I'm helping out a friend who is struggling to ride her horse regularly (not going into too much detail because not my horse and not my life) (ironic when I, also, struggle to ride my horse regularly) so now I'm also riding T, a black thoroughbred gelding, 2-3 times a week. (It is easier to ride T because she agists somewhere with an indoor and outdoor arena under lights).
1 (Sunday afternoon): Friend had already lunged and ridden him, so it was a quick ride to just get a feel for his buttons. He tried to duck out of the circle I was riding and head back to the mounting block but I stopped him - ugly moment but he didn't try it again. Steering felt wonky - I didn't realise how much I control F's outside shoulder with the rein, whereas this dude just ran though it. Attempted leg yield and felt like I was trying to move a brick wall but did get him somewhat working on the bit and called it quits as a reward for him. Felt like a messy ride but Friend was happy for me to keep riding him.
2 (Monday night): The next evening after the first ride. Took a dressage whip out with me and did some groundwork first to remind him that leg pressure can be a lateral request and not just a speed button. Found he's actually very sensitive to the whip, on the ground and under saddle. (Not to sound like I beat my own horse, but I will sometimes press the whip - not even tap it - on F's shoulder to remind him not to fall out/in.) T started out very speedy, wanting to run off at trot, but settled to working nicely quicker than the first ride. Did get some leg yields and spirals although he wasn't a fan of turning on the fore while standing still and I didn't push it. Of course it started raining right at that point he stopped rushing so we only did a few circles each way and quit before we both soaked.
3 (Saturday night): Not sure if he'd been ridden since Monday. Settled to work a lot quicker and I tried a canter, where he got quite strong. He got a baked cinnamon treat after the ride - good review.
4 (Monday night): Honestly I was Not Feeling It but I pushed through and rode, although later than I wanted. I'd noticed that T was very sluggish walking up from the paddock which I loathe, especially at night in the dark and cold. Made it clear I expected him to Keep Up, even if he had to trot to catch up, and had a much more pleasant walk up to the stable as a result. Also the light above his assigned grooming stall is out so grooming and tacking up with the head torch as well - yay. Braved the indoor for the first time - I'm not intimidated by the arena, just the etiquette of opening the gates in case someone is riding in there. T was very forward again and didn't settle well, which might have been the indoor or might have been the fact that I keep pulling him out of the paddock and bringing him up to the stables alone. I know I'm asking a fair bit from him. Got some slightly better work then walked on a long rein for a while because even that had him very sweaty. I think he might have gone better after the loose rein break but unfortunately I was out of time and had to get off. Forgot to bring a treat so I gave him the end of my strawberry muesli bar which prompted a lot of head bobbing but he still looked for more!
