Ranger Update

Ranger Update

Ellen is riding!  She is even trotting!  The first day was a little scary.  She saddled him, and he acted well behaved, but when she brought out the bridle, he got really, really excited.  Once she mounted, Ranger was all bouncy and prancy.  Ellen rode him about 5 minutes.  I told her to remember this when she claims Dante is acting hyper.  Dante’s hyper is a quiet day for Ranger.

After that ride, he did much better.  The first day she asked him to trot, but was super enthusiastic about it, but he has mellowed out about it, since.  We take him for half hour walks, and she has been riding about half of his walks.  Early on, he was insecure and wanted me close to him.  (He has vision issues.)  Now, he doesn’t seem to care where I am.  When she is out at the barn without me, she feels she will be able to ride him alone.

Ellen trots just short stretches--asking him to go a little longer with each ride.  She will click him when he is moving the way she wants him to.  Of course, he stops to get his treat, but it just gives her a chance to do it, again.

They both seem to be having fun, so if all goes well, Ellen plans to continue at least until it gets really cold.  It is much warmer to lead than to ride a horse that is mostly walking.

Ranger’s status has changed from retired to semi-retired!