Wizard Ride #23: T-R-O-T!
Mon 12/15/08: Tacked Wizard up and brought him into the outdoor arena. The weather was unseasonably warm so I took advantage of it by spending a little time outside; plus, it was nice to have a break from the indoor arena. I like working in one arena, but a break is nice every once in a while.
Walked around the arena in each direction in hand. Wizard felt good and a little forward. Longed him in both directions for about 10 minutes total. He was responsive and focused.
Got on and walked for about 10 minutes. Did a few figure 8s and a few halts. Then I took a deep breath, put my heels down and my shoulders back, and TROTTED. Not for very long, but just enough to get a feel for each other.
How was it?
It was GREAT! Wizard responded beautifully and came back to a walk calmly.
And he has a nice trot! It felt springy and comfortable at the same time.
What a good feeling it is to overcome my anxiety and get back to doing something so normal and natural. We both enjoyed it. I’ve been riding my whole life and I’ve ridden many, many horses, but for some reason, it’s been tough to get comfortable on Wizard- probably because of coping with the loss of Alibar. But now things feel good. The challenges ahead are far bigger in the physical sense but I overcame a big mental block tonight.
Rock and Racehorses: The Blog 
Beautiful picture! Look at the elevation on those hinds!
we my sister and i have a lot of horses mostly paints now we use to have mustangs we still have three younger ones now but we are in the process of trying to breaking two of our younger paints but we just don;t seem to have the time any more hardly and horse trainers are so expensive what can a person do question mark virginia
Thanks, Penguin!
Virginia, It’s so true- it’s quite a challenge to time the time and resources to put into every horse that needs training. I wish you the best.
You, and Wizard, are doing just fine! What a breakthrough for you; I could FEEL that deep breath you took before asking of him, “TROT!” “The mental block…” is often the ‘only’ block! What you can see in your mind’s eye, you can do. Of course, you know this. It’s just “applying to self” that can be tricky. I love your blog, and your photography. What you do is very inspirational. Thank you. XOXOLC