The Boy Can Jump

It was cold, cloudy and breezy this morning.  Since it wasn't friendly outside, we went down the mountain for lunch at Mollie's.  I had my usual - a reuben.

Brett had a cheddar bacon mushroom burger and fries.  No lettuce, no tomato, no redeeming ingredients.

From there we went to the tack store where I bought Winston a new halter and some other things that I probably don't need, but wanted anyway.  Me and tack stores... an expensive combination. 

When we got home, the sun was out but the weather was still a bit cool.  All the animals were napping in the sun and mud.

Kalvin: I love you Flash.  You're my best friend.

Jackson: Public displays of affection.  Yuck.

Since it was a lazy kind of day, I thought I would let Winston run around the arena and let off some steam.  He's just a baby and I'm a firm believer in play time.  I set up some low jumps in case he felt like showing me some moves.  His trainer said he trots over 2' jumps easy peasy and has never refused at 3 feet.

I've been working a bit with Winston on manners.  Being a gregarious kind of guy, he can border on being pushy.  I don't like pushy horses and I don't think it is safe.  The horse is happier and calmer when the alpha role is firmly established with the owner.  So, from the minute he got here we have been working on respecting my space and moving away from me when I step into his space.  I invite him into my space, otherwise he stays a respectful distance.  Winston is smart and a pleaser so he got that all down lickity split. 

In the arena, I turned him loose but stood in the middle with a longe whip.  I just used it to define my space, the space he couldn't invade with his ricky-racing around.  He wouldn't go over my jumps; he just shied at them and went on his merry bucking way.   After a few minutes, I walked over to the side of the arena to get another pole.  He immediately "joined up" with me which caught me by surprise.  Happy surprise.  He walked right behind me, with his head just behind my shoulder, licking and chewing, all the way across the arena. 

Brett joined me in the arena and I asked him to stand close to one of the jumps to herd Winston over.  Instead, Winston jumped out of the arena.

Right at that corner.  He was sliding to a stop, changed his mind, and cleared it -- easily.  He trotted off to some grass behind the barn and started grazing.  I took his halter and went off to retrieve him.  Brett measured the fence.  4 feet.  I guess he wanted a real jump and not the little things I set up. 

I just hope he doesn't start jumping out of his paddock.  I've never had a horse with real jumping ability before.  Yipes.  (hee hee).  I said to Brett "He could be an eventing horse!"  Brett said that there is no way I am going to do eventing.  Not to worry, I'm a happy dressage person.  Jumping that high scares me to death.  ...and cross country... I'd probably pee my pants.