by KathrynKat » Sat Jan 03, 2015 9:57 pm
I let Macy settle with her First Saddle for about 10 minutes, then have lead her the to a round pen to get the feel of it. She ran in the round pen alone for about 15 minutes getting used to the saddle and the feel of it. I finally Approach her and start giving her commands. She was rather very amazing, and obeyed every command given. The mare walked to me as I stood in the center the moment I had turned away from her. I let her stand behind me for about a minute then let her follow me to the fence. I then tighten her saddle, and loosen the stirrups to what I recall being correct so I don't have to adjust them when I mount.
I grip the front and back of the saddle then pulled and pushed to be sure she had gathered the correct balance and hopes she will not walk forward when I mount. She was instantly alert, but stood her ground and didn't move. She lowered her head as I put my foot in the stirrup, and seemed to be willing to give it a shot. She's watched her parents many times as I ride them so I assume she knows what to expect, except for the weight. I sat on her back for a few minutes twisting, and moving in different angles such reaching for her rump, head, and reaching for my toes. I repeated that awhile, then sat straight int he saddle and gave her a signal to walk on. She seems rather very easy to train compared to her parents, but she was however bred in captivity and has known me her whole life.
I gave Macy the Signal to trot, and she Gracefully trotted. It was the smoothest trot of any Nera I've ridden. I gave her the signal to a stop, and she obeyed instantly. I almost lost my balance but was still in the saddle. I then lean over her neck to give her a big hug, and a pat on the neck. She nodded her head and looked at the paddock her family were grazing. I dismounted Macy and lead her to the stable to untack her and cool her down, then release her with her family in the paddock. She Nuzzled me and took off in an instant bucking and rearing.
