Murph's first trip out

[joandlad]

Murph now 4yrs old, backed 5 months and going really well. Decided it was time to get him out and about to see a bit more of the world. So, last Sunday Murph and his field mate Billy went to Tilford for the morning. I freely admit that after owning a complete stress-head for many years the idea of taking Murph anywhere filled me with dread. But he was an absolute super star! ;D

He loaded and travelled brilliantly. Unloaded and tied him to the trailer to tack up. He stood really calmly. Rode round Tilford common for an hour and he was so chilled you'd think he'd been doing it all his life. Even when a horse galloped across the track in front of us he just stood and watched it go by. As we rode back to the trailer I could feel myself getting more tense at the thought of loading to go home. Concentrated on my breathing and kept telling myself he had no reason no to load. Tried hard to keep it from Murph but pretty sure he picked up on it as he was a little sticky on the ramp but after a couple of asks he went in. Got home safe and sound. I LOVE MY HORSE!!!!!! ;D

[ceej]

YAY!!!! Thats so brilliant! Well done - god you know the more I am on this forum the more I realise everyone has their little anxieties!! He is such a good boy. Would love to come and see him soon...why are you so blinking far away!

Any pics?

[joandlad]

Not taken any pics recently. Will do tho. Other half came to see him for first time in a couple of months. He couldn't believe how much he'd grown. You don't notice when you see them every day. You've got to come and see him! I'd love you to take him out for a little ride.

All the hard work I put in on the ground with him is really paying off. We had some serious battles along the way - he's bitten, struck out with his front legs, barged, planted himself, ran off - you name it, but I stood firm and he finally realised it was getting him nowhere. He's still got his cheeky character but he knows now that when Mum says No she really means it and it's easier just to do what I ask first time. Waiting for the battles to start under saddle now.

[duckles]

Sounds a great day. I know what you mean about loading. Cori is a bad loader and unfortunately, if you put a lot of work in, he gets good but if you leave it a while, you are back to square one again. JB, on the other hand, has always been brilliant. BUt everytime I lead him on the ramp, I have to supress a fear that he will decide to refuse. Never has of course and I'm endlessly grateful. You're doing great work with Murp- well done