Mag, still lacking nonchalance

A few weeks ago J and I took Bellis & Mag into the woods and for some reason we tied them up and hung out on the bench by my Geocache Lytha's Home. It's where I meet Ani every week now, and basically my start point in the woods closest to my house.

On that day we were just sitting there and suddenly this gorgeous grey Arabian horse approached, with some dude riding. No idea who they are - and I keep track of my neighborhood horses, especially Arabs! But what was most interesting to me was the nonchalance of his Arabian. That horse took a look at this oddity - donkey and horse tied to trees  - and he shrugged us off, not even breaking his gait. BTW, most horses have an issue with a donkey, and even more will wonder WTH regarding our tie-up sessions. Chill, that horse was. Oh, Mag...someday.

***

Our ride today was with Ani on foot cuz she has "Frost Verbot" - she's not allowed to ride Rudi if the ground is frozen. It was just barely frozen, but oh well. I rode cuz I'm lazy and Mag needs rides.

My ultra-proud moment was when Ani stopped to tell me a story and Mag held completely still, not moving, the entire time - maybe 10 minutes, just standing on trail. Wow. I kept stroking his neck in wonder but perhaps he was transfixed by the mare.....

As we followed Rudi along, she kept slowing and then stopping in front of Mag, and then turning a most charming expression at him, her eyes glowing happily. Huh.

Ani dragged her along but again and again, she'd slow, pause, and then stop completely, and finally with urine and other invitations. Mag has no idea and I did not let him get close, because even today I don't trust the hefty mare to not break his knees.

Eventually it got annoying for Ani, even though I kept laughing, "Today is our SLOW DANCE together!" cuz every time the mare slowed and presented herself, I'd just slow Mag and even work on bending and lateral steps.

Finally Ani asked if I'd take the lead, and that went well. I was feeling tense today, because Mag gave a big spook when I first got on, no idea. He just bolted forward 4 strides and then stopped just as suddenly. It's not like him to spook, but it unsettled me and my spine felt like a rod the entire ride. (Later, Geocaching with J, my back was just as tense.)

But we had a nice ride and ended after an hour as usual.

I climbed back on Mag to ride up my switchback. I think I was nervous cuz it's the holidays and everyone is in the woods today.

At the top, Mag froze because coming toward us was Skip, a paint horse from across the street from us, being led by his owner. She didn't see us and her dog was running loose and Mag refused to budge. NOT nonchalant.

I sighed and pressed him on, but no. Too exciting, another horse in the woods! Ugh.

She finally saw us and called her dog and waited to the side. Finally Mag was OK with it and when we arrived where they waited for us, I jumped off Mag, said, "HI SKIP!" and told her to have a good ride. She told me to have a happy new year, as is required in Germany this time of year. I said you too: )

So, Mag is slowly getting there, but simply running into a strange horse unexpectedly can blow his mind. Not in a spazzing-out way, thank God, or only sometimes, but today, the frozen in awe way. Hrm!

Pictures are from this week:
















I only got two cards this year, which is normal, it feels so good to get one from my mom, and one from my dad!