A stuck horse

Monday, in horrid heat and humidity, I rode again for the first time since coming off three weeks ago. My back is much improved, but the break in activity had not left Champagne much improved.

Because it was so hot and sticky, I decided to just ride at a walk on the grassy areas around the barn, not in the baking outdoor or the incredibly stuffy indoor. He was, best I can say, cranky. Normally he is a sweetie, although he can be stubborn and opinionated. But the flies were the worst, he seemed to mind the heat, and his ears were flattened back sometimes. Plus, he would not walk along the track between two marshy areas. There was no actual bucking, but lots of refusing and turning in circles and pretty strong attempts to go back to the barn. I tried lots of strategies, including backing up and circling, but finally I was just too hot to argue any more. I know that was not a good decision because I am setting myself up for other refusals, but also I was feeling light headed and sick from the heat. I did lead him through the problem area at least.

During last night’s lesson, with much cooler weather, he was much more willing. I got some nice energetic walking, some decent trots, and canter left as much as my sore back could tolerate, but no canter right. When I asked for a canter transition, Champagne threw up his head, hollowed out his back, and actually came to a stop!

I asked Cath to get on, which she did, and said he is “stuck in his neck”. We know that due to his crookedness it is easier for him to bend to the left and hard for him to bend to the right. She did a lot of cantering on a 20 meter circle going right, with the right rein lifted way up to get him to bend his neck and loosen his body. After that I was able to get back on and get a canter right on a completely loose rein. Something to work on. Yet again something to work on. Still, it was great to have my sweet boy back.

This weekend is supposed to be very hot and humid again. I don’t know if a ride will be in the cards.