Wednesday 15 December 2010

A Nice Winters Ride

The ice finally thawed out at Trevelog enough to ride so I was one happy girl.  I'd managed to get down there the previous weekend for a bit of socialising but the road was still pretty icy and not suitable for riding but this weekend the snow and ice had finally cleared.  Unfortunately, more is forecast this week so I was even more determined to get out riding, in case I dont get a chance for a while.

Even better, I had company for the ride as Dave has Pringle over the winter and he was down to ride Pringle as well.  I think I would be a bit nervous going out on my own and not sure Sam would go anyway as he is pretty stubborn when he wants to be.  I dressed up warmly but for the winter, it was a pleasant day with some sunshine and didnt regret my decision not to bother with gloves.

Dave took Pringle down to the camping field to lunge him for a bit whilst I was tacking up.  Its only about five minutes walk so I followed, ten minutes later on Sam.  Although, it wasnt far, he started to play up as soon as we got out of the farm drive and kept trying to turn around and go home. Dave could hear me coming long before he saw me because I was yelling at Sam.  Probably, not the textbook way to get him to do what I want but I got there eventually.

Once he had company, Sam was fine although Pringles western saddle wasnt fitting very well so we went back to change it for an english one before setting out down the lane, along the bridle path as far as the river.  Sam was fine when he was following Pringle but got quite stroppy when I tried to go at the front and wouldn't walk side by side either.  I had decided today was the day to practice my gate opening both on and off the horse so was quite pleased that managed to hop on and off quite a few times with out anyone holding my stirrup or needing a mounting block.  I managed to close a few gates on horseback too.  Maybe, one day I might actually get good enough at riding to help out as a trekking guide lol but think I still have a way to go.  We had a few little trots but no where really suitable for a canter so on the way back we thought we'd go down the other bridle path and maybe call in the pub for a quick one.  Having past the farm drive, surprisingly easily, we got onto the bridle path and shut the gate.  Suddenly, the horses decided they had had enough and wanted to go home and kept trying to turn around.  I came Sam a tap with the crop but was convinced he was getting ready to buck me again and Pringle had had enough too, so we headed back and took the car to the pub for lunch instead.

Sam is a lovely horse and very much a beginners horse when he is trekking with the herd, but it is amazing how different he is when he is on his own or in a very small group.  I'm sure it will all benefit my riding in the end though.