The snow that fell on Saturday was the area's first real accumulation of the year. When I woke up on Sunday and it was still on the ground, I invited Dom, Lynn, and Lynn's boyfriend Anthony, out to play snow ponies.
Ghetto rig last year.
Last year, our attempts were not quite graceful, and our ghetto rigged sled needed a running start before we could get pulled, but the icier snow and better rigging this year led to a lot more success.
After a short mad scramble for a sled, I found the perfect one and headed out to the barn to meet up with everyone. My original plan was to borrow a western saddle and throw the tow rope over the horn, but Gali loudly objected to a western saddle, and we decided to tack him up in his usual saddle and attached the breastplate that I may or may not have purchased for exactly these situations.
Lynn's horse, Max, was relieved when he saw this was not for him!
Now, I've been having a lot of problems with Gali lately - even my trimmer noticed his nervousness and antsy personality change - so I wasn't really sure what to expect. I took complete advantage of Dom being out there and threw her up on Gali first, and she took him around the track to explore the footing and farm.
When they came back in one piece, we hooked up a lunge line to the breastplate, hopped in the sled, and hung on.
Gali could not have been better for everything. He gladly cantered back and forth along the long side of the track with a very loud sled (and very loud riders!) chasing him, and Herbie running alongside. He was exceedingly happy and I think he may have had more fun than we did! It was great to see him in a good mood and behaving as I know he can, but it did make me think that he's asking for a change in discipline... I love dressage, and he usually loves dressage, but maybe we can mix it up a lot more in the future. It's a shame he hated the western saddle, because I think he'd have a blast cutting cattle, running barrels, or in trail classes.
Anyway, on to the pictures (yanked from Dom and Anthony) and videos (taken by Dom while Gali and I pulled).
Gali has no idea how Dom keeps finding him.
First run of the day!
Last run of the day.
Herbie was there to make sure everyone stayed safe.
The herds around the track couldn't figure out what was happening.
Dom pulling Lynn
It didn't always go smoothly...
Herbie was stuck between 'play' and 'protect' mode all day.
I think mixing it up is healthy. And I wouldn't give up on the western saddle. Just introduce it to him more slowly next time. If you are a timid rider, when going outside the ring, the western might give you added confidence. I know it does me.
SO much fun. Gali is awesome. Any time you want to take advantage of me is fine. I had a blast.
ReplyDeleteCome hang out more! Especially when the weather gets better and the trails dry up.
DeleteI think mixing it up is healthy. And I wouldn't give up on the western saddle. Just introduce it to him more slowly next time. If you are a timid rider, when going outside the ring, the western might give you added confidence. I know it does me.
ReplyDelete