I have never been so relaxed about a horses first ‘official’ outing. Although Estrid always feels like an unexploded bomb to ride, her eyes are out on stalks and her nostrils flare she always keeps herself together, listens and makes good choices. So when it came to the day before her first social ride I was feeling pretty calm and confident that we’d have a good time.
When she spooks it’s usually over legitimate things, like a surprise pheasant out of a hedge, and once she’s got over the initial surprise she quickly regains herself. Her ability to cope with triggers and then let them go is very impressive. My main concern was how she would cope with horses behind her and overtaking, as on the times we’ve practiced this she’s been a little wary and likes to turn around to look at them (a perfectly logical response to be fair). My second concern was washing her off after the ride. Estrid hates water, she hates rain, she hates having a bath, she hates post-ride wash downs, we’ve been working on this loads and she is getting better, but I would say she tolerates it rather than she dislikes it less.
So I was pleasantly surprised when our ride preparation bath went without any issues, I mean she still didn’t enjoy it but she was the best she’s ever been when faced with water…..slosh training is going to be interesting, that’s for sure!
Beth Endurance 