Post by Peter Holden on Nov 16, 2013 11:01:38 GMT -8
Peter tightened Thimble's girth, pulling up slowly, one hole at a time, so he wouldn't irritate the mare. He was taking her out on the cross country courses, and was hoping for the best, since it was their most difficult phase. Show jumping and dressage came more naturally to Thimble, as the mare was more showy, and likely to run herself out on a cross country course. Peter had to work on keeping his mare under herself throughout the lengthy course.
Once Thimble was bridled, Peter put his own helmet on and led her out of the barn before mounting. He didn't want to have to walk her all the way out to the cross country courses. Walking her there, he picked up a trot once they reached the large grassy area, hoping to warm her up a bit before they got there. Guiding her to the intermediate course, he cantered her in a few circles before assessing the course. He had ridden it before, so he didn't have to walk it, and it hadn't rained in the past few days, so mud wouldn't be too much of an issue. His main concern would be keeping Thimble from getting too confident.
Once Thimble was bridled, Peter put his own helmet on and led her out of the barn before mounting. He didn't want to have to walk her all the way out to the cross country courses. Walking her there, he picked up a trot once they reached the large grassy area, hoping to warm her up a bit before they got there. Guiding her to the intermediate course, he cantered her in a few circles before assessing the course. He had ridden it before, so he didn't have to walk it, and it hadn't rained in the past few days, so mud wouldn't be too much of an issue. His main concern would be keeping Thimble from getting too confident.
