My sister and I took Tuesday off to ride, and what a pretty day it was.  The temps were warm and it was sunny.  First, we took Cruise and Ranger out on a 1.5 hour ride with a lot of walking so we could talk and just enjoy the day. 

   When I got back, I took Cole out on the same ride, but as always, when I take Cole out, it is a training ride.  He actually was a little balky at the beginning of the ride, and I had to tap him with the whip to explain that stopping wasn’t an option.  He reluctantly started to walk down the trail, but his enthusiasm level was rather low.  I then asked him to trot, and he perked right up.  I no longer had any problems after that.

   We did a lot of trotting, and I did get a few successful canters, but we missed even more requests.  You would think he’d love to canter on the trail.  We crossed the second river crossing, went up the little hill and I asked for more trotting.  He was happy to trot, so I thought I’d try a canter and I got a great one!  Rather than stopping after a dozen strides, he kept going, and I was having fun.  Still, I was watching the trail.  We went around the corner and all was going well until I glanced up and saw my boyfriend on his horse Starry!  I didn’t know if Cole would stop—or if his happy cantering was due to knowing Starry was up ahead.  I am glad to say that he came down to a trot on request, and when we got closer, he came to a walk on request.  

   We continued our ride with Starry.  He behaved beautifully.  I haven’t trotted with Starry since back in July, and my boyfriend, remembering how that went, wasn’t sure if it would work out.  Besides, Starry is so bad when we trot him with Cruiser.  I told him we would try it since Cole was so much better now.  I was right, and they were both fine.  Cruiser and Starry are best friends, and they will try to play and challenge each other.  Cole has better manners than that! 

   We walked home and met my sister on foot.  As usual, she walked with us. 

   It was a great day off.