Today we went over to Sunrise Equine in Fort Collins to join the pair pace there through the short cross country course. I took Casper so he could have his first field trip (I guess literally since we were in a field) and we rode with Merri on Magic. Magic is 22 and an eventing schoolmaster, so he's definitely been-there-done-that and was the perfect match for baby Casper's first try at a cross country course.
The goal was calm, controlled, and fun, and we definitely accomplished it! We started out through the start box in our traditional green horse manner, like a herd of turtles.
We did manage to put in a little trotting and even some cantering, but it was all done in a very controlled and relaxed manner.
I was so pleased that Casper's owners were able to join us and cheer - both Sally and Ned made it, unfortunately I only have a photo of Ned with Casper.
Casper's actual birthday was yesterday, so officially he's five now. Since he only this spring has started riding training he's still figuring out how all his limbs work and how to balance a rider. He had some very cute baby horse moments on course.
This small ditch was challenging for Casper. He initially stepped over the first log with both feet, but then realized that his front feet were lower than his back feet. And there was a second log. So he retreated backwards to think about it for a minute.
After Casper's first try, Merri and Magic walked over the logs and through the ditch. Once Casper had seen Uncle Magic do it, he decided he could give it a go, too.
He got through fine, it was just a bit comical as he sorted out which foot goes where. Casper also had some very grown-up horse moments as he figured out the game of going over the logs on course just like going over the logs on the course at home.
Casper's big finish at the last log was pretty cute with the baby horse feet everywhere.
No comments:
Post a Comment