Post by haffyfan on May 20, 2012 12:53:10 GMT
Been out and about riding and leading again this weekend.
Murph took about a mile or so yesterday to chill out, (which made me a little anxious which of course didn't help him settle) , but both were brilliantly behaved, especially as we could hear motorbikes at one point (fortunately they went off into woods just before we got where they often hang out). Plus I'd not ridden him all week so it's not surprising he was on his toes to be fair.
Then went out again this morning, needless to say both were nice and chilled, so much that i decide to try squeezing back over common again (not exactly a success last time), they were brill and we made it in one piece without incident or me getting off! There is one bit that because of an overhanging tree and a puddle it really is single file only but i let Harry out to his longest and he fell in behind me and i gathered him back up the other side. Not totally ideal but this will be actually useful if they are happy with it as it may mean we can access some of the paths that require single file to negotiate the way around gates/horse stiles etc. Also managed to do the gate whilst mounted
Not pretty and involved a lot of reversing on Murph's part as once again Harry was not overly obliging about turning once through but we did it and eventually I'm hoping Harry will get the hang of turning once through instead of standing in gateway like a bit lump 
Murph just does it of own accord and pushes the gates with nose to help open/close but Harry has never quite twigged on!
Long long way to go before I'd even consider going faster than a walk but at least it's getting them out and about ;D
Murph took about a mile or so yesterday to chill out, (which made me a little anxious which of course didn't help him settle) , but both were brilliantly behaved, especially as we could hear motorbikes at one point (fortunately they went off into woods just before we got where they often hang out). Plus I'd not ridden him all week so it's not surprising he was on his toes to be fair.
Then went out again this morning, needless to say both were nice and chilled, so much that i decide to try squeezing back over common again (not exactly a success last time), they were brill and we made it in one piece without incident or me getting off! There is one bit that because of an overhanging tree and a puddle it really is single file only but i let Harry out to his longest and he fell in behind me and i gathered him back up the other side. Not totally ideal but this will be actually useful if they are happy with it as it may mean we can access some of the paths that require single file to negotiate the way around gates/horse stiles etc. Also managed to do the gate whilst mounted
Not pretty and involved a lot of reversing on Murph's part as once again Harry was not overly obliging about turning once through but we did it and eventually I'm hoping Harry will get the hang of turning once through instead of standing in gateway like a bit lump 
Murph just does it of own accord and pushes the gates with nose to help open/close but Harry has never quite twigged on!Long long way to go before I'd even consider going faster than a walk but at least it's getting them out and about ;D
for so much hard work we thank ye!!
