I got Sage from an accomplished mustang gentler.
When she arrived in Aurora, she knew how to lead and tie and pick up her feet.
She understood the basics of lunging and could be sent over various obstacles.She hadn't been ridden, but she'd worn a saddle and bridle.A competent and confident horse trainer could have probably sat on her within a week.I am not that person.Although I've ridden lots of green horses in my life, I've never been the first person to sit on a horse. That's a whole different level of green, and at fifty six years old, I wasn't planning to rush into anything.So we walked.
And we prepared.
Then we walked...and prepared some more.
and into the fall.
People kept asking me, "When are you going to ride that horse?"I kept saying, "When we're ready."Of course, what I really meant was, "When I'm ready."Sage has been ready for a long time.Yesterday, I was finally ready, too.A younger, more competent and confident trainer could have done that months ago, but I'm so glad we took the time we took. I would not change a single moment.
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Congratulations on your accomplishments!! I believe the old saying "Slow and steady wins the race" would apply here!
ReplyDeleteYou didn't get hurt (no more broken collar bones please!) plus by exposing Sage to various things at a young age, you're teaching her to be a reliable, unflappable mount!
And--that's worth everything!! Congratulations again!
I believe that when training a horse to be ridden, it's always better to move slowly rather than go too fast
ReplyDeleteWhat an exciting milestone in your journey together, congratulations!! I’ve been trying to give myself more room and time with my young horse too, doing things when we are READY and feel confident and safe. And honestly it’s been an immensely rewarding and FUN process!
ReplyDeleteI love your smile! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteThe look on your face tells us everything we need to know. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Slow and steady is the way to go. I love Sage she seems like a really confident smart and willing mare.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, that's a very special moment. It's wonderful that you were able to experience it with your own horse.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, I would wait even longer. There's nothing wrong with that. She's a young horse, so be careful with her.
My mare has a severe back injury from training too intensely too early. She's seven now, and I'm just starting to ride her carefully. That means only 10 minutes in the saddle every few days. I don't weigh much, otherwise riding wouldn't be possible at all. It's still unclear whether she'll ever be fully rideable again and whether gymnastic massage and mobility training will really help her. The back deformity is slowly improving after a year, but it still affects her. Someone didn't have enough patience, and now I have to be ten times more patient.
You're doing the right thing. Take your time.
Congratulations, Jen! These are great news and you look so happy, too! I‘m very confindent that you will absolutely do right! You have so much experience with so many different horses!
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