Ellen's Extraordinary Ride

Ellen's Extraordinary Ride

It was a perfect day to cross the river, and Ellen was determined to do it.  Kevin joined us on Starry.  All three of us were at the river's edge.  Cole and Starry were drinking, and Dante was blowing bubbles in the water--then he would lift his head up, look at Ellen and ask if he got clicked and treated for it.  

Eventually, Ellen lost patience with him and insisted that he cross the river.  He would take a few steps and stop, take a few steps and stop.  Finally, they were across!!!  Hurray!!! Ellen and Dante crossed the river for the first time since mid-January.

From there, the rest of the ride was easy.  She walked and trotted him.  We let her lead and set the pace, which was a little faster than Dante goes in the summer, but not much faster.  His head was up, and he was looking all around, but he couldn't find anything to spook at.

It was a weekday morning, so the park was very quiet.

When we arrived at the second river crossing, we turned to go home.  We mostly walked on the way home, but we did do some trotting.  Dante handled it all like a pro. 

So why did I say it was an extraordinary ride?  Because it was just so ordinary.  Dante was as good as ever.  He didn't do a single thing wrong.  He was perfect.  

It's going to be a great year for trail riding!