I often hop on Kaboom bareback for his rehab walks. Bareback keeps me from getting over zealous and wanting to work him too hard. This past Wed we received another 2 inches of rain so I thought I would take Booms out for a romp in the water bareback style. Upon finishing the sun had already begun to set and I really wanted to ride Scary too. Now was as good a time as any for the little guy’s 1st ride bareback. Many horses object to their first go without a saddle. Something about concentrated pressure and a little too much ‘feel’ on their back. Saddles disperse rider weight and pressure. Without a saddle the rider sits directly on the horse’s spine. I was hoping Scary would not object to my weight by running off into the darkness with me that night.
Bareback riding and Scary the Water Horse:
I approached Scary’s first bareback ride with the utmost caution.
1. Fetch Scary with flashlight (it was dark outside)
2. Put on bridle
3. Jump off my truck onto 4 year old whilst on gravel driveway
4. Aim for the largest puddle
5. Hang on and giggle uncontrollably
Due to recent rainfall, our property is literally under water. So Scary and I cruised around in the darkness, dodging trees and passaging through the water. The little man was past due for a fun trail ride and I think he had a fantastic time. He became slightly concerned when we barreled through the deepest water and I leaned forward, grabbed mane, and curled up my feet like a jockey to avoid getting my feet splashed wet. This was the exact opposite of a learned defensive XC position but luckily Scary was concerned enough with where he was going and how deep the water was to concentrate too hard on my position.
Unfortunately our fall show season has been rained out. Though, as you have read we keep life interesting for little Scary. Though we do allow Scary to have 4 year old fun, he has definitely shown us that he is one tough competitor. He has now been XC schooling several times and has proven to be a small but fierce XC machine. He has schooled true show jumping fences only a handful of times and it is apparent that he has incredible scope. Hopefully sooner than later, Scary can leave the role of water horse and take a lead role in a victory gallop.
My name is Kristen Wertz (intense Eventer), and I ride Harry Houdini (small but fierce) XC machine.
Bareback riding and Scary the Water Horse:
I approached Scary’s first bareback ride with the utmost caution.
1. Fetch Scary with flashlight (it was dark outside)
2. Put on bridle
3. Jump off my truck onto 4 year old whilst on gravel driveway
4. Aim for the largest puddle
5. Hang on and giggle uncontrollably
Due to recent rainfall, our property is literally under water. So Scary and I cruised around in the darkness, dodging trees and passaging through the water. The little man was past due for a fun trail ride and I think he had a fantastic time. He became slightly concerned when we barreled through the deepest water and I leaned forward, grabbed mane, and curled up my feet like a jockey to avoid getting my feet splashed wet. This was the exact opposite of a learned defensive XC position but luckily Scary was concerned enough with where he was going and how deep the water was to concentrate too hard on my position.
Unfortunately our fall show season has been rained out. Though, as you have read we keep life interesting for little Scary. Though we do allow Scary to have 4 year old fun, he has definitely shown us that he is one tough competitor. He has now been XC schooling several times and has proven to be a small but fierce XC machine. He has schooled true show jumping fences only a handful of times and it is apparent that he has incredible scope. Hopefully sooner than later, Scary can leave the role of water horse and take a lead role in a victory gallop.
My name is Kristen Wertz (intense Eventer), and I ride Harry Houdini (small but fierce) XC machine.
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