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Gone home! 

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   We were lucky enough to have a great weekend of weather!  On Saturday we took off on a ride, not sure where we were going.  We ended up riding about 20 miles!  Guess who went?  Yep, Dakota.  And he did great!  Well, at first he was excited, and a little jumpy.  He seemed to relax after a few miles.  We had a couple of hectic moments, but no major problems.  I wouldn't call Dakota a spooky horse, but he does panic at times, although they are getting fewer and far between the more he goes.  We rode mostly on back county roads near the farm, and had a great ride.  The creeks were no problem, he plowed right threw them.  Mud holes, not a big deal.  The passing cars didn't seem to bother him.  We even passed a few 4 wheelers.  Dakota has a lot of heart and energy, the 20 mile ride tired him out, but I think he could have kept riding.  He worked up a good sweat, but by no means exhausted.  It was a great day, we all had a blast!  We were just glad to get home before dark, we got kind of lost! 

 I am glad to say, this trail ride was a lot better than the first few attempts!  Dakota did great!  As expected, the first part of the ride he was slightly jumpy and on the muscle.  He seemed to relax after about 15 minutes.  He rode thru fields, some dry, some mushy & muddy.  Rode on the road, by cars, dogs, mail boxes.  Even over a wooden bridge!  That was fun!  So far he's taking all the new experiences pretty well.  Just have to remind him not to dart off sideways 100 miles an hour when he's nervous!!  He's a smart horse, who seems to enjoy riding, but has a slight impatience problem, he doesn't like to stand still!  But we're working on that!  He's been doing great in the stall, and seems to be warming up to us.  He's friendly with a good look in his eye.  More soon, the weather looks great for this week!!!!! 

 

Dakota is such a sweet horse!  His first few days went great!  He made the transition to "stall" live rather well.  His owner had mentioned he wasn't used to being stalled, so we were expecting him to get upset.  I admit, he did pout for a few hours after his owner left!  But by the time we did chores that night he was in better spirits!  He's actually done really well in the stall. 

    Now when it comes to riding, well, that's a different story!  Let's just say it's been an exciting few days around here!  Dakota is a well mannered, quite, friendly horse, but when you are on his back, that's a whole other story!  Goodness, he's quick!  Quick like a cat!  He's been riding ok in the round pen, but when he's outside it's kind of rough!  But I guess he just needs a little more time!  The first week always seems to be the worst!  Here are a few pictures from a couple different rides in the round pen.  More to come.....  We'll be riding all weekend!