Saddled

 I had a couple days off from working Rally, but today we got back at it. I like to step things up a bit every time, so today instead of saddling her in the round pen I took her over to the trailer and saddled her there. She is a curious horse, likes to check things out but in a calm manner, not spooky. She had to inspect the trailer hitch as we walked by, and watch as I opened the tack room door to pull out my gear. Saddled her up like an ole broke horse, and she ground tied while I took her photo. 

Led her to the pen, and I had it in the back of my mind that if anything untoward happened, it would be then, but I needn't have worried. 

I tightened the cinch another notch and went straight to asking her to move out.

If anything, she has more whoa than go. Which suits me just fine. 

Next I flapped the stirrups, getting her used to some commotion.

I think tomorrow I will step it up by adding the tarp or a slicker to the saddle, maybe get her dragging a rope. She sure seems to take everything in stride. 

We are in the summer heat now so I am keeping it to short sessions in the early morning. 

It was back to the trailer to unsaddle, again just like an ole broke horse. I think this is her third time saddled and asked to move out, and she has never bucked or scooted. Mind you I haven't asked her to lope saddled yet as the pen has been slippery but now that it has dried up with the heat, I reckon that is going on the agenda next too. 

Rally: Bring it on

Crappy cell phone photo, she really isn't that rump high. With a horse this quiet, it sure is tempting to skip a lot of steps and just get on and ride- 25 years ago I probably would have done just that. But with age comes greater self preservation instincts, because, we know, we just don't bounce like we used to, so taking my time to go through all the checks and balances will pay off in the long run. There are so many things I can do with her before I ever get on, and it will be fun for me and for her.