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Trouble
Hi Judy:
Thought it was time to drop you a note to let you know how
things are working out with Trouble. At first...to be honest, I was a bit
worried that he would not be enough horse for the active style of riding I
like to do. He is just so laid- back that I was not sure if he would
consistently move out at the pace I like to keep. (of course a calm spook
proof horse is just the way you described him and what 90%+ of riders are
looking for)
Fortunately, it was just a matter of giving a young horse more
time to get to know me and to build up his confidence. From the start, his
gait was extremely smooth and now he's starting to be very easy to keep in
gait over longer and longer distances. He's also getting used to leading a
group and I've been taking him out by himself without any problems.
I took him out for an hour and a half today and the only
problem was when 3 deer jumped out of a hedgerow about 30 feet in front of
him. He was very startled and popped up a bit. So...to prove to him that
they weren't all that tough, we chased the deer for about 100 yards. I think
if I had kept going he might have caught them. That should be the end of any
worries about deer.
I also have him cantering but he still has developing to do and
I don't want to push it before his running walk is set. I've also started him
over small jumps without any difficulty. So I guess he's come pretty far for
a four year old in just a couple of months.
Next weekend will be his first go at a field trial. But...so
far nothing seems to phase him when it comes to new experiences and I think
field trials will be just another day in the neighborhood.
One of these days I'll get around to some pictures.
Take care,
Tom
