What a day!

John and I passed a crucial milestone today. We hacked out – properly – for the first time. I am so proud of him, he was perfect, in fact I was more nervous than he was.

We rode out with a friend from the yard and her horse, Croppie, choosing the ’short block’ (around 35 minutes) for our first time. Passing other horses, cows and dogs made my heart jump more than a few times but John took it all in his stride; yes he looked around, he was interested, but he did nothing more. What a superstar.

Just six months at our new yard and we have come so far already. This was the first time we’d hacked out in the nearly four years we’ve been together and an occasion that, many times in the past, I never thought I’d see. Absolutely wonderful.

Getting closer

We went into the school tonight – a bit of walk and trot, nothing more as with the jumps up there’s not enough room to canter, not for me anyway.

Afterwards we headed off down the lane. After his recent nappiness I was apprehensive as to whether or not we’d make it past the yard. Sure enough, John planted his feet and refused to move forwards. It was tea time and he was making sure I knew he knew it.

Efforts to persuade him forwards resulted in him going backwards, turning and going backwards some more. Words of encouragement from friends at the yard couldn’t quell my nerves at what he was doing, but with their support I actually eventually succeeded in getting the stubborn old so-and-so to move forwards. And I was still in the saddle!!

When he finally conceded I was in charge (this time) we walked off down the lane accompanied by an understanding friend for moral support. We progressed further than we’d ever gone before – twice – as we came back and did the whole thing again. And there were no shenanigans this time. Success! We are almost ready to embark on a hack proper I think.