Springing

Domino and I have been enjoying a lovely, albeit quite muddy, Ohio spring. I've been spending a lot more time in the saddle, so I think this blog needs to get some more regular updates now that we're really cracking. First some photo-documenting of what we've been doing recently...

Working in the field like a good boy.

Getting our canter leads more consistent.

Encountering some highly suspicious foals...

Riding bareback a lot.

And for today's update, our most recent expedition: braving the trails!

Domino has never been a big fan of leaving his friends. He naturally tends to the herdbound and barn-sour, and we often end up having some prolonged discussions about why leaving home isn't actually the end of the universe. Because of this, I haven't taken Domino out to the trails due to some nervousness about his reaction to going far away from home. Like out of our field of vision.

On Saturday, with the help of a most excellent supporter on foot, we finally did it!

We crossed over to the neighbor's property and rode back through an opening in the treeline, which opened into a big clearing. Across the clearing was a small wooded area with some trails and fallen logs which we spent some time exploring. It was muddy and mucky, but very fun. 

It was an absolutely gorgeous ride, and the best part? Domino didn't put a foot wrong. Bless him, I could feel him processing everything while we went along. He was a bit tense, but he handled everything like an absolute gentleman. I was so proud of him!

What a clever pony!

It ended up being quite a long ride, so the rest of the weekend involved a quiet little bareback walk/trot session in our home back field. He also gave a friend who hasn't had the chance to ride much this semester a nice little fun ride.

I can't wait for our summer of playing and learning!