Early Morning Ride

Made it out to the ranch by 7 A.M. this morning to beat the heat. Day before yesterday it was 106 degrees and pretty tough on horses and riders alike. The ranch was quite. Del was calm, and at first I thought we would be out and up the trail in no time. Delgado is testing me at every turn. He didn't want to go past the busy truck and tractor area. I had to work at it. Then he still seemed unwilling so we went down into the arena and rode around doing figure eights, and circles. I noted how sensitive he is with his hackamore. I barely have to use the rein to turn. Jenn calls it riding with your "pinky". He backed up well and I decided to move on to the trial. There was another truck blocking the path to the trial so I got off and we walked around it. Then we started up the hill. Del didn't want to go. Late,r I felt perhaps I was sending him mixed signals. I was saying "go" and maybe it sounded like woah? I have since changed to "walk on" and I believe that has made a difference. We did finally make it to the top of the hill at about 8 A.M!

Abby came on our first ride alone. She was a welcomed addition. I think Del has already gotten used to having dogs along on the rides. Del and I continued on to the water tanks near Starvation Mountain. We had a wonderful ride. Funny how things go. I think my persistence paid off. However,I was so busy riding that I don't have any great photos. Just memories.

I went back out with Glory in her new hackamore (side-pull) and did the very same ride except she was perfect! No hesitations. I think she liked the hackamore (like a bridle minus the bit) and will keep it. All and all it was a great morning.