Pleasant surprise when pulling up to Brandt’s farm: Maureen,
a riding friend from many years back. We had lost touch over time, and –small
world- here we meet again.
Brandt lost no time, we saddled Remy and off they went. The
property looks like a huge playpen for horses. There are all kinds of
obstacles, different surfaces, woods, boulders, and a small lake with a sandy
beach (note to JP: watch the pronunciation). Remy wasn’t sure about the lake at
first, Brandt quietly moved his hindquarters around until Remy decided himself
that he would like to go into the water. The goal wasn’t getting Remy to go
into the water, though, it was to make him understand that he could not just
balk and then walk away. Once that was established Remy had some good “drink
and splash” time. So yes, literally, Remy did explore new shores (neue Ufer)!
From there it was into one of the pastures where six horses
ran right up to check out the newcomer (still with a rider on his back). That’s
usually our downfall – horses coming from all directions. Remy jumped around a
bit but got the hang of it really quickly. He definitely loved it when he could
herd all the others around. Brandt cantered him in the pasture, and Remy looked
great, soft and eager, with some easy and clean flying changes to boot.
After that they went to ride along a very busy US12, it was
rush hour and heavy trucks and log haulers were speeding right by. Not a
problem (other than me not daring to breathe).
Fazit after the first day: Wow! Lightness and quietness,
ease and results: Did we stumble upon the holy grail* of horsemanship?
Let’s see how the journey continues…. Mounted police training next Wednesday!
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