Skittles' first trip to Blackfoot

Today was Skittles' first trip to the Blackfoot. I've been looking forward to this all spring. Last week I took Skittles to Sunset and rode with Amy through the fields. We started in the arena and because it was so windy, Skittles was a bit jumpy, but manageable, then we moved to the fields. She was pretty prancy, but again, relatively manageable and I was pleased with her. So even though it was kind of a trail ride, it wasn't really on a trail, so I'm going to call today her first official trail ride. :-)

Amy met me at Blackfoot this morning. We let the horses wander around the staging area for a bit first to get acquainted with the area, then headed onto the trail. Amy took the lead first. She started by walking Sugar for a bit, then eventually got on once Sugar relaxed. Skittles followed no problem. I asked Skittles to take the lead a few times, and she did, but reluctantly. We moved so slowly while Skittles was leading that Sugar got fed up and passed us, then gave Skittles "the look" every time she tried to pass, so Skittles stayed behind.

There was one point on the trail that was a bit washed out which neither of the horses wanted to cross. We let them come up, then retreat several times, but they really weren't too sure of it. So Amy got off and led Sugar over it. I stayed on at first to see if Skittles would follow, but she still wouldn't, so I also got off and lead her across. She still hesitated, but each time she tried, I backed her up and rubbed her face, then asked again. On the third attempt she LEAPED over it. And we continued the ride. Once we turned around to head back, Skittles had NO issue whatsoever with leading! And she started giving Sugar "the look" this time when she tried to pass! Too funny. Coming back over that washout, Skittles still hesitated, but only once and then leaped over. I didn't have to get off that time! The rest of the ride went really well. Skittles and Sugar took turns leading on the way back. We stopped lots to let the horses graze (what a nice change from dry hay!) and drank in the beautiful day!

Very successful ride with Skittles and I am once again thrilled with her confidence and her progress. Yay!