Rory was so good about longeing today that I changed directions and worked each rein again asking for more variations in trot speed. He was very responsive.
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| Preparing to jump up, and stepping down as Rory looks for his carrot |
Today's pre-mounting exercise involved me jumping onto a mounting block beside Rory as I pulled on the saddle to simulate mounting. This exercise gives the horse a chance to see the rider making a sudden move up beside them, and allows the rider to stay above the horse safely even if the horse moves away. Many horses will start to walk, or swing away when the rider jumps up, but Rory stood still. I jumped up and leaned over the saddle and patted his other side and rubbed over his hindquarters. Another time I leaned most of my weight on the saddle and he started walking. I corrected him, tried again, and he walked forward again. The next time he stood still. The last time I jumped on the block, put my foot in the stirrup and draped myself over the saddle for a second. I shouldn't have done it alone, and with no helmet, but it worked out okay since Rory stood still. Now I just need to find a quiet time when someone is around to keep an eye on us for the few minutes I need to get on properly for the first time.
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| Patting his other side, leaning on the saddle, and using the stirrup to step up onto the block |
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