7/24/04
Skye Out Roading with the Hunt

It's not easy to get pictures out roading (exercising the hounds),
but Bart took a stab at it last weekend. There are more pictures
at http://www.hickorycreekhunt.com/040724road/ (some duplicates).
Driving over, I thought Skye and I would be all alone. A first, so I was
quite nervous. Then I pulled up and there were three other horses there,
also a first, so I remained nervous. She neighed once to the other horses,
and while she was tied, she turned her head a lot to see all her new friends.
I saddled her and led her around while everyone else mounted up. She
seemed happy, but not too concerned, so up I got.
She rode just fine. Occasionally, when passing another horse, she'd slow up
a bit, but when I asked her to trot on or stop and let someone pass, she responded
nicely. A hot day, and we went out twice, but a great training session.
We'd been out roading before with her pasture mate, but this was her first time out without a trailer buddy and with strange horses.
 

OK, so I was a little tense. Still, she stood like a grown up horse waiting for the second group of hounds to go out.
She's a more comfortable ride than Bob or Herbie. Herbie doesn't take up as much leg, and Bob is a big mover. She has a smooth trot, and actually a nice little jog if we need to keep up with long legged horses walking out.
 
The second time out we led a bit and stayed closer to the front. She didn't seem to mind being placed anywhere in the group. If I cued her to, she would happily trot off while the others lagged back.
Following Aver on his new mount. Luckily she was good about being rated, and didn't see the need to rush up on the horse in front of her.
 
The weeds didn't bother her too much. She also didn't stop and try to eat like some of my other guys. I hope to keep it that way...
When we got near the public road, Aver and I moved in front of the hounds to help turn them into the field. Safety of the hounds is so important.
 
Standing at a check while they praised the hounds. Skye's working nicely in a snaffle. She stops more off of seat than reins, anyway.
Heading back in. She doesn't get upset about staying back or having horses leave her. She seems quite happy to have her rider give her support and tell her what to do.
 
A little humorous to see a couple of buckskins out with the hunt. Actually, I think the horse in front is a buckskin and Skye is a dun. Except for the stripe, they were almost the same color.