My name is Kelsey, and I am an aspiring Region 6 Young Rider. My horse is a 12 year old OTTB (Off the Track Thoroughbred) named Montague. Monty and I first came together when I was 12 years old and he was 4, and we have been partners ever since.
Reformed Ways
First of all, it is freezing outside and I risked life and limb to ride tonight. I had so many layers on that I felt like the Michelin man and I could hardly move, let alone actually ride! Monty felt the same way too - he was literally asleep in the cross ties and definitely wasn’t going anywhere quickly.
Tonight’s ride started out with a little, shall we say, turmoil? A newly purchased horse was in the arena for his first time with a new rider and was quite scared. This resulted in a small little bolt and some spooky theatrics, complete with Gilbert (the barn’s fluffy orange cat) traipsing down the hill by the arena (in the dark) in an attempt to scare the living hell out of any horses going by. Now, Monty would like to say that since he is a completely reformed citizen, none of this bothers him anymore. It’s a proud little fact that I like to parade now that I don’t have to peel myself off the arena walls, or in one case, the arena gate, whenever Monty decided to “express” himself.
Even with everything going on tonight and the fact that the temperatures were in the 20s, Monty was fantastic. I focused mostly on the tempis and we were able to get straight and clean 4s multiple times!! The trot was super tonight, very supple, swingy, and springy!
I’ll have to try and get some new video or pictures of him soon - he has really just been fantastic lately! I think he is definitely happy to be back on Dynamite. I have to say, I think their products make all the difference. :)
Have a good night everyone, now I’m off to finish some homework!
