Today's Training

Monday afternoon Mom took me out for a ride on the Norwottic Trail. I've learned to walk, not run, downhill. Mom says she's getting older and it's easier for her to stay on if I go slowly on the steep downgrades. I wore my Old Mac hiking boots, which I really like.

We lost the trail at one point but I helped Mom find it again. I have a very good sense of direction.

Mom said she was proud of me because I went through a stream today with very little urging. She didn't have to dismount; I just walked right through it! She said I was very brave to do that all by myself, without any horse to follow. Then she gave me a horse cookie and told me I could earn a stud muffin next time if we came upon deeper water and I didn't balk at crossing it.

On the way home, I got scolded a little for dragging my feet. She said I was pouting. I wanted to stay out longer, that's all.

The weather is supposed to be sunny and nice all week, so I expect we will practice packing up a load most days. Mom's getting better with the knots and hitches. Maybe she should get a cookie too, hmmm?