Candy's First Trail Ride

Checking out the creek, which we then crossed quietly.

Yesterday, I cantered Candy for the first time in the arena. It took a little encouragement to get her out of the trot, but we finally got the canter and it was so smoooooooth! Now that I can move her head, shoulders, and hind end easily and softly, as well as back up and whoa, I felt today was the perfect time for her first trail ride.

With her buddy, Rio

Despite blustery wind, barking dogs, and a love affair with Rio, the Walking Horse that she was trotting to keep up with, the ride could not have gone any better. There was slight hesitation crossing the creek, but we crossed it twice (both ways) beautifully. There were lots of "monsters" on the trail as well, including concrete and metal pipes hiding in the woods, and she wanted to go investigate everything (even at the expense of leaving Rio for a moment).

Ray's first ride on Candy

You might be wondering why Candy isn't wearing a bit yet. I put one on her, with much difficulty and approach/retreat methods, a few weeks ago. While she tolerated it okay, she seemed more uncomfortable than I would have expected (especially bending to the right). The equine dentist (www.taylormadeteeth.com) is coming on Monday, so I decided to hold off on using a bit until we either know her teeth are okay, or after the problem is fixed. I have observed her eating and noticed she mostly chews on one side, which may indicate dental issues. So, rather than give her a potentially painful experience the first time she is expected to carry a bit and expect her to tolerate it and potentially become resentful, we'll just wait and see what Dr. Taylor says. I was told she had worn a snaffle before, but even a leather halter going on her head freaks her out a bit. She also didn't like the corners of her mouth touched, but we've worked on that and now she is tolerating it.

Overall, I continue to be very happy with Candy's progress! Ray seems pretty tickled, too. :)