Out and about

 Put the third ride on Gussie today. The second ride was all about me getting the feel for how Gussie was going to work in the bosal. I actually think she didn't like it much. She felt reluctant, I think is the word, to soften in it. I attribute part of that to her lack of physical fitness and possibly needing her teeth done. I booked her in with the dentist to eliminate that as an issue. 

So today, I decided to put her back in the bridle I have always used on her. It was obvious to me that she was quite happy to have that familiar bridle. 

She carries that bit well, and everything can be done on a loose rein. 

A couple trips around and then it was time to open the gate. Gussie tended to want to rush a bit with the gate, so we went to the one step at a time routine. Open it part way, stand and wait. Roll to the opening, stop and wait. etc. One thing about Gussie, if you rush with anything she just gets ramped up and anxious, so slow and easy is the way to go with her. 

We toured around the yard for a bit, and did a bunch of Stop and Stand Still (SSS) exercises. 

Admiring the shadow; not quite the same as Carmen admiring herself in the mirror!

Facing away from all the horses who were gathered watching. But her ears are watching!

We went back in and out of the round pen and headed for the trailer  where she thought we were going to stop- so we went around and around it, both ways and then back into the round pen, where we just sat and soaked up the sunshine and enjoyed the silence. 

I am taking it easy on her as she is half way through her pregnancy, so lots of little light rides to help her get back in shape- better than no riding!  And this weather is supposed to hold for a few more days; sure hope we get some snow melting so I can go ride the big pasture.