Like A Grown Up

 Progressing onwards from last week, I FINALLY trailered Mr Bakari all by himself. With his first solo trailer ride, came his first visit to our equestrian club grounds across town. We explored the grounds and some obstacles set up at the ring. By happy coincidence a friend pulled up shortly after us with some more horses for company so we weren't completely alone. He was a 'up' and pushy and a little vocal, and needed some reminders about manners. He was also a little fixated on his new friend horses - Bridget lives near there and when we walked by he remembered her and was like "wait I lived with you for a bit when I was a baby!' It was kind of cute. For a first outing I was very happy with him and give him a 5 star review - he was a really good boy, especially considering I kind of threw him in the deep end with a lot of firsts this week. 

Practicing grown up horse stuff at home first

I think this was his first time with a girthed up saddle

No pictures of our adventure because honestly I just wanted to really focus on getting it right and giving him the best possible experience - I'd be lying if I didn't halfway expect dealing with a handful of a 3 year old baby horse and the consequences of my own inaction this past year. Luckily, he's a generous guy and exceeded any hopes I might have had.

Handsome guy

Incoming potato!

The clinic this coming weekend is undersubscribed, so I'm going to try to take both boys. That will be fun, but I'm going to be super busy trying to fit in four lessons and the extra 'real job' work I'm still doing.

Watch out world, they're both going out in public this year ;)

This past weekend brought the return of regular summer 'big' field time, everyone has been very happy about that. I was wondering if walking 2 three year old cob boys there and back every day might be too much, but although much bigger, they're much less rambunctious this year and leading both at the same time still feels safe. 

Still a pair of ridiculous creatures by any normal standard, though

Happy Reggie

We thankfully had no tree collisions this year - the 2026 edition of horses making me anxious about the most seemingly random of things. Other people see a field with a pretty willow tree, I now see skull fractures x2 and a hefty vet bill. I may or may not have procrastinated taking them over there until I knew I'd be around part of the day 'just in case' :D

'the' tree

Please continue to avoid high speed collisions with the tree this year, Sophie

My long weekend concluded with a lazy afternoon repainting poles, harrowing the ring and fixing the sprinklers and odds and ends around it. I'm starting to feel serious about riding some cob ponies this summer.

See you next time, hopefully with lots more pony progress to share - I'm feeling awfully motivated again!