I gotta admit, I was all up in my head about getting on Disco.
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| All photos thanks to barnmate Leah |
I kept going back and forth. It felt like there should be more preparation to do, but also, what was I waiting for, exactly? He'd been ridden W/T/C by a pro in Canada a year ago, and Maude hacked him out bareback even when she was pregnant. He steers well, lunges with tack on and stirrups flapping, and has impeccable voice commands, a "work means work" work ethic, and that driving horse "whoa or die" voice brake. He also lines himself up at the mounting block when asked and stands well.
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| The usual Castleberry Cob first ride "that's kinda weird, whatcha doing up there?" |
Kate was, I knew, ready and willing to assist with a virtual lesson, but in the end, I decided I just needed to DO it, without my usual enormous amount of overthinking and professional guidance. Disco wasn't the problem, I knew.
And. It was fine. Great. Wonderful, even! Look at me, trotting a new-to-me baby horse on the first ride.
It was such a rush of emotions. Finally riding him after three years and eight months. Feeling so at home on him - both because of the way we physically fit each other and his behavior. Trusting him.
I was as impressed with his work ethic under saddle as I am in the cart. His ears were politely trained on me the entire time, giving me his full and undivided attention. I am eternally grateful that this horse was so thoroughly broke to drive, and very lightly broke to ride, at the still-impressionable age of 2. He used to be so resentful of being told what to do, including just wearing a halter, but that attitude never comes out under saddle or between the shafts.
His walk was on the lazy/tentative side at first, but it feels like a strength and confidence thing, because after a solid trot, he was walking out nicely. For me, that's perfect - he's going to err on the side of too little rather than too much, but forward is in there, waiting to be slowly coaxed out over time.
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It was a wonderful way to end 2024, and I already can't wait for the adventures we're going to have together in 2025.
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| Face scratches for the best boy |
This feels like the best way to cap off 2024. You two look like a perfect team
ReplyDeleteawww i love this!! congratulations!! and way to go on just making it happen -- as a convicted overthinker myself, i totally appreciate everything that goes into finally taking that next big step lol
ReplyDeleteCongrats!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful!!! Great job to both of you!!
ReplyDeleteHe is such a fantastic horse! What a perfect ending to the year!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a good boy!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! That was a great first ride. For some reason I thought you already rode him. He’s going to be so much fun as he matures (and he’s pretty fun now).
ReplyDeleteSuch an exciting moment!!! Congratulations, so happy for you and Disco and glad that it was a delightfully uneventful experience.
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