Post by Skylark Whitfield on Aug 30, 2012 5:30:46 GMT -8
It was the first time she'd ever ridden the gelding in a proper arena. They'd come a long way in just a few short days; this time last week, she'd been walking him around the shedrow at a racetrack and occasionally venturing down to the stables to borrow one of their fields. This, in comparison, was fancy and properly built, with a level surface and a roof over their heads in case it rained. Right now, there didn't seem to be a storm close, but it was nice to have it there regardless.
Pride was showing off his racehorse past in true style as Sky led him into the center of the arena, bouncing around and spooking for no reason at all, with half a mind to trample her. He had yet to learn that having a saddle on his back did not mean they were going for a run; it was something they were working on.
The chestnut skittled sideways as she swung smoothly into the saddle and settled herself, not letting his sudden spook bother her. For a moment, she made him simply stand while she adjusted her stirrups and seat - the gelding fidgeting and tossing his head all the while - and then gave him a gentle aid to move off at a walk. Pride fought her valiently, wanting to trot, and crabstepped and ducked his head in and effort to get around her control, but Sky shortened her reins slightly and gave him continuous half-halts until he settled a little more and set off in a straight line, steaming off down the side of the arena. She sighed; he was determined to speedwalk now. Though she let him have a little more rein, Sky continued the half-halts, waiting for him to slow down and listen to her as she knew he could.
Pride was showing off his racehorse past in true style as Sky led him into the center of the arena, bouncing around and spooking for no reason at all, with half a mind to trample her. He had yet to learn that having a saddle on his back did not mean they were going for a run; it was something they were working on.
The chestnut skittled sideways as she swung smoothly into the saddle and settled herself, not letting his sudden spook bother her. For a moment, she made him simply stand while she adjusted her stirrups and seat - the gelding fidgeting and tossing his head all the while - and then gave him a gentle aid to move off at a walk. Pride fought her valiently, wanting to trot, and crabstepped and ducked his head in and effort to get around her control, but Sky shortened her reins slightly and gave him continuous half-halts until he settled a little more and set off in a straight line, steaming off down the side of the arena. She sighed; he was determined to speedwalk now. Though she let him have a little more rein, Sky continued the half-halts, waiting for him to slow down and listen to her as she knew he could.