The snow has been stubbornly persisting around the barn thanks to the higher elevation so we stuck to the roadways only for this ride. Quest was feeling great and we moved out at a nice trot wherever the footing was nice. We also did a little bit of cantering as well with two quick hill sprints. It was our first one undersaddle since last year and mareface definitely enjoyed as much as I did. It felt so nice to move out at speed again. I had really missed riding her canter <3
The roads were relatively empty for the most part though the slightly warmer temperatures had mountain bikers coming out of the woodwork and we came across several groups during our trail outing. The majority were super courteous and came to a complete stop to let us by. A few riders didn't stop but each time Quest decided she would nicely stand when we crossed paths. That response was perfectly okay with me since she was totally calm and worry-free.
Despite the big breaks in our riding schedule, I was pleased with how sane the mareface was throughout and on the way home, Quest actually stopped by puddles (muddy ones even) on two occasions and drank deeply. I guess she's finally figuring out this trail horse thing!
Glad you're able to get back out again! Hopefully the snow clears quickly!
ReplyDeleteSame, we're keeping our fingers crossed!
DeleteHopefully you'll have a lot more outings in the near future. Spring is nigh!
ReplyDeleteThe weather has psyched us a couple times already...here's to hoping because the daylight hours are getting longer!
DeleteGlad Quest was on her best behavior!
ReplyDeleteMe too, though I'm getting quite the mare-attitudes recently. I blame the weather :P
DeleteAnd now I'm caught up!
ReplyDeleteThis borders on unsolicited advice, however I fully expect you to do what you think is best for your mare and I thought you might want to have some outside insight to chew on. When Quest went lame the first time, you had been doing a lot of work with her with no issues, but she went lame with the abrupt change of terrain (sand). The second time she went lame (not as badly, thankfully) was after she was in great shape again, but then you did something new, jumping. The timing on that looks suspicious to me, and I'd honestly blame the jumping being extra hard on her club foot than the gradual exercise you had been doing up until then.
Of course, this is based only on what I've been reading here, I'm sure there are other small things that you've seen that might sway you one way or another on future treatment of your horse, and I look forward to reading about it! I hope you get to eventually do some mounted archery with her too!
Interestingly enough I've come to a similar conclusion but haven't yet brought it up here on the blog. The abrupt changes were definitely a large factor and going forward I'm going to be keeping a close eye on that foot and training appropriately for ride terrain. Always something new to learn!
DeleteIf you're not learning, you may as well be in the ground. Especially when it comes to horses!
DeleteGood girl Quest, sounds like she is happy to be back to work :)
ReplyDelete