What a Week!

I just finished my week long vacation. My OTTB has a lot of firsts under his belt. Let's see, first was a 3 hour trail ride that involved a long dark tunnel and a waist high stream. The water crossing was first for him. He handled it like a champ.

Next was a ride on the beach. Surf, kids, bikes, dogs, kites, one strange guy who kept trying to follow us, and a small airport across the water. He did great. Almost went for an unintentional swim. I think this horse is part seal.

Next day was our first cross country schooling course. He's only 7 and I'm just getting back into jumping after a few years off, so we kept is very small, but he did great. He even handled a brief wild turkey flock sighting without having a meltdown. (last year that would have been an issue)

Yesterday we did our first ever show. We attempted a combined test. We did pretty well in dressage, but then he I think his patience for getting hauled around all week ran out because he decided to get very sneaky for the jumping round and deposited me on the ground after fence 3. Oh well.

Anyway, today is his first day off after 9 straight days of riding. I'm guessing he's up at the barn REALLY enjoying his days off. Wish I had pics to share, but just wanted to share with folks who can appreciate it. Nobody where I work is into horses, so it's all lost on them.

Oh my...what a fabulous way to spend a vacation!!! Sounds like you two had a great bonding experience!!! No pictures needed...you'll remember it for years, and that's what counts!!!

Sounds like you’ve had a great time! It also sounds like your horse has come so far and yes you will remember it for years to come!

That is lovely! Kudos to you both! That's really good to hear. :)

Sounds like tons of fun!!!
:) It's great that your horse handled so many firsts so well.
Best wishes to you both!