Cruiser Misbehaving

My sister sent me this picture.  I think her boyfriend took it.  I'm not sure what was going on, but it is evident something must have startled Cruiser while he was going up the river bank.  I don't remember it.

Cruiser is easily startled, but not nearly as bad as he was years ago.  I remember being happy after a ride back in the early days where he only had 3 bad spooks.  We had a lot of white-knuckle rides.  These days, I only worry that he will hurt himself (reinjure his bowed tendon) doing something sudden.  I learned long ago that I wouldn't fall off, and I could stop him pretty quick.  I no longer let anyone other than my sister ride him.  I just don't want to spend months and months healing his tendon, again. 

I have had him for over 21 years, and he really is a terrific horse.  He never gets tired and has so much enthusiasm.  He is a happy horse on the trail and a joy to ride--unless he spooks--but I can forgive him for it.