Well finally I have been getting some steady riding in with my new gelding. The ring isn't dry enough to ride in yet so most of our sessions have been out on the roads and trails, but still, a lot is being accomplished.
I am very pleased with the way he is coming along. He is so sensiable and easy going even though he is just coming up four. We do most of our road work at a walk or slow pace and he is constantly looking around at eveything and taking it all in, but rarely spooking or acting silly. He is just such a sweetheart!
A couple of firsts came last week. I found myself talking to another boarder in the yard the other day, and then turned to face the paddock to find that Monty had heard my voice and was standing at the gate with his ears up, waiting for me! This has happened a couple to times now so I don't think it was just a fluke. We'll see what happenes once the pasture dries up enough for the herd to be out on the grass and just how interested he is in coming to me then!
Also, I went for a ride with a friend last week and she asked if I wanted to try galloping Monty up the hill. I mentioned that I had yet to have him in a gallop under saddle, but we could try and see what happened. Well! Her mare took off like a shot and Monty was right behind her! He broke back down to a pace for a few strides, but when he realized that he hadn't been repromanded (sp?) or checked, he picked up the gallop again and just powered up that hill. It was thrilling and scary at the same time--he is very fast!
So, we had our first gallop, and though it was a far cry from balanced and controlled, it was fun for both of us and I think a positive sign of good things to come.