I RODE!

Yesterday I decided to go with the easiest horse (duh) although this has not always been my intent or path.  I wanted to learn the most and ride my dream horse (VERY SENSITIVE mare, my Partner Fiona). 

Well.  Once again, I have to kick myself for not knowing what I had.  Dancer's Boss, very smart QH, who had a jarring trot, so I dismissed him as someone I would not be interested in bonding with (pre-Parelli) and now....he takes my breath away.  I finally understand him and understand what he's been saying to me all these years.  I've had him since around 1986 and he's always been the "guest horse," the one that anyone can ride, (can you say idiot me) and the one that I overlooked. 

OK, enough hair shirt.

Yesterday I decided to play with and ride Boss.  I WANT to ride, and I'm not afraid of him, so I thought I'd get on if possible (plans always flexible). 

We played some games, did friendly (lots of that as he's sceptical of the CS) and wove cones, did fig 8 with cones, circled with obstacle (small log) and then I put the BBP on him with savvy...lots of licking and chewing.  He's never liked being saddled and I'm afraid he was manhandled/abused before I got him, so the baggage was NOT from me.  I've always been gentle with Boss and he trusts me. 

SO...we did games with the pad on and then I got on.  Lots of sitting.  Lick, lick, chew, chew.

I did flexion and backing (on ground, too) and he was stiff/bracey on right side, more soft on left.   hmmm..how interesting.

Tried to get him to go out of the field...gave him an option, pointed towards open gate to playground, and he avoided it...so i retreated to the herd and did pushing passenger, tit for tat, and then tried again. Asked him to move ONE FOOT.  then Stopped, said out loud to myself "don't' hurt yourself moving your feet!  Let's just stand here."  Lots more licking and tongue hanging out.  funny. 

 After four tries (I was riding for the playground) he decided it was also his idea and out we went.

DREAM Realized.  We got on the playground and circled a few obstacles--break for lush grazing...
 and then he put his feet on the pedestal with me on his back!!!  Yay!  I was happy....more grazing...

then went back to herd and stood around swatting at flies.  LICK, CHEW. 
I played with him/rode for about an hour and a half total,  maybe.  Then called it a day.
His LBI horsenality was thriving on the treats!  He was all about the treats and stopping to graze.  It was lovely.  I actually was comfortable to ask for a couple of trot steps!  THAT IS HUGE for me with my fear issues.  I was beaming from ear to ear.  

Today when I went out he was RIVETED!  Nice!  Ears way forward, pleasant expression,
and a Bonus...Fiona came to see me.  I petted, scratched her and walked off.  Her turn later.   :)