initially, Jobi wasn’t certain that he wanted to move forward freely, but he quickly caught on and then was more than happy to try trotting. We spent a good time walking, so he could get the hang of having Scout at his side, and my assistance on the inclines and declines. We found a good open area to canter, and he held a beautiful right lead canter, light on the reins, balanced, slowly cadenced.. and then there was Scout who was really lagging behind. I spent the entire time trying to encourage Scout to speed up into a canter as well, while Jobi happily cantered along on a single rein. What was perhaps more sad, was that Jobi was so balanced in the canter that he was actually cantering slower than Scout normally trots. We’ll be working on Scout’s pony skills. haha

We worked on some of his trot as well, and began getting some more balance out of it, which is not his strong suit when he is in a new situation. All of the conditioning I’ve been doing with him has really shown up in the length of his trot stride though, including on the inclines, where he showed no difficulty in maintaining pace going uphill with a rider. I was thoroughly impressed.

I continue to think deeply on trail riding whenever I’m out. I actually prefer going alone with a green horse, than going out with other riders. For some reason I feel that not only can I make better decisions for my horse, but that he will be disturbed less than if there is the added component of other trail riders. It is also peaceful to make it out by yourself, with only the sound of the horse’s feet on the trail, the wind through the trees, and the occasional wild turkey. That, and the random bouts of song that I break into..