June 23, 2011 - Making a break for it





Today's ride was a little exciting, but kind of fun too.  Rory was very good for the pre-ride longe which took less than ten minutes.  He did tend to look out the back door of the arena as he went towards it, and the circle started to get something of a corner in it's shape.  Rory managed a little canter on the right rein.



"You are NOT going out that door!"
Rory did keep his balance with a few quick sidesteps.







I mounted and dismounted two or three times on each side before picking up the reins and asking Rory to walk on.  The first time I picked up the reins he shifted his weight to take a step, but I reminded him about standing still before he moved a foot.  For the second time Rory started off with a humped back and snaking head.  He was a bit worse than last week, even getting to the point of trying to trot towards the back door.  I kept focused on what I was asking him to do and like last week, after a halt he suddenly relaxed and listened well.  It only took five minutes to get to that point today.

...and turn...

Trotting past the door.

We moved on to trot, and the first time we went towards the far end of the arena Rory took over and headed for the door.  I was determined that he was not going to get out today and got him stopped with his feet just barely inside.  The next time he tried harder and got his front feet just outside, but I wouldn't let him go any further out and backed him a step or two before turning in again.  After that I kept him further away from the door, but it took two more tries on the left rein before he managed to trot past with only a couple of walk steps.  We changed direction and he trotted past the door (well to the inside) twice on the right rein.

Rory trotted out the door, but he didn't get very far.

Since he'd been good, and he was so determined to get out of the arena I decided to ride out and in the back door.  Rory got a bit excited as we headed directly for the opening, but did listen when I insisted he stop and stand quietly inside for a few moments before going out.  He wasn't keen on going back inside, but didn't put up much of an arguement.  The next time we approached the door he got ahead of me and broke into a quick trot.  I managed to stop him, though we ended up going sideways and I was a bit worried that he might slip on the wet ground.  It rained last night and things were a bit slick in places.  Oddly enough Rory was heading off away from his paddock.  He didn't want to head back towards the arena, but once we got moving he walked right in without hesitation.  We went out and back in once more and Rory was very well behaved.  Then out for the last time and walked back to the barn.

Walking back inside without a fuss - Good boy!

Walking calmly outside again.

Rory eyes the puddles as I tell him he can walk between them.