Bolting Problem

LOL! I guess your wife doesn't have you on a chain of any sort then, eh?

Dressage riders don't see it as 'confinement' and we're aren't in there for the scenery. The ride inside that box is between the horse and rider. Nothing else exists in the world and there is as much beauty in that as there is in all the wildlife around you. It's just a matter of perspective.

I actually ride in my 'box' in the middle of a field surrounded by trees and rocks and deer and such. Makes it much more challenging for me and the horse to stay focused in our work.

This is a fundamental difference in our philosophies. I don't ever go someplace else when I'm with my horse. It's always about the two of us. I want the horse focused on me, and in return, as much out of courtesy and partnership as anything else, I focus on the horse. If I want to enjoy the scenery, I'll stop and look about and let the horse look about as well.

Ah - scared. I understand now.