Bush Wacking

Well, it's been what? 4? 6? weeks since I've last ridden this sweet boy?

He was AMAZING. He definitely responds well to the lovey-dovey approach and opened right up to me. Bridling is 80% better with the lovin'.

Right off the hop we decided to hit the bush on the property rather than try to battle the windy road. We locked the rest of the herd up front in our 2 acres of open pasture and found our trusting mounting tree stump just inside the bushline of our 8 acres out back.

Exploring the horse-made trails through the bush is like entering a private world all their own. Of course, watching out for branches above wither height is necessary to ensure rider survival.

Max lead like a champ once I made it clear forward motion at a reasonable pace was expected. He marched down their trails, off their trails and through all kinds of bush. Winding around trees prompted tighter communication as the boy has no idea how to watch out for anything beyond the sides of his barrel (read: KNEES!). Oh, who am I kidding? He's the kind of horse that will "Opps." rub and bump his way through things with only his own fuzzy grey coat to slow him down. It was tricky work and I've got at least one bruise to show for a critical moment's lack of attention.

All in all it a great break from the arena routine and an opportunity to really test him in a trail-like environment with a touch more comfort to him. I was able to snap branches left & right, above his head without him twitching an ear. Decent-sized sapplings were tugged and pulled between his barrel and my leg without a worry. We became somewhat proficient with our back & forth, enabling us to miss almost all of the more substantial trees.

Mostly, I was impressed with his sweet willingness to pick up right where we left off. I love how he just plunks along with whatever plan is put to him. Such a good boy!