Let It Ride

On Sunday, two days after she got here, I rode Miss G for the first time since she became my horse. It was a cold, rainy, blustery day, but I just couldn't wait any longer :P 

So majestic. Also, photo taken the day after our first ride. My bad. But it's pretty. 

I was, to my surprise, really, really nervous. I think it must have been because it was the first time I would be riding her as my very own horse. Without supervision or anyone to keep us out of trouble. Joe, my hubby, was with me for moral support, and also in case I needed life real support. I mean, I know Gigi is well broke and not crazy in any way, but our barn is a new place for her and the weather was a bit hairy. Plus, I was kind of a basket case. So I was glad he was there. 

Just to be safe, I lunged her first. She was lovely. A bit "up" and forward, but no bucking or craziness. I was glad I didn't decide to get on without lunging, though. 

Awkward canter shot courtesy of Joe. 

After a warm-up on the lunge, I got on. She stood like a champ and walked off calmly on the buckle. We tooled around for a bit before going to work. She was soft and lovely and willing, and worked great in the pasture without spooking at the chickens, dogs, gun shots, etc.  

Just easy stuff until our new half pad arrives. Or snow. Whatever. 

For how nervous I was, she was such a good girl. I'm so thankful to have such a good partner in her. Love this mare.

First ears shot in our new home, yay!

When I went to the barn on Monday, Gigi seemed so calm quiet that I decided to forego lunging and just hop on and see how it went.

I'm a good girl, Ellie. Trust me. 

It was a good decision :) She was even more chill than the day before and we had an absolutely awesome ride.

Dat neck. Straight up basilisk, son. 

After doing some lateral work and practicing some serpentines, we ended the ride walking around the pasture on the buckle. She didn't even bat an eye when two chickens squawked and ran underneath her feet. What a rock star.

So wild. Much bronco. Very gallop. Wow. 

I was planning to ride again Tuesday afternoon, but the 40 MPH+ winds, combined with the 30 degree drop in temperature overnight, were enough to convince me that snuggles were enough for today. Fingers crossed for today, though :)

Don't let the blue sky fool you, it's fucking freezing outside. 

Our first two rides out here, although uneventful, have really given me a much-needed boost of confidence. I feel like we really can do this... and I can't wait to see how far we can go as a team. So excited for our future together.