One of those rides from hell today. Decided we would venture over to the hills opposite. So a bit of a road hack. Through woods, up the hill and back down other side and road hack back home. All went well on the road. Got up through the woods, had a little canter up to the gate. Then Billy blew everything. We get through into the field and he just started dancing. He wanted to go, so i said no. I havent been over to this place for a year nearly and last time i was there they had polywire that had all be pulled down and across the field and path. Well the poly wire was still up but looking worse for wear. So i couldnt risk trotting even. So billy got so upset throwing his weight around, sideways walk, didnt get him anywhere so started bucking and squeals. At one point he headed sideways, then backwards towards a barbwire fence. I had his hi viz sheet on so had visions of that hooking onto the fence. Get up the top of the field we pass a horse. He was actually fine with that. Onwards to the gate and then bridleway track. He calmed a bit so i asked for a trot. He started throwing his weight around again. So back to walk. Next gate he was fine at, then i said we'd turn and go threw another gate across a field. There was a walker with a dog, so i kindly asked her to do the gate for us. We walk into the field and billy starts bucking some more, let me go mum. I thought he was going to barrel the poor lady doing the gate. We got across the field and then theres steep down hill sections he starts trying to buck on those. I had to get chunky infront to block us. Get to the next gate and he swung sideways nearly squashing my leg against the fence. The hi viz hooked on the barb wire. Managed to unhook that but now has a small hole in the sheet. Get through the gate, turn round to try shutting it and whip hooks into the fence, im trying to unhook it from the back of the post and the handle comes off in my hand. Sort that out, shut the gate, proceed to walk down the steep tarmac road and two flipping dogs come down the lane barking madly. I swung billy round to see them and shouted at the dogs and waved my whip at them. I swear if i hadnt turned billy he would have bucked and barrelled the one that came in close.
Down the lane a cyclist comes down behind us. So i ask him if he will do the gate for us that we were all just approaching. He opened the gate and we went through, so i pull over to the side so he can get back on his bike and go. Blow me if billy didnt start bucking and squealing again. My nerves are shattered, im sweating buckets. We still have to ride down this steep field we have just entered. Well some how we made it. Got into the woods track and billy was still thinking about trying another few bucks.
All the gates, 7 of them on this hack, which is all bridleway are so not horse friendly. It really spoils the ride. Everthing has barbwire around the top of the fences. Not my favourite hack.
Once we got to the road again he settled and the rest of the ride home went without to much drama. He returned to sensible head. We even rode up through the field which leads to my road. I did let billy have a canter up there. He gave it his all, i even managed to duck under a tree at full pelt and loose my hat silk. It wasnt till i looked behind to see where chunky was i saw my silk hanging from the tree. So i had to turn round and walk back down to get it. Billy thought hed have another go with a little buck.
He seems to be getting very handy with his back legs lately when he wants it his way. Not sure what i can do to keep them on the ground. But its scaring me.
Chunky was actually very calm and chilled today. He hasnt been over on that hack for a least 2 years. Whether it was a bit far im not sure. His head was up and alert. Apart from a few cheeky heads down to munch he was amazing.
I dont think i will attempt that ride again for a while, my nerves are shot.
Down the lane a cyclist comes down behind us. So i ask him if he will do the gate for us that we were all just approaching. He opened the gate and we went through, so i pull over to the side so he can get back on his bike and go. Blow me if billy didnt start bucking and squealing again. My nerves are shattered, im sweating buckets. We still have to ride down this steep field we have just entered. Well some how we made it. Got into the woods track and billy was still thinking about trying another few bucks.
All the gates, 7 of them on this hack, which is all bridleway are so not horse friendly. It really spoils the ride. Everthing has barbwire around the top of the fences. Not my favourite hack.
Once we got to the road again he settled and the rest of the ride home went without to much drama. He returned to sensible head. We even rode up through the field which leads to my road. I did let billy have a canter up there. He gave it his all, i even managed to duck under a tree at full pelt and loose my hat silk. It wasnt till i looked behind to see where chunky was i saw my silk hanging from the tree. So i had to turn round and walk back down to get it. Billy thought hed have another go with a little buck.
He seems to be getting very handy with his back legs lately when he wants it his way. Not sure what i can do to keep them on the ground. But its scaring me.
Chunky was actually very calm and chilled today. He hasnt been over on that hack for a least 2 years. Whether it was a bit far im not sure. His head was up and alert. Apart from a few cheeky heads down to munch he was amazing.
I dont think i will attempt that ride again for a while, my nerves are shot.