We attempted our first ride outside of an arena today. As we left the barn, we had to cross a cement bike path with lots of cyclists on such a nice evening. A scared poop on the bike trail, and then a doe popping out of the trees 40 feet down the trail had him all kinds of jittery and hoppy. It seemed like everything was winding him up more than calming him down, so I hopped off and we walked about a quarter mile to check out the terrifying World Beyond The Fence. He could hear dirt bikes in the distance and mushroom hunters and kids nearby. Mosquitoes carried us both back to the barn, and I hopped back on to try again. Off we went down the trail - where he was manageable at least, even if not relaxed. We got to that sign, and he planted his feet hard enough to throw mud from a walk. My love, itās a sign. We got it sorted out, went about a third to a half mile, and then came back while we were still trying to be good - no bolting/bucking/rearing (he considered his options but decided no). Distracted by every little thing today, so I think Iām going to give him a dose of total calm before I hop on tomorrow and hope it gives him some focus. We did manage a bit of nice, relaxed walk on the buckle in the arena! Iām not sure whether Iāll take him to Kentucky for the big Retired Racehorse Project competition in October. Iām trying to worry about myself and not others, but my competitors are jumping courses at shows, one woman I know was foxhunting her mount in late winter, and others are taking trips or doing clinics while we drag through basics. I know itās better to not rush and let Ryland develop into the fabulous jumper I think he can be...but I also donāt want to take a horse to KY that isnāt ready to perform in, say, the top half. We have about 4.5 months left, so letās hope we catch up! Back tomorrow for more mosquitoes! Iāve got to buy myself some DEET.
