Today was the beginning of something different. I didn't rush into the barn and hurry up and take everyone outside. Instead I opened the top doors, the brought Lil Star out, tied her in the hall and cleaned her stall. Then she got groomed and put back in. I dumped the cart and came back for Polaris to go next. Star Bright was the most patient and went last.
After everyone was done getting groomed and stalls cleaned. It was time to start lunging for Polaris. Only he and I went out to the paddocks. We only did a short work out, then he spent the day in a dry paddock ~ running, bucking and running some more. Worked himself up a sweat for the first time. Hopefully we'll be able to do this regularly, daily preferred.
Star Bright went out for a bit while I went home for lunch, then I came back and we went for a full saddled ride. Tim came along on the bike, as we are working with her on trails sharing with bikes and people with dogs. She's pretty bomb proof, but there is always something new to overcome.
Getting out of the driveway was a bit challenging. There's a barn next door that is falling down and looks pretty creepy. She wouldn't walk past it to go down the driveway. We took a couple laps on the outside arena then she was willing to cut across the yard and follow Tim on the bike. Once she realized we were on a trail, there was really no holding her back.
We rode to town and back to the trail head twice. Tim was Geo Caching and since she don't stand still very well, we practiced riding up and down the trail. On our second trip to town we all went all the way to the trail head. On the way there was a small green field with a bit of a trail worn into it along the trail. Star Bright cut into the grass trail and we had to have a gallop for a few minutes.
On our final trip back toward home, I dismounted and walked her. I like to always refresh and keep her up to par on her manners. Walking toward home at the end of a ride, rather than running or running me over - is an important practice. She was hot and pretty sweaty, so it was a perfect cool down walk as well. 'Multi tasking'.
Star Bright's new bridle and Polaris rain sheet are both due in the mail this coming week.! I sure hope they fit like they are supposed too. Vet appointment Tuesday, everyone's getting shots! and quick checks. Busy week coming up.