Don't shoot me*Update* more photos

I took Saro out on a very short trail ride. Not more than about 1/10th of a mile out of the round pen. She just seems so ready, I know I'm pushing too hard. I did wear my helmet, and it was sooo fun and she was such a good girl My neighbor just planted that field so I guess we won't be doing it again anytime soon

I don't think you are pushing at all. I usually have my young horses on the trail no later than the 5th ride. You know her limits and so long as you are comfortable, then push away. One problem too many people have when riding young horses is that they don't push at all and try to sneak the rides on them. That creates a whole new problem. Great Job!! I can't comment on the pic cause my computer won't show it but I'm sure it is great.

That's great Maureen!

I would think if she's ready and not showing any signs that you are pushing her too much that you're fine!

Don't worry Maureen, you're really not pushing at all. I had thunder out on the trails after about the 15th ride....about 2 months into training...and actually it really asn't a trail, but out in the open outside. Then we actually went on a ride about 3 months into his training and he did fine. We just wen tout with other horses. You're doing great, and like I said before, you just gotta FEEL when they are ready....it's something that you just sense.

I guess the main thing is I got my trainer friend all worried about me
I was in an area with no fences and along our road which is a semi busy road with grain trucks and such going by.
She's right, I need to stay in areas where if I did get dumped I wouldn't be putting my horse in danger if she ran off. We just did our fenced in pasture today. I'll stick with that for a few more rides.

ETA I want to add, I really appreciate all of your encouragement more than you know.

Ya I just always use the turn in a circle if in an emergency technique. If I feel like I can't get him under control, I reach WAY down close to the mouth even and pull his head to my knee. That's a little drastic, but sometimes you just have to.

I agree with you

Well today we went on our first official, out in the wild trail ride. She did take a spill going through some very tall brome grass. Didn't see the rise in the ground and went down on both knees. She righted herself and I stayed in the saddle so it wasn't that big a deal


Yes, I am riding her in a bitless bridle.

You guys look great! And it seems to me that your doing pretty good with her if you don't even need a bit! =)

Maureen! You two look great!
I think the spill could be seen as a good thing (the fact that she didn't spook or flip out, and just got up and continued)

Its also awesome that you're able to ride her bitless at such a young age!