[Avishay]

(cross posted on the FHOTD board) Click on the pics to make them bigger.

So today I put the first ride on my gelding. I adopted Shay when he was an unhandled, wormy, four month old weanling, and he's now only three months away from 4 years old, 16.3hh and 1450+ lbs. It's been a long road to this point, but the journey has been so rewarding and enlightening that I can't fully articulate it here.

First off, I'd like to explain a couple things. First, I'm not nearly as fat as I look in the riding photos. I wear "junk" clothes when I ride my own horses, breeches and polo shirts are reserved for when clients or students are watching lol. So I'm wearing a t-shirt that's too big and hangs off my frame (I have big ***** and so non-fitted shirts and blouses just hang off me), so I took a quick photo later this afternoon when I got cleaned up for school to prove it:


Second, I know the saddle is too small for me, but it fits my horse well, and it's only temporary (it's a loaner). I also realize that my stirrups are a bit long for a CC saddle, but I wanted to have a bit longer leg just in case I had to sit out a buck; the strap around his neck is a stirrup leather which is there for the same purpose.

OK, on to the main attraction.

Getting him warmed up and paying attention:


Stretchy circle on the lunge:


Reminding him of how to give to the bit and disengage his haunches before getting on:


Lying over him (I've been doing this for the past week or so, so this was nothing new).


Mounted!


I let my grandfather lead me around for the first few minutes so that Shay could find his balance under me without having to worry about anything else. He didn't even spook at the delivery trucks that rattled by.


Then we went back to giving to the bit, and disengaging his hind end.




Then it was time for us to ride all on our own!


He moved out well - nice and relaxed.


Starting to understand the concept of turning




Dismounted. Good boy Shay!


All in all I was on him for about 30 minutes, walking, stopping, turning, and getting him to give his head and haunches. He was just great, and I spent plenty of time loving on him and feeding him the fantastic home-made horse cookies my good friend made (she's also the photographer).

Thanks for looking and letting me share my joy.

[tucklove]

Way to go! I remember my first ride on Tuck, isn't it the best feeling? After all that hard work, they let you up there like it's no big deal. Congratulations!

[Rhythm 'n Blues]

WOW, I really like Shay!!

One quesiton though: what do you mean by "So today I put the first ride on my almost gelding"??

I will be starting to back my little horse in training. I've starting laying over his back like you have, except we go for walks like that I can only hope that "Wonder" (horse) is as good about the entire concept as Shay was.

What-a star!

[horseguy]

You and your horse look great, and I am very happy for you. You are in an enclosed area, have a helmet, have a helper, not trying to do too much, riding balanced… Well done!

When I open a “First Ride – with pics” topic I am usually apprehensive. You made my day.

[bnwalker2]

Great pictures!

[Avishay]

Originally Posted by Rhythm 'n Blues

WOW, I really like Shay!!

One quesiton though: what do you mean by "So today I put the first ride on my almost gelding"??

I will be starting to back my little horse in training. I've starting laying over his back like you have, except we go for walks like that I can only hope that "Wonder" (horse) is as good about the entire concept as Shay was.

What-a star!

The "almost" was just a typo. He's been a gelding since he was 9 months old. I had started out my description a different way before and must not have hit the backspace key enough. Thanks so much for pointing that out and sorry if I confused anyone!

Thanks so much for the nice comments too.

[JBandRio]

Oh my, what a stunning boy you have! I haven't followed your story with him - wish I had now! It appears you have done a nice job with him having him so nonplussed with getting on and walking around

[kellidahorsegirl]

Good for you! I love how you did EVERYTHING with him and he's super adorable. What a cool horse! I like your grandpa too for some reason haha

[Avishay]

Originally Posted by horseguy

You and your horse look great, and I am very happy for you. You are in an enclosed area, have a helmet, have a helper, not trying to do too much, riding balanced… Well done!

When I open a “First Ride – with pics” topic I am usually apprehensive. You made my day.

Thank you! I'm glad that you didn't have to cringe when reading this lol. I know exactly how you feel though. I believe in safety first - there's no use in taking shortcuts. If you or the horse gets hurt, you're not going to be able to ride anyway - so why put yourself and your horse in harm's way? Safety, combined with progressive, logical training methods applied with good technique makes for horses that come along well, enjoy their work, and are fun to ride.

I actually have the pleasure of training horses and teaching lessons for a living (small time local level - youngsters, problem horses, but primarily safe, dependable family 'all-purpose' horses). What makes this horse so exciting and special for me is that he's the first horse that I've owned, raised, and trained entirely on my own. Though this horse is to be my dressage horse and (eventually) hunter, so once he's had a year of basic training (solid w/t/c and plenty of time out on trail and in other people's arenas to build confidence and mental flexibility) then I'll start looking for a coach to start helping us up through the levels.

Thanks again Horseguy

[nixalba]

Congrats! You two look really good together.

I remember the first time I got on my mare. She was just like "hmm..ok then, let's be going now"

I didn't do much with her over this past winter, mostly because of injuries, but also for a lack of a saddle!

I've started her again and she's coming along so much better than I ever thought. I like your approach. You keep your horse's mental health, confidence and security in mind and I can see you are taking things at his pace. You also seem to put in a lot of groundwork training, which is great!

Great work