'Lillian' and I have been talking about taking the boys out in the trailer so we all get to see different suroundings.
Which is exactly what we did yesterday.
I had been looking forward to it as I was a little bored with the local routes. But most of all I wanted to know if new surroundings would perhaps liven up 'Mr F' a little who had become a little 'lethargic' out on the rides recently and was once again not showing much interest. I felt that he did not quite see the point in it as there was no job for him and not much to think about as he's seen it now many times.
So, in the morning I brought the boys in so they could dry out while having breakfast. Meanwhile I was preparing tack, hay and water. I have to say I was very excited, almost like a child! 'Mr F' probably realised that something was up and he too was more chipper than he normally is.
I had to borrow 'Jane's travel boots as I have not yet bought a set for 'Mr F'. After he'd been brushed I put on his hoof boots. I thought it is better to do that now because there was no telling how he would feel once unloaded at our destination. I didn't fancy fiddling around with hoof boots on an unruly horse. You get kicked once and you know that it HURTS.
'Lillian' arrived and after we loaded all our gear we went to load the boys into the trailer.
'Mr F' suited and booted - he was very keen leaving the stable and showed great interest in what was happening and what might expect him. I did wonder if perhaps he may have memories from back when he was a racehorse ... there must have been excitement in the air. He certainly knew that I was very much looking forward to going out!
I wasn't sure how willing he would be to be loaded into the trailer but I had in preparation done some trials and training 'Mr F'. One would think that he should be used to this being a racehorse. Surely he must have travelled to the races in a trailer / lorry. Mind you, last time in a trailer was when they were unloaded here, and they were in quite a bad state then. After a few training and getting used to it days, 'Mr F' did eventually cope with being in the trailer and loading.
Not sure what to expect this time I just pretended that everything would be fine, had a few words with him and then walked into the trailer and 'Mr F' followed without hesitation! He was little fidgity once he was inside because 'Luke' was not so willing to follow. But once both boys were in, they remained calm the entire trip. Although 'Mr F' was sweating up quite a bit.
When we finally got to unload 'Mr F' was a quite unruly for a while but nothing too dramatic. We tacked up and off we went!
'Mr F' was a different horse! Normally not at all bothered about being ahead, this time he was leading the way, stepping out keenly with head up high observing everyone and everything but also enjoying the fantastic views we had - I felt like a knight on a mighty steed and probably had a huge grin on my face.
We had to pass cyclists, people with dogs, old buildings, big boulders (something MUST be hiding underneath!) and it was simply fantastic to feel 'Mr F' being so interested.
Finally we got away from all the people and reached foothpaths over open fields. It was canter time! As I have never before cantered for more than a few strides, this was new to me too. I feel fairly confident in the saddle by now as my body has learned to balance and I complicitly trust 'Mr F'. I have to so that he can feel relaxed and I can trust him easily because I know him quite well by now.
In one field I held him back a little, 'Jane' (she joined us for the ride) and 'Lillian' being ahead. We trotted behind them for a bit but then I told him to go! The first few canters I sat in the saddle which felt very comfortable
but then I decided to stand; the ground was a fairly uneven and just in
case 'Mr F' might stumble a little, I thought it would be more
comfortable for both if I stand in the saddle.
What a feeling!! To me it was heaven - I never experienced anything like it before. I soaked in the whole feeling of this force underneath me racing up that field! Somehow it felt otherwordly ...
And he did everything so effortlessly! In fact the entire ride he behaved perfectly and he listened to all my aids.
'Luke' was also well behaved although his feet were a little sore. He was not at all keen on some of the more stony parts of the route. He did the cantering extremely well - it was a first for him, with rider. Although at first he got a little spooked by the sound of 'Mr F's hoof boots so we had to keep our distance at first.
We had a quick break at a pub (as you do!) and did some more cantering on the way back.
Eventually it was time to go home. The boys loaded fine and once home they had time to chill out and dry out in the stable with well deserved hay. (they had food and water in the trailer, too)
Its just a little over a year since I started riding. I would say that 'Mr F' and I have come a long way since. And I am most grateful for having access to 'Rupert' and 'Lillian's knowledge about horses and riding. Whenever I get stuck with something I will ask either one of the two for possible solutions, if I haven't found them myself. What works for others doesn't always work for you.
What a fantastic day it has been!
Like two brothers ... 'Luke' age 6 and 'Mr F' aged 21 ....
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