So after waiting with baited breath as to whether Wes (otherwise known as "Wesbo" in terms of "Asbo" by my parents during this time) would be deemed breakable by my instructor, he was given the go ahead. The first time I ever rode him I was thrown off in walk, on the lunge. I didn't suffer any injuries but naturally I was shocked and slightly upset that my brand new horse wasn't quite as suitable as we first thought. After having a mini "breaking in" and backing by my instructor, I got back on within two weeks of owning him. He was a different horse - calm and at ease with a rider on his back. He is less "off the leg" than the others, however as he is a young horse I presume this is normal (what do I know!) and he is improving every day. We have progressed from riding in the indoor school, to going into the outdoor school, to hacking out on the lead, with a bike, to hacking out in company. We have also cantered him for the first time on the lunge - the first time he shot off but afterwards he was great, if a little unbalanced. For a month he has been trying incredibly hard for us all and was outstanding. Mum and I have been gradually doing more and more ourselves until Friday... As we were mounting, Wes grew 10ft tall. It was a windy day, and after some faffing around in the stable, Wes decided he had had enough. I mounted carefully, and landed lightly in the saddle, waited a second before he turned into a bucking bronko! He did about 7 bronks before I reluctantly became unstuck, and in this time he had gained an audience. My Mum kept a hold on his reins as he continued before stopping, about 15 bronks (on a circle) which was rather impressive. Apart from the fact I was not impressed as I crouched behind the mounting block after landing on my feet! He has now been ridden again and behaved well, so we're putting it down to a case of "STUPID HORSES!" Socks, Pru and Bingo have all been outstanding recently. All of them have had a relatively quiet month as i have been busy with Wes(bo - after THAT incident) but Socks' dressage has really come on. More updates soon! |