Thursday 11 August 2016

The Big Day for Shiraz

After a rough past few weeks of stress coming from all directions, a sweet dark bay horse seemed to be just the thing to take my mind off of my troubles.



Wednesdays are lesson days where I trailer over Savvy, but this time I asked if I could bring Shiraz along instead.

I have been wanting to take her over to the indoor all summer and it just never seemed to work out.

She loaded sceptically but politely and proceeded to paw while I loaded up the kidlets in the truck. On the highway she was a saint - I didn't feel her move a hoof the entire way there. Refreshing difference from Savvy who trailers like a wind-up monkey toy.

Once there, she had to stand in the trailer while I took my equipment and kids up to the barn and she was fantistic. No pawing or stomping around. Her walk up to the barn was a bit snorty, but nothing terrible and then we headed into the barn for grooming and tack up.


When you give your phone to an 8-year-old and ask them to take pictures of your ride...

I brought my saddle, lounge line and horsemanship stick. My plan was to do a full groundwork sesion with the saddle on. I wanted to give her a positive first outing with tons of carrots and keep her focused on me to show her I was her leader no matter what was going on around us.

She was a star! She was interested in her surroundings, but completely capable of focusing on tasks and calm about the whole thing. Coach was there so after half an hour of awesome, I asked if she could give us a mini lesson and I hopped up!



We did simple small circles, figure-eights, stops and turns on the forehand.


 

If this is how she is at 3 years old her first time on an outing, I do believe I have one amazing horse.


Complete with 8-year-old commentary.

All in all, it was the kind of day I really needed and I can't wait to take her out again. :)

10 comments:

  1. Wow- pretty and sensible-she's the whole package!

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    1. You never know how they will handle something like this--I put in a lot of prep work, but still it was quite surprising just how mellow she was!

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  2. What a nice mare and so sensible at three. Love the kid commentary!

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    1. She really has such a good mind! She is so fun to work with and very different from other horses I have worked with. :)

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  3. Omg your kids are hilarious haha. But also what a good pony!!

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    1. I know right? :P My son proceeded to do a full portrait series on a pile of poo after that video. 8 year old brains are awesome.

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  4. Yes you definitely have an amazing horse! :)

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  5. She's gorgeous - great you got to experience this :)

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    1. Thank you! I definitely appreciate having places I can take her during her training process!

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