Today I headed off on another hack on Bella seeing as it was such a sunny day again, it’s truly beginning to feel like summer which I’m so looking forward to. I found that she was pretty hard to catch again as she genuinely seemed scared when I put the headcollar over her head as she was trembling in her neck. I managed to catch her using the leadrope tied around her head and neck but I am concerned as to why she doesn’t want to be caught, plus the fact she is also reluctant to have the bridle put on as well. It might be something to do with her tack but none of it seemed ill-fitting, so maybe it is a behavioural problem. However this will be pretty hard to solve seeing as I only see her once a week.

When riding she seemed a lot calmer and a lot less spooky today which was great. She also did not rush as much and I made use of my seat the whole way around which was good for my muscles, although I bet I’ll be saddle sore tomorrow!

We went around the local XC course which was really nice as I hadn’t been up there in years. There are a few gates to work through as well but they’re quite advanced with long handles which you can use from when on top of the horse. Bella was pretty good with these too and she seemed very eager to get through. I didn’t try cantering today as the ground was already pretty hard from all the sun recently, but seeing as she was so strong last time I didn’t really want to risk it until we get to know each other better. We went down the same hill as we did last week and this time she didn’t work herself into nearly as much of a stress! In order to counter her wanting to go to the right, this time instead of using my leg to move her over, I blocked the right rein and opened up the left, this was much more effective in lacing her toward the middle of the hill. She did again try to rush, however I half-halted and used my seat which did manage to slow her down, killing my thighs in the process.

We got to the same field which we cantered in last week, and Bella clearly remembered us cantering around in there last time as she was bouncing on the toes rearing to go. Instead we kept to a steady trot which we had been achieving all throughout the hack which was great as I felt I had more control.

Overall this week was a much better improvement from last week and I am looking forward to getting to know her better, next week we are doing something a little different as I’m riding her in the school as well as teaching my boyfriend how to ride on my friend’s horse Jack; 22 year-old piebald cob who is just like a grumpy old man but is good as gold really, so it should be a fun ride.