Conquering the fears

Conquering or even facing some of our fears, has become a challenge for me. I faced some yesterday. The mare and I have the same ones, sometimes, because of past history of falling in certain conditions. I know that she can pay attention, but, I also know she can become rushy when irritated because of rocks, steep hills and pain of traveling those.
She desires a smooth terrain.

That is not always available.


We returned to the site of our Fall ,and her speedy get away after I came off, running all the way home.

She was willing to leave the property yesterday with a slight balk at the trail head. After that one..she was all ears forward and go. I had her front hoof boots on and that helps for few rocky roads ,when we head out that direction..


She was meandering through the trail..half there, half looking back, and she tripped and groaned- as it hurt and it gave me that sick adrenaline rush too...I got mad at her, but it helped in the long run. I quickly said, "Wake Up!" and smacked her behind..she took no offense and she DID pay attention after that. I don't smack her often and I have never for an accident..but she was being very wishy wahsy in her commitment.


We went to our feared destination and I got off to survey the ground..it had gotten a bit worse for the wear of many riders..so I will always get off at that location now. She kinda looked at me, but did follow eventually. I remounted, the next fear to conquer was the bog...all dried up now. She really-REALLY-did not want to enter the creek. I did not have to touch her with the whip..but just show it to her- and as she took just one step towards the creek...PRAISES were sung and she felt my hand on her withers in a soothing ,thankful touch.


She went in and the sight of the rocky bog area made her stop again...but she went on..we made it through..just some mud now. Then we turned around and she and I crossed the dreaded area again . She was a bit rushy -whaich is what got us on the ground last time! I made her halt many times and wait.

After we recrossed the creek, I dismounted and decided to send her up ahead of me and try for the nice TEAMWORK of having her pull me up the trail again. AWESOME..she walked and took care of me as we went up the entire steep trail together!!!

I now feel Like I can continue to ride that "Shangrila" trail area..(the other side of the boogy man trail)now that we've done that work!

Have a goodie weekend everyone!!