A near the ground experience
21 Feb 2012 Leave a Comment
Or highlife as we say. Garre the cowhorse was bursting with energy yet again today which resulted in some undesired large reactions to small things. (In case you can’t tell by the pictures – it was a very beautiful day, perfect I’d say)
A pile of snow, for example, made the oh so dear horse throw himself to the other side of the road nearly flinging myself straight into a large tree. Good thing I don’t do involuntary sit-offs or I might have just fallen and hurt myself rather bad in the process.
I hung on, turned, my not so brave steed, around and made him face the horrible, intimidating, pile of snow. Then I also made him step on it. And we survived, the both of us. For the whole ride Garre would start to trott as soon as I shortened the reins. I don’t mind it but another rider might so we’ll have to work on that. Enthusiasm is, however, always a good thing.
And back home, with the friends in sight, Garre stops dead the moment I let go of the reins and stirrups. Then he stands perfectly still as I get out of the saddle. The moment my feet touches the ground he backs a step and wants his reward – a good boy and a little treat. Then we walk the rest of the way back to the stable. He may be big. But he’s so very kind and gentle.
It also helps that he’d do just about anything for a treat = he’s extremely easy to teach new things. Just pat him, tell him he’s a good boy and give him a treat and you can be sure he’ll remember it for next time.
