The Next Step

I can already see that Apollo is giving me the motivation to update this blog more often, heh.  I think this is the third post in about a week?  No idea, but anyways.

I went out to see my pretty boy (Also would like to add here that when I put on Facebook that I was going to see my 'pretty boy' I had to correct people that I didn't have a boyfriend, but it was my horse; quite hilarious) today and I think we've reached the next step.  Today was the first day that I rode him off the trainer's lunge line. 

Now maybe I should back up and explain what I mean.

I bought Apollo about three-four weeks ago and since then I have been boarding him back there as I work with him.  So whenever I got up on him the woman who's helping me with him would attach a lunge line to his halter (which is kept on along with the bridle) and has been working with me in getting used to him.

So anyways, today I decided before I left the house that I was going to take that security blanket off and get me used to not having someone right beside me. 

It went better than I thought it would. 

At first she had the lead on and had me go through the 'woah's, 'step back's and half circles, until she felt it was time to take the lunge line away and let me have free 'rein'.  At first he thought we were still attached to the lunge line so was confused when I asked him to turn in the opposite direction away from the trainer.  But soon he got the hang of it and I must say it was amazing.  Here I was, once used to only old and school horses, riding a 3 year old without anyone standing next to me.

We weaved some pylons and walked over a few poles along with the usual circles, stopping and backing up. 

I kind of had a feeling it would be a good ride today when I was lunging him and cinching up, he was quite responsive and calm with only mild distractions from the grain room door opening (lol). 

Can't wait to go out and see my boy again tomorrow (if weather permits) and can't wait to hit the trails in the summertime.

~LEB~