Quzqo Goes Solo

Mon Oct 25, 2004

I had tried to organize another trail ride yesterday afternoon, but apparently other people are pussies who didn't want to brave the overcast sky, light drizzle, and temps in the low 50's. Wah wah wah, we can only ride if it's blue sunny sky, wah wah. Phooey!

So, thankfully I'm at a stage now that I felt safe taking Quzqo out by myself (Yes, had my cell phone with me)... It had rained very heavily the day before, so I couldn't use the round pen to get the piss & vinegar off of him (flooded), couldn't lunge him in the indoor arena, as it too was flooded (no roof on the barn!!!), and the outdoor arena was also flooded. So...something I'd NEVER have done with Tezlu (in his younger days)...I just tacked Quzqo up and hit the trail!

He was in NO mood to go out by himself, and was lollygagging, dragging, swerving, balking, meandering, oozing backwards, just about everything BUT walk in a straight line away from the barn/other horses, but between my heels and Mr. Whip, we eventually made it up to the dirt road that leads to the State Forest trails. He was VERY tentative up there, as there's a large collie mix that runs loose..but she's as old as the hills and can barely bark...he wasn't too worried about her, just being Alone I think.

A car came by and passed us slowly, he was fine with that. Made it down the hill and into the woods...he crept along, looking at everything but where he was going...almost went into a couple of trees, he was so busy rubbernecking, LOL! We had one spook incident (I scarce would call it a "spook", more of a "startle"), over WHAT I don't know. We crossed the paved road all right, THAT was a worry spot for me, as when we rode with other horses, he would try to barge across the road to catch up, never mind if a car was coming. Nope, he stood patiently while traffic went by, waiting for my cue to proceed, good boy!

He did startle at some distant gunshots, and jumped when we saw a large dog up ahead on the trail...looked like a Blue Heeler to me, but it was moving away from us, and kept on going. Fine with me!

When we got to the long, flat open dirt road, we got some good trotting done...he was ready to expend some of that energy of his! That boy CAN move when he wants to...the rest is just downright laziness I'm sure! When we got to the end of the road, we did a little backing up (three steps!!!) (I had a noseband on him, that may have helped since he couldn't gape his mouth wide open to avoid backing), turned around, and headed back. You can bet his pace quickened. I even got him into a VERY nice canter (right lead...I'm trying to remember to cue him with either leg...Tez NEVER wanted to canter on his right lead, so I was used to automatically cueing for a left lead), and I can't hardly express how WONDERFUL it was to ride a soft, balanced, CONTROLLED canter...with loose reins even!!! (and a SNAFFLE!!). Tez was a wonderful soul, but by God he was hell on hooves when it came to that third gait!! It was SO nice to not fear for my life, and just enjoy (ENJOY) a lovely canter! Now he wasn't lopin' along like a WP Showhorse, he was doing a pretty good clip, but still, at no time did I feel like I lost control!! I was surprised that I had to ask him to slow down when we got near our turn-off...considering the last time it was a chore to keep him GOING (but I had run the P&V out of him before that trail ride...he had the energy this time!)

A very uneventful ride, gone maybe 4-5 miles round trip I think...and despite the clouds and the drizzle, the Fall colors were BEAUTIFUL (this past weekend was supposed to be "the peak" for this area)...those wussy saps who didn't go sure missed out on a treat!!

He was pretty sweaty when we got back, but his fur is about an inch long, ready for Winter. And yaaaawning, LOL, he was plumb tuckered out, poor boy! Good, he needs it!!

Wish I felt better today, it's a beautiful sunny WARM day out, perfect for a trail ride...but then, my luck my boss would be driving down the road and see me riding or something, LOL!