I've officially had Mate for five whole months now! And what a better time to do a bit of a re-cap of our journey so far.
Mate's first day:
Mate two weeks ago:
Is it just me? Or does he look the same? Just less wooly - but! Thankfully, his attitude towards humans, work and life have changed the most.
He's still arrogant and thinks it's okay to ignore what I'm asking and just do his own thing sometimes - but his personality is totally different. It was voiced to me right from the get go, that the one month trail would either go exceptionally well.. Or exceptionally bad. Within that month, he really bubbled. From a valley mule that had a reputation for doing everything wrong, turned a gorgeous little pony with much more love to give.
I think it's fair to say we've experienced many ups and downs already - being off-and-on lame for months, saddle fitting issues ($$$), the surgery scare and just all the usual struggles that come along with owning a horse. But, as they say, it's a journey.
Another thing that's just changed dramatically, is his training. This, I'm happy to take full credit for. And I am so extremely proud of what we have both accomplished during our time together.
From this:
To this:
I still get some very "odd" looks from people when I tell them Mate will one day be a dressage horse - but ha! Now I'm laughing.
Of course, none of anything came easy. I "gave up" jumping a while ago and have been focusing a lot of our time on schooling and getting some proper training into this mule of a thing. And I can proudly say: it's paid off!
FAVE
Aside from the fact that he's horrifically under the bit, I love these photos and how he's carrying himself. (read: this was more teaching the aid of putting his head down when I asked - it was held there for a stride or two) But, like everything else about him, it'll only get better from here!
Another adventure that I'll never forget, was our trip to the beach for my birthday earlier this year!
Full post can be viewed here.
I'm just having so much fun - it's unbelievable. Never in my wildest dreams would I had ever thought he'd be as perfect as he's been.
Like every other cheesy horse story, prior to getting Mate he wasn't very nice. In his last five months of still being classed as "a valley screw up" he was ridden about three times - once by me. It got to a point the staff members were concerned for their own safety and refused to ride him.
I mean... wouldn't you?
It's been the best time of my life so far and I can't wait for many more months to come!
Love my little man
