He handled the hauling well, but he was definitely worn out and a little body sore in weird places. Poor guy! It was 6.5 hours of hauling total that day with not a huge amount of time between the drive up (3 hours) and the drive back (3.5 hours). I decided that less time in between was better than hauling in 100 degree heat, and I'm glad I did it, even if it was a lot of hauling!
 |
| Heading up to the trails! |
On Monday I opted to put him in the side pull for the first time. I've had it since the winter, but haven't trusted him enough in it to willingly ride in it yet. But now I have my sweet summer horse back! So it was time to try the side pull.
He was honestly SO GOOD in it! We were mostly on a loose rein out on the trails but I felt like I had plenty of control out there.
 |
| Looking down at the ranch afterwards |
I think next, we'll try riding in it in the arena and see what happens. I really want the horse to be able to do his job bitless and with a bit (and bridleless), not for any reason in particular, just because I feel like it opens up doors if he ever needs to go without a bit for a while! I guess he's been ridden in my weird flower hackamore, but the side pull definitely feels like more his style.
