I just had a definitive ride on Wyatt. I took him across the field beside my house, through the creek and immediately was over our head in brush. We pushed through (with scrapes to show for it) to the small clearing at the bottom of the huge hill ahead. It looked solid but VERY steep. So I pushed forward to the base and tested it, still seemed good. So we proceeded up it, only to find out, the rain we have had, made it extremely loose. It started slipping on us about 35 ft up, and we were either going to have to turn and come down (scary dangerous) or push up it. So we hauled up hard and fast. He dug and leaped through the deep, sloppy mess to the top. Had to limbo through the branches and thorns. Got beat up pretty good staying with him................ I couldnt believe we made it. I let him rest and I gathered my thoughts and wondered how we would get back down. I went left and that was a no go. . So, I turned around and headed the other way. It was decent for a while, then turned to slick mud again and was straight up, so, no go. So, we headed back towards the way we came up. I dismounted and asked him to stay on my left (down hill side) and we began the slippery decent. Half way down he started sliding FAST, he was trying hard to stop, but it was too slick. He passed me and I was out of rein to hold him...... So I let him go ahead, instead of pulling him around toward me and risking him falling. He slid another 20-30 ft. and got his footing and I said WHOA ! and HE STOPPED AND WAITED ON ME ----- I was BEYOND proud and beyond relieved. I got to him, and we continued down to the bottom. When we got to the bottom, I just held him and patted him, such a good boy. I walked him to the creek to cool him and check his legs, and thankfully he was fine. So I got back on and rode him through the creek and back home. I have to say, for his age, and for no more than he has been ridden, I am MORE than impressed with his willingness, loyalty, intelligence, and bravery. I dont know many horses that would have worried about my safety coming down a hill like that, he watched himself the entire time, as to not slide into me, and he waited for me. I wanted to cry. Words can not describe how happy I am with this colt. He is everything I hoped he would be and more.
Posted on: Mon, 25 Aug 2014 00:10:28 +0000