Lovely hack with the two boys this morning. A friend brought there young rhodesian ridgeback this morning for a bit of horse experience. She has chased a couple of horses whilst on holiday and been kicked by one so they wanted to try and teach the dog that horses are good but not to chase.
She only about 18 months and quite full on hyper. Met my two boys about a year ago and as she got close to the field she got over excited and went through my 6 strand high tensile electric fence. She went so quick she dodged the jolt. Took off in hot pursuit after Billy who lashed out but fortunately missed her that day.
Initially when i was talking to them on Wednesday and they said they wanted to do some more horse training i offered the owner to come and i'd hack out and they could walk the dog up on the hill along side us. Then i changed my mind when i said it would be interesting to see how she reacts if he was riding. So i offered him chunky to ride. Which to my shock he accepted. I only said it jokingish. I was worried as the guy weighs about 10kg heavier than me. But for a one off i decided it would be okay. We were only going to be plodding. Id said if it looks like a diaster we'd just come back. I took my collie too so there dog had company and was just hoping it wouldn't spook at the horses and bolt. The guy has only ridden a few times and not for about 25 years. I loaned him a hat, chaps and body protector. He seemed to be really enjoying it and came back from his ride beaming ear to ear, and said hed love to do it again. I did have to tell him about riding with hands at the end of the reins a few times and to slide his hands down for contact. It was the classic beginner rein error and i explained the reason. Chunky was an absolute star and took great care of his rider. I think if chunky shot off i think he would have soon got the message about no contact. Thank god he got away with it. Chunky stopped a couple of times going up the steep climb to the top of the hill but i did expect it with the extra weight onboard. His dog was super as well and every time chunky did stop she started whining and bouncing as much to say what you stopped for im so enjoying my walk lets go. We did a 2.5 to 3 mile loop in the end but a very enjoyable ride today. The guy was super pleased with his dog. Apparently he didnt tell his other half he was going horse riding. He just said he was going to do some dog training with my horses. I had to laugh. I think she would have freaked if she knew and would have tried to talk him out of it.
. You must see lots of wildlife, lucky you.
