Matt the cowpony

I didn't bring any riding clothes with me when I packed for our road trip.

At the time, this seemed like a sensible decision.  Even through our itinerary included a lot of horsey stops, time constraints made the possibility of riding seem fairly remote.  Also, boots and helmets take up a lot of space.  It was easier to leave them at home.

Of course, this just about guaranteed that I would get to ride, and that's exactly what happened at the end of our day in Amarillo, Texas.

Andrea drove us out to the barn to meet her Quarter Horse gelding, Haidaseeker Playboy, who is better known as Matt the Cowpony.  Matt is quite possibly the only horse ever to simultaneously and successfully compete in FEI level dressage, reined cowhorse and competitive trail riding.

Andrea saddled him up and put him through his paces.

What a cool horse!

Then it was my turn.

We started quietly at the walk, 

moved up to a trot... 

 and progressed to the canter.

After that, things got real interesting...

With Andrea's coaching, I was able to guide Matt through a couple reining spins.

Oh my gosh, that was just about the most fun thing ever!

 "What a good great cowpony!"

I also got to do a little piaffe, but sadly, there's no photographic evidence.  Believe me when I say this was one of the best rides ever.  Thank you so much, Andrea, for sharing your wonderful Matt with me.  I will never leave home without my riding clothes again!