I have to remember, I have to remember that my horse is a 12 year old thoroughbred and while the majority of the time he behaves. Sometimes, he doesn't.
Yesterday was one such day. No matter what I did, how I distracted him he would not settle into work. D has this new habit of whinnying. Most of the time this is when he is wanting out of work, bored or feeling alone.
My blind horse who is still shaky on his feet when not concentrating carried on to the the point that I had to do a flying dismount. He then proceeded to run and call out for the next 20 minutes.
Here is what I learned- I really really just wanted to ride my horse yesterday and no amount of cajoling or "tough" riding could correct his behavior.
My horse, while handicapped, is still young and has the desire to run in his blood. As I was sitting on his back I was looking for him to respond as my partner, to remember who was on his back but all thoughts of working with me and cooperating were at the back of his mind.
D is my horse
We are partners
But instinct will ALWAYS trump training... I think this is what took over my horse yesterday.
I am looking for a better ride tomorrow, after all, we have a canter to perfect.
