J Tallman EquiFoundations

This is just a little note that I sent off this evening and thought I would share with you all as well Stone's latest escpade in the wilderness, his first ride this year, and since August long weekend.

He took it all like an old trail horse.  Better, in fact, because he still knows how to side pass and take both leads.  We walked, trotted, loped circles in the pasture up the road, which means we also went up the road, with the dog and another horse, who we rode with and without.  Cars passed in the daylight and dusk, on the way home, with us right on the shoulder (ditches are too deep and hard right now).  It was a cold wind blowing on an otherwise decent day.  He didn't stand great (wanted to walk off) when I mounted the first time, but was better when I had to get back on after boosting my friend up.  I wouldn't say he neck reins but he has a basic understanding and I don't think it would take him long.  That was the first time he was ridden since... hmm, probably August, early.  My neighbour was cutting hay.  Lynda thinks it was August long, she rode him.  He is a nice relaxed loose rein ride.  Wanders a bit in the field both in the lead and following, and while he was reluctant to lead at first, I think it was because the mare we were riding with is fairly aggressive with him in the pasture, and he was keeping a close eye on her for the first part of the ride, but he relaxed and took the lead with a good walk later on.  He looked sideways at the saddle blanket when I approached him with it but stood while I saddled him and took the bit good.  I haven't loaded him since last winter when I hauled to my neighbour's arena.  He has been ridden in an indoor arena, only once by me and I was alone (other horse in the arena, but not being ridden).  It is possible he was ridden indoors by whoever started him before I got him, I don't know.  Anyway, I had a real nice ride on him, it made me happy.    I wanted to take a picture for you but didn't take my camera out and it was dark when we got back.