Post by Becca Walsh on May 1, 2014 15:24:30 GMT -8
Becca buckled on Sailor's boots that were fairly clean and finished tacking him up in his cross country gear. She hadn't been able to really see what he could do through the winter, but now it was getting a little less muddy, so she wanted to spend some time getting to know him better on the cross country course. Once ready, she mounted him at the mounting block and walked him out to the courses, warming him up once she got there. The horse's gaits were big, but not in the same way as Frye's, as they were smoother and much more comfortable.
As planned, she started with the intermediate course and resolved to brave some of the advanced jumps if she and Sailor still had the time and energy. She didn't doubt that the horse could handle it, but she didn't want to push him quite yet. She was familiar with the course, and had checked the footing earlier, so she set off at an easy canter towards the first obstacle. Sailor's ears were pricked, his attitude reflective of the gorgeous, sunny weather, and Becca found herself enjoying herself rather than being on the tenser side like she was when she took Frye out. The other horse was immensely talented, but he didn't allow for a second of relaxation.
Coming upon the first jump, Becca pushed Sailor to it, holding him solid, and the gelding soared over it, landing easily and cantering on at the same pace. By this point, Frye would have been hot and ready to go, pulling at the reins, but Sailor maintained the same pace, in no hurry at all. Becca would have to account for this in competition, as she was used to having to hold a horse back rather than ask them for more. For now though, the easy canter was pleasant enough, and she continued to the next jump at this same rate.
As planned, she started with the intermediate course and resolved to brave some of the advanced jumps if she and Sailor still had the time and energy. She didn't doubt that the horse could handle it, but she didn't want to push him quite yet. She was familiar with the course, and had checked the footing earlier, so she set off at an easy canter towards the first obstacle. Sailor's ears were pricked, his attitude reflective of the gorgeous, sunny weather, and Becca found herself enjoying herself rather than being on the tenser side like she was when she took Frye out. The other horse was immensely talented, but he didn't allow for a second of relaxation.
Coming upon the first jump, Becca pushed Sailor to it, holding him solid, and the gelding soared over it, landing easily and cantering on at the same pace. By this point, Frye would have been hot and ready to go, pulling at the reins, but Sailor maintained the same pace, in no hurry at all. Becca would have to account for this in competition, as she was used to having to hold a horse back rather than ask them for more. For now though, the easy canter was pleasant enough, and she continued to the next jump at this same rate.
