The adventures of Gilly the rescue horse and his side kick and partner in crime, Pokey the donkey.

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Being with a horse is a journey that never ends. What they have to teach us is amazing; but we must quiet our mind to hear them. ~ jca

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Saturday, May 30, 2009

Riding Bareback

This is a picture I pulled from my files because I didn't have anyone taking pictures of me today. Gilly and I had a lesson from my beloved dressage instructor, it's was good. My riding is improving and Gilly is more responsive with each ride. I have been riding him everyday, mostly with the western saddle because I feel more comfortable in it but today it was the dressage saddle. I am trying to learn to sit Gilly's big trot and it's a lot of work to try and keep yourself deep in the saddle. I did it for short periods but would lose the rhythm of his trot. I hang onto the front of the saddle and pull myself deep into the seat and hang on. I'll get it at some point!

My instructor rode Gilly and worked on his stops, turns and canter. He is doing very well and learning fast, probably faster than I am. After riding him for awhile Vicki wanted to ride him bareback, cause she said he had such a nice big back. You can see from the picture above that he does have a very nice back! Well, when she jumped off him she said, your turn! Well, I'll tell you I had a heck of a time getting on him but I did it. Climbed on the fence of the round pen and Gilly being the good boy he is moved over to the fence so I could just step over and sit down. Wow, what a back he has, wide and your legs just fit right into like he is molded for you to just melt into him. How long has it been since I rode bareback, oh, 30 years or more, I can't remember. It was Copper the little horse that was pulling the sleigh in a recent post and she was a little horse not BIG like Gil. I felt so good at the walk that I asked him to trot and we did!!! I had to hold onto his mane and really pull myself down to stay with that lofty trot but I did it!!! OMG how much fun, I've got to do it again!!! This will help my balance and riding skills too but it just so much fun; will I try the canter.....probably! I will see if I can get Kim to come up and take pictures tomorrow.

The trailer loading went well yesterday, Gilly had a few fits but came out of it to finally get in the trailer for Sheri and for me. Today all I did was point at the trailer and say, "Load up"! that's the word to go into the trailer. He did it every time I ask him to and stood there resting one foot. Kim was even in the trailer once at the front with a cookie for him, what a good boy. We will practice this everyday for a week or more then try with the divider in position. Right now we have the divider over so there is more room and the horses feel more confident with more room. Lacy is doing well also but Gilly seems to be more willing to hop right in the trailer. He has been a great boy this week and learned a lot and seems to be on a roll, so I had better keep up with him...........this is great I am so proud of him. Oh, yes, he crossed the creek many times yesterday before we had the trailer lesson! You rock Gilly!!!

6 comments:

dexmangoldens said...

Gilly is a very good boy!! Glad to hear your lesson went well and that you enjoyed riding bareback which REALLY helps keep you centered. Read my blog about the storm! It was awesome! Have fun with the good boy.

Laughing Orca Ranch said...

Awwww, I so enjoyed reading your account from riding Gilly bareback and how well he's been doing trailering and with creek crossing, too. Gilly sounds like a one in a million horse. You are so blessed to have him as your own :)

~Lisa

Jacque. said...

Gilly DOES rock! I'm so proud of him...and you!

Paint Girl said...

How exciting! A bareback ride, I've only ridden Brandy bareback once. She has a very narrow, bony back, so she was not comfortable, I will stick to the saddle for now!
I am glad to hear that Gilly is being such a good boy with loading and crossing the creek!
Have I told you how beautiful Gilly is? I know I have, but I have to tell you again!!

allhorsestuff said...

Yee-Ha there woman!!!
Gilly is such an awesome horse! His attitude reminds me of DannyBoy, a rescue that my PBO has that I am working with now.(Post soon to come)
I love your enthusiasm sweet freind...you encourage me and make me laugh with joy!
Gilly and you are like Wa mare and I..made for each other!
Kac

jane augenstein said...

Julie, I know that riding bareback is good for balance that's why I wanted to do it. Gilly was being so good.
Lisa, I am blessed to have found this great horse! He keeps doing better and better each day.
Jacque, Thanks!!!!
Paint Girl, yes, it helps to have a horse that has a wide soft back. Both of the other horses I had had big backs too. Riding a sharp backbone would be no fun. Thank you, I agree, he is a beautiful horse!
Kacy, thank you! I agree that Gilly is an AWESOME horse and that we were made for each other just like you and Wa!!!

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