First Mountain Trip of the Year

Today, we finally headed to the mountains with Skeeter & Magic. Since it was just Gord and I, we decided to take Ryder to see how he would be on the trail.

Ryder still has to learn to stay out of the way of the horses a little better, but for 9 months old, we couldn't be happier with him. He listened well, didn't go running after squirrels into the trees, and didn't pester the cows or other riders passing by.

The fall colours are just starting so hopefully, we'll have a couple more weekends of exquisite colour.

Skeeter's personality doesn't make him my favourite horse to play with at home, but I fall in love with him all over again on a mountain trip. Mountain trails just seem to be his thing. Skeeter is the one horse I bought for colour but his personality is a bit of a paradox. On one hand he is dominant and fearful by nature, but on the flip side of that he is very friendly and laid back. I have learned over the years that Skeeter does very well when he has a predictable routine. We introduce new things to him very slowly to help build his confidence. He isn't like Jack who is happy doing something different every day. At 16.1 hh, his height can be a bit of a detriment in the hills as the trees definitely seem a bit closer to the ground.

The funniest thing about Skeeter is that even when he does spook at something, his reaction is very laid back as if he is in slow motion.

Happy Indian Summer!
Tovie, Gord, Ryder, Skeeter & Magic