Things started off on a decent note when Finn loaded into an unfamiliar trailer without too much hesitation. It was definitely not the rock-solid load I have come to expect when Sy comes to get us, but Finn was willing. Upon our arrival at Washoe Lake, Finn surprised me by being significantly more unsettled than usual, but some patient and quiet groundwork got him calmed down in no time. Since we had time, we also practiced loading and unloading from the horse trailer a few more times.
There was a storm threatening soon after our arrival, so the group opted to cook dinner while we let the storm system evolve and ride afterwards, assuming it cleared up. Fortunately for us, it DID clear up and we were presented with a glorious evening for a ride.
From the moment I got Finn out of his pen, I worked very hard to maintain a “we” focus for him to connect with, and it really seemed to help. I wanted to ride quite a bit to get him grounded before we headed out, which fortunately meshed perfectly with the plans of the rest of the group. The beginning of our ride was intense, but more mentally than physically. I tried to have a plan for every moment… “Walk to there, circle this sagebrush, circle that sagebrush, walk to that tree, back up, etc…” There were many opportunities for me to practice maintaining my intent while Finn got distracted by the other horses. We rode around where the other riders were warming up with lots of small circles, short serpentines, HQ/FQ turns, transitions to back-up, etc. and by the time everyone else was ready to head out I felt ready, too.
My greatest stroke of genius for the whole weekend was what I did next. As the group started moving in the direction of the trail to the beach, I cut through the sagebrush and hit the trail about 50 feet ahead. Not only did this prevent Finn from getting too strongly pulled into the herd, it also put us in a perfect position for Finn to acclimate to the large group. At first, even though he was walking ahead willingly, I could feel his focus pulled backwards at the mass of horses following us, but he was soon matching my intent and focusing ahead. I wanted to establish from the outset that we were our own herd of two… perhaps within the larger herd, but still able to have our own agenda and independence from the group. I feel like this strategy of going out ahead really helped accomplish that.
In short-order, two other riders broke away from the group and passed us, which presented another challenge for Finn, but a manageable one. The HQ/FQ turn served us very well in this moment, as Finn suddenly had much more forward energy than I’d been asking for. Passive persistence won out in the end though, and we both improved our turns and got together and grounded again.
When we made it to the beach, the group scattered a bit as everyone enacted their own plans while also being respectful and supportive of everyone else’s challenges. This was perfect for Finn, as we simply practiced being together around and through all this “commotion.” More HQ/FQ, more short serpentines, and then more open serpentines. I worked up to trotting shallow serpentines up and down the beach, waiting for him to get connected enough to respond without having to pick up my reins. We trotted for a good while. Finn stayed calm throughout and maintained a lovely little jog, but his connection and attentiveness weren’t at their peak. I think the length of time we trotted was really valuable, though, as he started blowing and stretching more consistently the longer we continued.
After this extended time playing around everyone on the beach, four of us broke off to linger a while on the beach while the rest of the group headed for home. At this point, feeling like Finn and I had established a rather solid connection, I rode more in the midst of the small group and Finn was excellent. We stopped for a few photo ops, and Finn and I even took a few photos for others. He felt really grounded by then; there was no doubt in my mind that he’d be fine to take the photos.
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| One of the photos I took. Sunset on the beach. |
From there on out, the ride was easy. We ambled back to the campground with the smaller group and Finn didn’t put a foot wrong. I never lost the feeling that he was available if I needed something.
In conclusion, I declare this ride a HUGE victory! I was really unsure what to expect from Finn riding out with so many horses. Considering how much effort and constant attention it took to get and keep him grounded for the first half of the ride, I don’t think that uncertainty was unfounded. But the great victory here was my strategy worked! It’s not that Finn didn’t have concerns; he did! And the tools I chose and the attitude I carried HELPED him! And thus, he let go of his worries. That, my friends, is a big deal for Finn and I… a VERY big deal.
I am so proud of Finn, but I would be remiss to not acknowledge that I am also proud of myself. It’s just so uncomfortable to say that! Uncomfortable or not, though, I acknowledge that I met my goals, made a plan, listened to the horse that showed up and chose strategies that helped him. I am really pleased I was able to offer Finn what he needed to exceed my wildest expectations.
Stay tuned for Part 2, in which the successes continue!
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