Free Spirit

I took Ben over to Barnabee today and we had a very nice ride. We felt very connected and he was responding well to all that I asked of him. He didn't have any "freak out" moments, so I was super happy about that. After working on lots of transitions, leg yielding, turns on the haunches, and serpentines, I decided he had done enough and then I rewarded him by giving him a break.

I took off his saddle and bridle and let him run around the arena on his own. It was so beautiful to watch him run free. At first it was like he didn't even know what to do with himself and just followed me around everywhere. Then I just encouraged him a little with the whip and he took off and started to trot and canter around the arena. He looked like he was having lots of fun and was really happy. After playing around for a little while he laid down and rolled. He loved it!! Since he's been wearing a blanket since November he really hasn't had the chance to scratch himself well by rolling. So today when he rolled he made sure he got both sides really well. Luckily there was a spare brush by the arena so I was able to clean him up before returning back home. It was great to be able to let Ben run free today and I wish I had an arena of my own so we could do it more often. Someday though!!