Trail Loving-Part 2 of 2

The last time J9 brought Kaspin to ride, it was NOT what I had envisioned. Laz was a total PIA but it showed the light for what he and I had to work on. So we have been working on those issues and we ready for Round #2 this past Sunday afternoon.

J9 and Kaspin were back visiting (she trailer-ed in to my location, it was mostly sunny and the Fall colors were out; we were determined to have a great ride!

I'm happy to say Laz marched right out. All our practicing was paying off. I had set him up for success by groom/tacking him up and having him already out before she trailered in. I figured it would start our partnership of better vs pulling him from the field from his screaming buddy.

It worked well for all

Heading down the dirt road (it rained all day prior but our riding day was gorgeous)

Who rides like this? Lately, my saddle has seemed slightly ...off. More on that later.

(I'm not blaming my saddle fyi, my posture can be piss poor!)

J9 and Kaspin (who is not a draft, he's a Haflinger, a huge one though) by the neighbor's tree

We were happy to have a good launch from the start and laughed about how crappy the last ride was (mailbox murders and all)

Heading through a neighbors property towards the trail

Laz did a phenomenal job leading and worked with me as I encouraged his forward movement.

He was a bit jumpy but never was panicked

 Into the trails, quite shaded

 Figures, I look Left, Laz goes Right "Hi buddyz"

 J9 and I met probably 4 years ago, at a laminitis seminar. I was standing in line to talk to the Vet after the seminar (this was a month or so after Laz was sick) and she was in front of me. We just started chatting, found out we both lived less than 1/2 mile apart yet both boarded about 45 minutes away near each other. She's helped me through so much with Laz and is such fun to ride with. Both Laz and Kaspin have literally the same personality! It's hilarious!

 We both love taking photos so it was all about "ooh look at that tree, or look at the sunlight here!" 

 This is where I scratch Laz as a "Its OK" and he almost always licks/chews when I do it.

 Laz lead most of the trail but we switched off a couple of times.

Kaspin was great at leading/following and Laz enjoyed the mental break to follow

 At one of the trail exits by the Dairy Queen (which is now closed for the season). If you cross that road, you get to the main trail system area where you can ride for 6+ hours 

We used this spot to get the horses used to traffic/noise. Laz did a bit of a spook when a motorcycle revved his engine but he was OK to stop and eat after a bit. He was definitely asking to get back in the trails, so I offered one more bite and then we were on our way.

 

This is my favorite picture below!

 Kaspin leading. Tail envy anyone?!
He is like a Barbie dream horse and J9 is his little Barbie doll lol. 

 She's worked so hard with him and he's come SO far. Literally, the bravery she has given him is tremendous.

 The boys got along way better than last time too

 Although after we dismounted, they did rear up and try to bite each other's face over a grass spot. It was fast and crazy but no one got hurt and in fact, it was quite funny being they are so simliar, they both reacted the same way. It would be interesting to see who would be the dominate (I think Kaspin) in a herd.

I had set my Endomondo but it turned off after 15 minutes...we probably rode over 2.5 hours and over 6-8 miles. (Laz and I can do 4 miles in an hour at the walk/trot

It was a blast!!!

Trail rides like this are so important because the weather is quickly changing...

Me on Kaspin. 

J9 just got a new saddle which is H.E.A.V.E.N. and now I'm feeling the strong need for one. I felt so balanced and secure in it, I've never felt that good in a saddle! ugh...it's not inexpensive either.

Santa??!