Still smiling

Slider continues to be dreamy. I know I have two show writeups to do now, but let's just look at cute jumping pictures instead! 

day before the show

Every ride feels like a breakthrough at this point, I think that is part of the reason I love young horses. It is easy to get addicted to that feeling of progress. He is calm and willing and a quick learner.  He isn't necessarily an easy ride, but he is a very fun ride. 

showing like no big deal

He is reminding me why I love ottbs. That eagerness to please, willingness to try, and pure athleticism these are the things that make an amazing partner.  He might be green, it might take him a moment to understand the job, but when it clicks for him there is no holding him back. If I make an effort to prepare him and then stay out of his way he gives me complete honesty. 

straight and true

I can actually trust him to go over the jumps. That whole leg on hands forward actually works with him. If I jump a little ahead or he jumps a little awkward and I bumb his mouth we just move on. He still doesn't hold a grudge. 

storm clouds also don't bother him

With every stride around the arena he reassures me, he says I am not Prisoner, I am not Gunner, I am not Rio, I am Slider, I am a partner, I am a teammate. 

can't stop looking at this

He is a horse that accepts my effort and matches it with his own.