>>>> Sooooo Virginia: go and take Gat and Orri on some nice, interesting trail rides; expose them to some adventures such as COWs, wild life, road monsters, fresh air and all that nature has to offer. Ride up and down hills, cross streams and enjoy the great outdoors. I promise that you will have a bran-new Orri in no time at all.
You know, Anneliese, I really do like to trail ride. But do you also realize that I'd be bored stiff if I ONLY trail rode? I'm lucky enough to have a few trails on our property - nothing like you have, but more than most people have access to. When I ride daily, when the weather permits, I can visibly see that my horses can get bored from the same-old trail rides, just as much as they can get bored from too much work in the ring. It reminds me of the kids who are so excited the first day of summer vacation, but are really ready for school to start back, at least on some level, in the fall. Not every one has miles of trails from their back door, yet many of these people manage have good relationships with their horses. Not everyone even has a trailer - we had horses for a couple of years before we got ours. When I'm on or with my horses, theoretically at least, I don't think it should matter WHERE I'm riding, or even if I'm riding or doing ground "play" or taking them for a walk, whatever. I just want to be on a horse, with a horse, whatever. I want it to be more about my horse and me, although I admit that I do get distracted with details and forget my focus sometimes. I think we should be able to mix things up enough for them and us to stay interested, no matter where we ride. Granted, having miles of really good trails is a wonderful, wonderful diversion, but it's not a luxury that most people have, at least not when they are starting out, like Virginia is. Karen Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED]
