After seeing Charlie settle so well into his new environment, I thought it was time we started a little light groundwork, so took him into the round pen for some basic orientation and hooking on. He had already been started by Guy Robertson back in November 2014, spending 6 weeks with Guy and being brought on to be saddled. By the end of his time with him, Guy had managed to get approx 30 rides, Apparently he was a very responsive student. After returning to his family unit he had been left all winter to rest, so had done no further work for 6 months, I expected to be beginning very much from the start.
The Magical First ride
A bit of gentle instruction.
But this horse has never failed to amaze me so far; and today was not going to be an exception. The hooking on process was very quick. They are a very people orientated breed but it was also due to the amount of time I had spent with him bonding in the paddock. Just sitting under one of the big old olive trees leaving him to just be and being happy when he chose to be close. This time, which many think was the actions of a nutter, will be the difference between just a horse and my partner.
It was obvious that he was doing incredibly well and was demanding more of me so decided on a short undemanding ride! He just took everything in his stride, from saddling to the mounting. I did not ask much of him, but what I did ask of him he gave. I feel so amazing…
