My Paint Horse and Me

I finally realized that I do not have to ride every day, or every week for that matter.  I can spend quality time with Reo just lungeing and learning.  He is fuzzy now, like a velvet rug, and smells like a winter horse.  He likes me, I think.  He likes the snacks I give him, that’s for sure.  He knows more than he lets on, as when I think I’m going to teach him something new, he already knows how to do it.  He’s just rusty and needs to be reminded that he can do whatever I ask of him.  I like working with him; I enjoy riding him in the arena and have begun to work him harder; he makes me nervous when I ride away from the barn as he seems so unsure of his ability to cope with his surroundings.  I don’t know if that is a game or if he really has this innate fear.  I am working on discovering more about him.  I do know that when he decides I have taught him enough, he begins to object.  I do not want to push him too hard, but I do not want to let him think I am a pushover.  (I am, kind of.)  Since I am a senior rider (over 70), and not as brave as I would like to be, I am sure he detects that in me.   I have learned that I can get his attention by working him at a nice long trot.  My goal for him is to be a successful western dressage horse.  Not spectacular, just pleasant and competent.  I am running out of time (years), so it is kind of disappointing that my future is limited with him, but I will make the best of the time we have left and see where we end up.