My Darling Boy

Yeah, I really like and love this horse.

I began riding Trevor in February. Due to his surgery and that slicing of those ever important belly muscles, his riding is progressing slowly. I look at riding him quite differently then I ever thought I would. Most importantly, he has a large paddock to graze when the weather in rainy. Which it is...a lot. However, when the weather is beautiful, he has a good two acres on the side of a hill to run, play, and eat. He does all three. The grazing is important for his brain and his digestion. The running and playing on the side of a hill is important for is body. It only makes him stronger. The goober can canter three meter cicles when he's on a toot!

As far as riding, theses are the things I've added to our routine. First, I changed my girth from a regular leather girth to a soft fleece girth. The girth is wider and more flexible. This allows for the pressure of the girth to be spread over a larger area and greater comfort from soft form. I've also added lunging EVERY TIME before I ride. This allows for him to warm-up his back and belly area before ever having to deal with my weight.

He is a clever horse. He has learned that if he canters, his trot is more free and comfortable. I swear it was all his idea. On the lunge line, he'd offer the canter soon after the trot work began. When he asked, I allowed. Having to bring those hindlegs underneath his body in the three-beat gait, stretches his back and over his gluteals down to the semis (hamstrings). Not to mention, he has to pick that belly up, as well. In turn, with the lunging, his body and brain are warmed-up and our rides have been going well. We also began instituting leg-yields at the walk and trot. Good belly work.

I recommend lunging for any horse before riding and as a change from ALWAYS being ridden. Lunging is not to wear the horse out, but to help them figure out his/her body, as well as learn the art of relaxation while moving. Wait for that chew before you change the gait and see how your horse improves. Get the brain, change the body. It. is. BEAUTIFUL.

I am in no hurry. This year for Trevor is about strength and well-being.