Running Out of Catchy Titles

Went out on a trail today, another one only this time I rode Apollo.  It was pretty good to tell the truth and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.  Ended up putting the bit back in his mouth for the trail, but only because he wasn't too good with the hackamore out on the trail (Will be using hackamore when doing arena work though). 

So we headed out on the trail leading the horses (Mostly to tire out Apollo before getting on, but I think I ended up being the winded one lol) then I got on with someone holding the line at first, but soon I felt comfortable enough to take the lead off. 

At first he had his head up and he was looking everywhere (as well as nibbling on every twig he could get), but he slowly lowered his head and relaxed.  I was so proud of him!  No spooks or anything (but I kept it to myself because we all know how that works when you speak too soon :P). 

Then when we got back he got a nice treat and a quick brushing before going back out into the field with the other horses.

All in all I felt it was great progress.

We were talking about yesterdays little spook and the trainer thinks he wasn't startled really, he was just seeing if I'd fall off again like I did the other time he spooked because after I stayed on he settled down quite a bit and has been listening to me more now.

But before the ride today I decided to just have some fun and play around in the arena with some liberty work.  So I set up pylons to act as barrels and put the in the clover pattern before having him follow me through the pattern, even picked up a trot once I lengthened my stride quite a bit. 

Anyways, that's about it for today, will be going out again tomorrow, but don't expect a post until later since I'll probably be too tired between riding and working right afterwards.

~LEB~