He redeemed himself!! Chrome was such a good boy today. We went out on the road (hubby walked with the dog, but left Rocky at home because he was recovering from a migraine and didn't want to deal with the horse) for 22 minutes and 1.27 miles. I went the opposite direction from last time because I didn't want to deal with the neighbor horses being obnoxious again (they were in the far pasture and didn't see us today). Going this way there was only five other horses, but they were right where I turned around so I didn't have to walk along their fence lines (they are on opposite sides of the road from each other). They are older and calmer (and not barrel horses), so they probably would have been fine, but again I didn't want Jackal on the pavement for more than a mile.
I'm not used to how he looks in his bonnet anymore!
It sure helped with the gnats and mosquitoes though.
About 90% of the ride was on the buckle with his very forward, calm walk. He was so happy to be out. The only spooky spot we had was at one neighbor's house that has a pack of dogs he lets run loose (one reason we don't like going that way). Three of the really big, furry dogs came charging up the driveway, barking and growling. Chrome's head shot up, he swung his butt away turning to face them and then started backing up toward the ditch. I was shocked they scared him that bad, but I have to admit they are intimidating (hubby carries a walking stick and rocks because that's what it takes to keep them away... we've had to deal with them before). Luckily the dogs stopped before Chrome went in the ditch or decided he wanted to bolt. As soon as they stopped, he stopped.
Hubby told me to keep going while he guarded my back, throwing rocks at the dogs to keep them away. Chrome was very leery, but he kept going. Once he realized they weren't going to follow, he relaxed and turned his attention back to the horses up ahead.
Chrome and Jackal looking in the same direction hehe.
When we got to the turn around spot we stood still for a few minutes, just watching the horses. When we turned around I asked Chrome to trot. He launched into the trot and we pounded down the road. We only went until we caught up to hubby and Jackal, who turned around early, because I don't like to ride at speed on pavement. We only did one other trot, where we went ahead and came back to hubby, because I wanted him to go ahead of us for the evil dog pack. We made it by them easily, Chrome didn't even pay any attention to them that time even though they were still stalking and barking.
Leading him back to the pasture. He looks half asleep lol.
He went straight to the water. It's so fresh it still has bubbles from when I filled it before the ride.
Rocky was jealous that he didn't get to go so I fed him handfuls of grass.
You can see a piece sticking out of his lips lol.
I didn't really want to ride, but I'm glad I forced myself to go, because it was a lot of fun and nothing like the last ride. :D The other good news is I haven't had any nerve pain at all in my neck or shoulder since seeing the physical therapist!! So happy! Even the muscles aren't sore anymore. Yay!
I'm glad to hear you had such a great ride with Chrome. I don't blame him for spooking at those dogs, I probably would too!
ReplyDeleteMe too!! I don't blame him at all. I'm just so glad he's a good horse and didn't bolt. That's why he really redeemed himself. :D
DeleteWow! You have a good PT. That's ridiculous that you have to fight off neighborhood dogs. The few times that my dogs were loose when horseback riders passed through my yards, I did everything I could to catch them and drag them back into the house so no one got hurt. I'm always amazed by dog owners who just let their dogs charge horseback riders. I'm glad it turned out to be a good ride.
ReplyDeleteMy PT was awesome! She was the first person I thought who truly listened to me and understood what I was saying and feeling. I'm glad I went. Every day is better and better. So far no nerve pain. The muscles are still sore, but that takes a while, especially since I'm still using them.
DeleteIt is ridiculous how people are with dogs around here, but I'm used to it. I was expecting trouble from them, I just wasn't expecting Chrome's reaction to them. We've ridden by them before, but that might have been the first time Jackal was with us. They are more aggressive with other dogs than with just horses. The sad thing is that one of them is a known biter, but is still allowed to run loose....
So glad PT is helping you! App will actively chase/stomp dogs if they start advancing towards us, which is helpful. Glad Chrome was better this time around and wasn't such a butthead.
ReplyDeleteChrome is normally a dog chaser too, that's why his reaction was a surprise to me. It may be because there were so many. Normally he's just chasing and trying to kill a single dog lol.
DeleteWow those dogs sound awful to deal with, good boy Chrome!
ReplyDeleteGlad PT is paying off, when you get a good one you need to stick with them. Hope you're next ride is just as good, minus roaming dogs!
I'm definitely sticking with this PT. I'm lucky they are really close too. I don't have to drive all the way to the city. :D
DeleteGood boy with the dogs, Chrome!! My Appaloosa does the same thing as appydoesdressage's horse... he chases the dogs when they come after him. One time a dog came running at us when we were riding and Ollie turned around, lowered his head, pinned his ears, and started jogging towards the dog. Needless to say, that dog has not barked at us since.
ReplyDeleteI wish Chrome would have done that. It's weird because out in his pasture he would have tried to kill them, but I guess when he's not on his turf he's easier to intimidate. He will get better as we get out on the road more this summer. He's just been cooped up in his pasture too much this winter.
Delete