Yesterday we picked up Kathy and Dylan on our way and headed over to the farm for another ride. The cattle were nowhere to be seen, but we had a great time anyway!
As we headed out away from the trailer we rode over the wooden bridge in the driveway. Lynx of course remembered it from last time and marched right over with no hesitation, and because he was so confident, Dylan followed easily. On the way back, Dylan was brave and went over first!
Going up into the farm we pass all kinds of equipment form years past, which is great for the horses to look at and helps with desensitizing.
We went out through the wooded trail and cruised around the open pastures along the way. Lynx remembered the pond in which we'd seen the giant birds and cattle last week, but he simply looked really carefully at it, he didn't spook or do anything silly. In another spot he remembered we'd done some big trotting. He does enjoy opening up and getting some speed work in when the footing is good! There was no misbehaving, he just had a little more pep in his step as he politely asked me if we were going to trot again? Ultimately now that Kathy and Dylan have seen the area we decided to trot and canter work next time.
One other spot we entered a field through a slightly overgrown area. Lynx was leading, so had to push his way through the tree branches. Often I'll teach this at home by setting up a chute with pool noodles a horse has to walk through, shoving the styrofoam pool noodles out of the way with his chest. However, Lynx has been with me such a short amount of time that I haven't had a chance to set up the whole Bit of Honey Circus for desensitizing. Lynx didn't end up needing prior exposure, though. With just a little encouragement he pushed the branches out of the way with his face, neck and chest, and made his way into the field.
Ultimately we had a great time! We always enjoy our trailrides, whether we go on our own or with friends.
We got the one selfie at the end, too!
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