With lockdown restrictions easing I thought it was about time I took the Q-Ball out and about for a decent hack. Travelling, tacking up in new places and exploring different routes is all part of an endurance horses education, it’s not just about getting them physically fit but also mentally capable of coping with lots of stuff and new surroundings.
I try to emulate the competition routine by preparing, tacking up, washing down and treating the horses as I would at an event so that they get used to the routine and find comfort in it when they’re away from their normal environment. I know if I’m nervous going through the motions of setting up the crew space, tacking up the way I always do, just following a routine get’s me into a calmer headspace and helps me find my flow.
Qantas hasn’t been out much and he hasn’t even been to a social ride yet, he’s very much still in the education phase rather than the fitness phase of his training. I don’t know what happened as I was the other side of the lorry putting my stuff on when Q decided to take exception to being tied up and pulled the tie ring off the side of the lorry. I had the camera in my hand as he did it so you caught a glimpse of actually how chilled he was despite his escapade. I was worried he’d panic, trip on the rope, run out to the road or crash into one of the parked cars, but no he just went for the grass then casually walked back to me, such a good boy.
We’ll be doing lots of little outings like this over the next few weeks to get him better at travelling, calmer in new places and show him lots of interesting things. I may have to tack up in the lorry until I get the tie ring fixed though!
Beth Endurance 