What you do on a hot day

Invite friends to come over for a swim!
 On horseback, that is.

Both of the guest horses are part of the local Therapeutic Riding program. The dog belongs to the lady on the bay horse.

The palomino, Allie,  was worried about the rocks on the river bottom. She isn't the most agile horse! But she figured it out with a little encouragement from the other horses.

I love this bay mare, Kit! She was indifferent at first, but once she realized how refreshing it was she quite enjoyed herself.

We had one person stay on the bank while 2 went in the water- someone had to hold all the cell phones! And take pictures!

Gussie really enjoyed herself! Me too! The water was the perfect temperature. I find that you really have to pay attention to keep your legs forward when riding bareback in the water as the force of movement makes your legs drift back to the horse's flanks. Important to remember as the horse gets into the shallower water and you need to regain your balance.

Swimming! I just grab a handful of mane to keep my butt in place as I also tend to slide back.

I stop her when she gets her footing back so I can adjust my seat.
I'm not much of a swimmer- I can, but it's not my strong suit, so this is for me the best swimming ever!

Meanwhile, Moondance makes progress. He is moving on to the next phase, standing tied. I no longer feed him in the trailer, because he has that all figured out; now his tub is at the hitching rail and the lead is triple wrapped around it. The bonus of halter breaking at a very early age like I do- they long ago learn to give to  pressure, so standing tied comes much easier.

If something bothers him and he tries to leave, there is enough resistance- with give- in that triple wrap to keep him from leaving and it gives me time to grab the rope if needed.

It was put to the test with a little help from Thumper.

Such a brave colt, and not overly reactive. So far, he is winning me over!

Riding day 32