Winter Riding

Few other things are as relaxing and refreshing, for me than riding.  Summer or winter, in the rain, sun, or snow, on a horse that is being well mannered or one that needs training, it doesn't matter.
  From the adrenaline of the gallop, to the peacefulness of the walk.  Riding feels as natural for me as walking, breathing, or talking.

After finishing my school for the day, I headed out to the pasture, and after doing about a minute of ground work, bridled, and hoped onto Shiloh's back.  Using a saddle is great for long rides, when first training a horse, or for cow work, but nothing can compare to riding bareback on a cold day.  Doing so, keeps most of your body nice and warm!  It was cold and bleak out, with snow covering the ground, and coming home through the hay fields, the snow collapsed under his powerful, energetic stride.  By the time we got back home, my face and the fingers on my left hand, were half frozen, but it was well worth the short 20 minutes. 

 A year ago, I would never have even considered riding Shiloh bareback in the slick snow, due to being an untrained, unconfident, and nervous horse.  No way, would I have been able to put a dog on his back.  It makes me excited and gives me a feeling of satisfaction to see how far he has come, and I am anxious to see the results of spending another summer training, and putting miles on him.  

 I taught him a lot last summer, but he taught me more about persistence and patience then any other living thing on this earth.:)  You would not believe the many battles, of wills and herd leadership, that occurred between us.  It is so nice to be able to ride him, and enjoy the ride, not just spend the entire time in a battle. 

Dixie, begrudgingly, joined me atop Shiloh for this picture.  She looks pretty relaxed in the picture but she sure wasn't initially! 

Do you enjoy bareback riding? Do you ride during the winter... or even at all?

~Maria