Today was the first day that really felt like spring, we even saw the first couple of butterflies on today’s ride and hardly any snow. I heard a hummingbird two days ago.
Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy Ambassador Mustangs Lacy, Cedar and Griffin, and the Shepherds got to explore a new area today, with lots of new sights for the little ones and plenty of weirdly shaped rocks and trees.
We met one friendly, respectful ATV driver. That was a welcome learning opportunity. No motorized vehicles where we usually go. Roads are different, there’s much more space to pass.
We started slow, visiting with other riders at the trailhead while the horses slept tied to the trailer. Throughout the ride we let the Mustangs stop to catch their breath while we enjoyed the views in between climbing up and down rocky hills,
We walked, trotted and loped, dogs in front or behind, we’d lead or follow, sometimes get out of sight. We walked our horses along the cliff because we’re both scared of heights. It was a peaceful, enjoyable ride with relaxed horses, happy humans and of course ever-cheerful dogs.
What made that ride successful, even with fresh horses – no, I didn’t speed the video up, Lacy travels like she means business – running dogs, a loose colt and Lacy being vision impaired from an injury last year, are clear expectations.
Our horses have been educated in a way that they understand what’s expected of them and what they can expect from us. That way we can count on each other. That has to do with enforceable boundaries, clear communication, consistency, patience and persistence.
I don’t like having to babysit a horse and in most situations I don’t think horses like to be babysat. If they feel safe with us, understand and have been taught to do what we’re asking, there’s no need for that.
I ask for forward motion at whatever gait. Lacy understands and kicks it into gear, on a loose rein and with pricked ears, until I ask for a different gait. When we stop, she stands quietly until she hears the cue to go on.
That’s not a dull horse (far from it, in case you haven’t met the princess), that’s a comfortable, confident, competent and therefore a content horse.
Boundaries enforced consistently and communicated effectively create a sense of safety, regardless of whether you have two legs or four. Safety, trust, respect, relaxation and joy all go hand in hand when working with horses.
Thank you Becky for a fun ride!
#wildhorseswillingpartners#wildtowilling#adoptamustang#ridethebrand#makingmountainmustangmemories
