Flying Changes on Speedy

Speedy hasn't seen much action lately, and that makes him cranky. Since his newest lady hasn't been out in a month or so, he's had to put up with me riding him, and he. Does. Not. Like. It. Two weeks ago I took him out around the neighborhood, and that he liked. We tootled, we ambled, and we took our time. By this weekend though, he was giving me dirty looks, so I saddled up for a similar ride.

On my way to the golf course part of the loop, I stumbled over a very large turtle. With the river so high, it seems as though some of the wild life is heading our way. I stopped to take its picture which it found quite annoying. We then headed out towards the cherry orchard which is loaded with cherries I dare not eat. Ten years or so ago the property owner erected a substantial brick wall to keep people out of his orchard, so I ride through without picking anything. I don't want to get kicked out, but they were tempting. Instead of walking along the river, I stayed well cleared and circled back behind the houses. 

He was easily a foot long.

As we made the turn for home, Speedy's plodding steps took on a new life and he fairly danced toward the ranch. I let him trot home even though his head was in the clouds and he was shaking it saucily. Little stinker.

I rode well clear of the river or anything that might contain quicksand.

Given that he felt so sassy, I decided to do a little bit of work in the arena. Oh my. He was a real booger. I was riding in a dressage saddle, but like always, I opted to ride in a riding rope halter. I don't need a bit when I ride Speedy. As we headed in through the arena gate, Speedy's perky little attitude went flat. He did not want to work, but I wanted to see what he still had. It took a bunch of work to get him to pick up a canter, but he finally did it even though it was flat and he was glaring at me every time he flung his head in an effort to show me how grouchy he was.

Despite the attitude, I asked for a flying change. He missed it, but on the second ask he gave it to me. The same thing happened on the opposite lead. Just like in the "old days," he popped into both new leads cleanly. After we got the second one, I praised him like crazy, and all was forgiven. On both sides.

I am once again looking for someone who wants to ride a very willing schoolmaster. He's not thrilled about having me work him in the arena - I think he knows I'll ask him to really work, but he loves working for other riders, particularly riders who are new to dressage.

Reach out to me if you need some saddle time. Speedy would love it!