What a WEEK! I could not be more EXCITED. If you are in our sphere at all on social media you were probably inundated with a video this weekend and digital squeals of delight from me. This week has been a massive breakthrough for Ruffi and things are REALLY looking bright!
After her first ride with the trainer last Sunday, Ruffi had a groundwork session on Tuesday in some side reins to really reinforce correct position and using her body appropriately. Friday I had shot Shelby a text just asking how the rest of the week was going and I got the “Call Me” text response. My heart sank. I was like what did my mare do now?!
So the phone rings and she answers and I am holding my breath waiting to hear that Shelby is in the ER, that she did something catastrophic. “I cantered the mare.” WHAT? “I was sitting on her when I told you to call me. I cantered her.” That could not even be possible. She has only been there 2 weeks. The best I was hoping was for a non-aerial walk/trot by the time she came home. A CANTER? There was no way! But I got video proof. She did indeed canter the mare. At that point, I was on cloud 9. I couldn’t believe it.
We set up a time for me and Preston to come out and observe training on Saturday and I was so excited and nervous by the time we got to the barn. Shelby pulled Miss Mare out, got her groomed up and tacked, did some groundwork, and then got on in the round pen. Just walked her around for a few minutes and rode her out of the round pen. Outside of the round pen, Shelby asked the mare for all three gaits, both directions. I got a ton of video; and if I was on cloud 9 the night before, I was on cloud 1000 after this ride! I could not believe it! After her workout, Ruffi stood quietly for a few minutes in the arena while Shelby still sat on her, letting her process.
At this time we also decided that next weekend, I am going to come for a lesson and get on Ruffi while she is still in training. I am super nervous but also super excited. I have wanted to be able to actually ride this mare for a long time now and I can finally see a path to that.
Sunday’s update was good, Ruffi was ridden in the arena with two other horses, and while she seemed stressed about the other horses, she offered no dramatic antics. Shelby also asked her to start moving laterally and again she had some opinions about the work but was willing. The assessment I got was that Ruffi is very smart and calculated and that she is very capable, but has learned some tricks to scare riders so she can get out of work.
Both Shelby and I are excited to see how Ruffi keeps progressing and we also discussed once she comes home, still having Shelby out for weekly training rides for a while. Overall the prognosis is STELLAR and I could not feel more positive about our future.
Happy Riding
A+R