Well, today I was inspired by Flipo's Mum and all their achievements and decided to try hacking out alone.
Before anyone gets too congratulatory - it lasted probably all of 10 minutes and we didn't leave the paddock area of the YO's property .... BUT... we did it!
Rode in the indoor arena for about 40 minutes - Rusty is loving the cool autumn weather and has, let's say, lots of impulsion Not complaining as it makes a great ride, but only want to do this in the indoor arena where I feel safer.
So, after our "schooling session" (using the term very loosely), I dismounted, put on my body protector, and led him outside. Horses in all the outdoor paddocks in various stages of eating, sleeping in the sun. Rusty had his ears forward, taking it all in, but wasn't acting silly. Decided to just go for it. Mounted up and we walked around all the paddocks, looking at the scenery, with me saying "what a good boy" the whole time (mostly to reassure myself).
At one point we turned towards where the trail begins but he didn't want to go there and I didn't want to push it (it does look a bit scary - like a tunnel because the bush is so thick). Next time I will try to just go a little way into the forest and then turn back.
Even as I write this it sounds ridiculous to celebrate something so trivial, but for me it is a big accomplishment :redface:
Before anyone gets too congratulatory - it lasted probably all of 10 minutes and we didn't leave the paddock area of the YO's property .... BUT... we did it!
Rode in the indoor arena for about 40 minutes - Rusty is loving the cool autumn weather and has, let's say, lots of impulsion Not complaining as it makes a great ride, but only want to do this in the indoor arena where I feel safer.
So, after our "schooling session" (using the term very loosely), I dismounted, put on my body protector, and led him outside. Horses in all the outdoor paddocks in various stages of eating, sleeping in the sun. Rusty had his ears forward, taking it all in, but wasn't acting silly. Decided to just go for it. Mounted up and we walked around all the paddocks, looking at the scenery, with me saying "what a good boy" the whole time (mostly to reassure myself).
At one point we turned towards where the trail begins but he didn't want to go there and I didn't want to push it (it does look a bit scary - like a tunnel because the bush is so thick). Next time I will try to just go a little way into the forest and then turn back.
Even as I write this it sounds ridiculous to celebrate something so trivial, but for me it is a big accomplishment :redface: