Yesterday was a day of trotting. I pulled Moose up first thing in the morning and tacked him up for a quick ride. He came trotting up to me in the pasture (as always) so I gave him a handful of feed just as a reward. He didn't seem to notice that it was almost 2 1\2 scoops less than he normally gets lol, I think he was just glad to get something! He's such a mellow boy and really sweet natured. It would be hard not to love him. I lead him into the arena and stretched his legs and mounted up. He stood like a perfect gentleman. I have been riding him in a smooth D ring snaffle and he seems to do fine in it. He is actually pretty soft in his mouth which surprised me. I figured being off the track he would probably be very hard mouthed and brace against the bit but I was wrong. He is my first OTTB and I am still learning. We both are.
We walked for about 15 minutes working on moving off my leg, Woah, and backing up with the lightest pressure. I also included a lot of bending and getting him on the bit at a walk. Trying to get him to carry his head "long and low". He picked it up very fast and is the fastest learner I have ever ridden! I have been staying at a walk every time I have ridden him and finally decided today we would try a trot....WOW is all I have to say. He was incredibly smooth and moved very nice. I even got him on the bit a few times. He started out as 'The Giraffe' but finally settled into a very nice collected jog. When I had him vet checked my vet told me he looked like he moved very nice and would probably be a smoother ride and that with his conformation he should be pretty athletic. So far he has proven right and I am thrilled! I know we have a long way to go but so far I couldn't be happier! He's such a character and keeps me in stitches. His big, sweet, 'dorky' personality (I often refer to him as a-dork-able) matched with his good looks and way of moving make for a comical combination.
I also rode Riley that afternoon. I had taken him on a very long trail ride the other day and we hit a LOT of hills so I knew he was probably sore. So I just rode him bridless bareback and took him in the arena and just did a lot of trotting, both slow and extended, to stretch him out and loosen him up. That horse never ceases to amaze me. He moved fine and wasnt lazy but certainly didn't fight me to go any faster ;) He is getting trimmed and new shoes today when the farrier comes so I am just gonna give him the day off and ride Moose and May. Might post an update later on how they do.
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