Mouse
on No-Hands-Bridge. She didn't look too convinced.
Our
neighbour, Wendy, with Twink, her 22 yr old. We were a little worried
about Twink because she hadn't done too much in the last few months and it
was a hot day... it wasn't until later that Wendy mentioned that Twink has
Fadjur in her. Ahhh.
Patrick and Provo tempting fate on No- Hands Bridge.
Wendy checking Twink's feet.
Grotesque
photo no. 25. Mouse does her hippo impersonation.
Looking
over the edge. Provo always does this, and wants to walk along near
the rail to peer over. Mouse, OTOH, didn't seem nearly as enthused (wise
pone).
Patrick
and Provo ambling across.
Provo was pretty good the whole ride, until we turned for home and he did his bad, jiggy thing. He was dripping with sweat, but Patrick did a great job managing him - stopped him, poured water all over him, got him settled, and then let him trot slowly, which made him calm right down and act like an adult. I think they are well suited to each other (although poor pft had an achey back for a few days afterwards. I know how he feels <grin>).
In
the event, Twink did fine - even barefoot.
Down
below the bridge, sponging and getting a drink. Mouse wonders where
Twink's going?
Provo
being sponged below the bridge.
He
looks like he's behaving...
...and
Patrick looks like he's enjoying himself...
...until
about three seconds after this pic was taken and Provo shoved Patrick into
the river. :)))
Me
n' my brave pone. I was so proud of Mouse this day. She's getting better
at downhills and didn't complain nearly as much about the saddle on her
shoulders (phew, this may mean I can avoid having to deal with a
crupper - and the bucking broncho impersonation that goes with its
introduction). She dealt with having a strange horse up close behind
her. Her HR wasn't bad - I think the highest I saw was 128 (bearing in
mind steep hills, with little condition), she stopped to rest briefly when
her legses got tired, but continued quite cheerily, and we even cantered
three strides unintentionally (woo). A first. Riding with the tapping
implement has also proved useful to keep her from getting stuck. We're
getting there!