Draper has started to test her boundaries while riding. So far I have managed to get her over her little spells, but it is always a little scary. Sometimes she stops and stubs up, then starts backing up then rearing a little. I have had to get off, lunge her, then get back on to continue where we were going. The rearing is really troubling to me because she does it when I am not putting any pressure on the reins, just asking for forward. So today I decided that Otoelene could teach her a thing or two.
But first, I thought I might start working Otoelene on thinking about jumping. I figure if Brother is doing it, she should be able to also. She already trots and canters over ground poles so this was just a refresher today. Tomorrow I think I will add a cross pole jump.
Draper hung out in the barn while I rode Otoelene, then I untied her and took off after a little directing by Otoelene to keep Draper in her place. It is impossible to take a picture of yourself doing this, so this was the best I could do.
We went up and down some steep places and across a small creek.
When I got to the cattle I realized that I had dropped my camera somewhere so I had to backtrack. J had just turned the cattle into this field and the grass is 1 1/2 feet tall and lopped over. I thought my camera was gone for good but as you can see I did find it. Draper was calm around the cattle. Hopefully, Otoelene's manners are rubbing off.
We headed back to the barn after a successful outing.
Love my two blonds.
4 comments:
Mr Shoes has been on the injured list for months (shoulder), so he hasn't been riding much this summer. I can only ride so many hours of the day, so that has meant almost every ride I am ponying one or both mares. Mr Shoes' mare sometimes forgets her place and thinks she can lord it over my boy - the ponying has let me remind her who is really the boss.
Very interesting. I did not realize that "ponying" would teach another horse how to behave.
Plus - I'm so glad you found your camera - what a relief.
I have started ponying Mesa, it's a great way to teach youngsters how to behave on the trail and experience the big ole world without having to be on their back. I believe it makes them safer trail mounts- especially if the horse you are ponying from is sensible.
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