We went on the Myakka River Riders Annual New Years Chili Ride on January 2nd and it was quite an event. 26 Riders!
We had a rocky start. It was a cold morning and Cody was very excited about the event. I saddled him, then helped Peg mount up, and when I dropped Cody's halter off and put it around his neck so I could bridle him, he just backed right out of it! I called Whoa but he was like Woo Hoo I'm free. I got a handful of mane and tried to keep up with him, but his walk, turned into a running walk and off he went. I let go just short of smacking into a trailer door.
I asked everyone not to chase him just let him come around. He made a spin around the parking lot, flagging and gaiting.. I think he was quite impressed with himself. And then somone had a bucket and his stomach over-ruled. I was able to slip his bridle on as he munched a treat.
I didn't fuss at him over it. After all, he only went for a short walk about. :P
So, I mounted up and we started down the trail. With the cold and so many horses, I rather expected Cody to be a knuckle head but I was very pleasantly surprised.
After the first few miles, I could tell he was really listening and responding to the slightest cues. He was gaiting very nicely and traveling straight. Not rushing or crowding the horse ahead. And waited very patiently when I asked him to. We had several stops as we'd come across obstacles the bottlenecked the ride and he was patient and well behaved.
We came across some new things too. One, the rain had caused alot of water and mud and he managed it very well even though he isn't too fond of crossing water. Also, there was one dip in the trail where there were banks on either side of the trail, moss covered. He stopped and snorted, then tentatively touched his nose to each side making sure it was just dirt before he traveled through like a real trooper. At the bottom of the dip was a little stream and he trudged through it well.
He really made me proud on the trail. There was one little head wind... which is usually the preclude to a prong or hop, but after the head wind he just kept gaiting. What a good boy!
On the final stretch, the gap between groups had widened and I rode Cody ahead of the second group. He did very well out there by himself.
After the ride, Cody and Trav enjoyed some hay at the trailer, and we enjoyed some Chili with our friends.
It was a beautiful day!
Since it is almost his 3rd Birthday, here is a little tribute to Cody!
New Born January, 2007
Six Months Old
Cody at One Year Old with Bo
Cody at Two Years Old
Cody at Three Years Old
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