I brought him into the barn, groomed him, tacked him up and rode in the indoor with Kara and her mare Tessa. Tessa's still green, so we just walked and trotted in the indoor. Daniel was a good boy, but it was HOT and humid, so I didn't want to push him too hard. After we rode in the indoor, Kara suggested that we go out on the perimeter trail, with me riding Daniel and she would walk along leading Tessa. Rather than dismount to walk through the gelding field, I thought I would ride D to the trail. He did NOT want to go through the field, and I was NOT going to let him win.
So, I heard Leeandra's voice in my head, telling me to block him from going left with the rein and my leg. So I blocked him from going left and pointed him to the right and gave him a kick so he'd know I wasn't kidding. Then I felt him chew the bit, and walk where I wanted him to go.
Kara manned the gate for us, and we had a nice walk along part of the perimeter trail. We only went about 1/4 of the way, because, it was HOT!!
After we got back to the barn, I hosed D off, and let him do his favorite thing: drink from the hose. I put him back out with a fly mask and fly sheet on, because I'm convinced that NO fly sprays on the market work... But, with him out with 7 other geldings, I'm totally expecting both of them to be in tatters when I go tomorrow!!
Tomorrow, the plan Chezzie is going with me. I'm going to let her ride a little (she's about 90 lbs soaking wet, so no matter how hot it is, it won't be too taxing!) and then give him a bath and get her to help me with braiding his mane. I'm sure it'll help him feel cooler!
