Screw you, safety.

Lately I've been a bit reckless when riding Mate.
The other day, I got myself thinking about what I wanted out of this pony. One of my conclusions was seriously getting into free-riding. So I thought "there's no time like the present, hey?"

 

 

A few posts ago, I mentioned that bareback wasn't allowed at all - who ever was game enough to try was bucked off within seconds... So, with this in mind, I made very "reckless" decisions and tried.
Our first saddleless experience was conducted with three very heavy saddle pads held in place with a surcingle. And he was completely fine with it too! We went on a mini trail ride and were even on gate duty. I was very impressed.

This is when I start to get a bit cocky - on that particular day, the herd was spending the week in a very far away paddock. So I decided to jump on Mate with only one saddle pad this time.
Reckless... but it paid off! He wasn't even fazed. We plodded down the drive, back to the paddock, all happy and sound.

The next time I saw him, I decided to go full bareback.
Not even kidding, ALL my friends gathered, pointing cameras at me... thanks guys.
It took me about twenty minutes for me to mount (trying to find the balls to actually get on)
Mate's reaction?
To my complete surprise.....nothing....
Not even an ear twitch.

 

phone quality /10

 

Whaaaaaaa?
Last time I checked, bareback was illegal!
When I tried last time, down in the valley, I took about ten seconds for Mate to throw me off - I tried my best to hang on but he went full bronco... and won. Little turd.
But this really just shows how much he's changed since being up at agistment and in my care.

So, from there, I started to ask him to slow with my seat and move off my leg ect ect.
Apparently, Mate's super good at all this. Who would've thought?

I tried with the neck rope - while still having the bridle on in case he decided to ignore me and run - but he was brilliant!
Our first free-riding experience was just a stroll down the drive back to the paddock. Brilliant, again!

We've had a couple "play" rides in the arena using only a neck rope since - both ending in succession!
Now, I hope you enjoy an assortment of photos.

 

 

 

 

 

I'm still feeling such wonderful things about this horse - it's such a feeling to mount a horse and have it feel like home. I don't think I've EVER felt this safe on any horse!

A lot of exciting things will be happening within the next few weeks, so stay tuned!