Wes' First Hack and Klein on the XC Course

The adorable is off the charts every day with him.

I took Wes out for his first hack off the barn property today!  It was a perfect evening and Wes was pretty much perfect.  I put Klein's xc bridle on him, hoping it would fit, and with some adjustments it did.  Her Kimberwicke was just a tiny bit snug but not too tight.  I think I might get him a 6.5 inch, Klein's is a 6 inch.

I was just going to ride him in the pasture.  This was our first ride with a bridle so I wanted to get a feel for how he'd be.  But, it was sooo nice out I just thought instead of going back to the pastures I'd just get on him and head out to see what happens.  Wes and I go way back...remember?  If I didn't trust him or he was making me uncomfortable in anyway we wouldn't have went out alone on our first trail ride together, or bareback.  But, Wes...is Wes.  We're close, I knew we didn't need a saddle, or a friend.

I got on him in front of the barn and we headed out like it was no big deal.  He wanted to see the sights and he did talk a little bit to any neighbor horse that would listen.  Other than that we moved right along.  His trot is SO comfortable!!! 

We were out for about 45 mins.  Wes couldn't have been any better.  Honestly, what would you expect him to do?  He's worked in a downtown area the last nine years of his life.  He isn't going to care about hacking around a rural area.  Sure, he has a rider instead of a harness and carriage, but Wes loves to go out and work.  I didn't think a rider change that.  I just kept talking to him like I did when I drove him all the time.  He was moving forward with a combination of leg and "Walk on."  There is a very, very good chance this is the first trail ride he's ever been on in his life.  But, like I said, on one hand this is a milestone for us, on the other, this boy has been a professional working horse since he was a colt.  He pretty much takes life in stride.

Our entertainment on our ride was a neighbor I usually say hi to when I'm out riding.  He was out today and hasn't seen Wes yet.  When I walked up he said "THAT is a BIG horse, like, that is the BIGGEST horse I have ever seen.  I mean I've never seen a horse this big in real life.  He is SO BIG."

SO ADORABLE!

Pony cuddles.

Before I rode Wes I took my Klein mare out and we had a fun dressage ride.

Excuse her filthy mohawk, please.

Last weekend I took a friend to Tallahassee to ride xc.  We had a great time!

 Getting dressed for some xc fun.

 Still owning the War Horse mohawk.

 Warm up hack.

 Part of the course.

 I love this property!

 Klein with her mare friend Addy.

 

 Klein showing her disapproval of me not letting her engage her afterburner after a fence.

 Yeah...Me-1, Klein-0.  Silly ponyface.  I always have a great appreciation and admiration for her enthusiasm though, and she got her chance to go all out later into the ride.

 And some video:

Also, that morning before we loaded the horses to go to Tallahassee, look what I found!!!!  Wes was grazing on his own!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Go Wes!!!

Wes and his friend Rudy grazing together!!

Oh...anyone want to buy some brand new SmartPak Bradley full seat breeches?  I was sent the wrong size.  They are brand new with tags, size 32L.  They're awesome quality, but way too big :(

$60 shipped, email me at jumpingpercheron@hotmail.com