Friday, September 11, 2009

Awesome Ozzie

It has been a long time since I have ridden Ozzie, my 4 year old gelding. Probably a few months. Mr. Cowboy has ridden him but not me. I have been having speed issues with him. He likes to grab the bit and trot at speeds of 24 mph. Okay, maybe not that fast but it sure feels like it. Well, yesterday I went to our first barrel lesson. And you know what? Ozzie was AWESOME! He had not been ridden in about a month. I lunged him the day before the lesson and then when we got to the lesson, I saddled him up and CiCi took him out to the round pen. She watched him go both directions and then got on him in the round pen. She just wanted to get a feel of him. She then rode Ozzie out in her arena where he was a super star.

CiCi then had me get on Ozzie. I knew that was the entire reason why I went there but I was nervous. For some strange reason Ozzie freaks me out. But I got on and Holy Awesome Horse Batman!! We started in a small circle and Ozzie was fantastic. Then we got to ride around in her arena where he stayed steady and for the first time since he has been broken out felt like a normal horse.

I had loose reins and he stayed on a perfect circle. It was like he all of a sudden let all the training click. Or for the first time in 2 years I finally wasn't super nervous while riding him. My heart rate was normal and I wasn't trying to half halt him every other step.

It was the best two hour ride ever. Ozzie just did one time trotting circles around the barrels with CiCi. She thinks he is going to be a great horse. She really likes the way he moves and how light he is. I just really enjoyed riding him. It felt so wonderful. Finally!! I have always known he was a sweet boy, I just had to relax and let him be. I can't wait to do it all over again, if this rain will ever stop.

11 comments:

Danielle Michelle said...

Yeah for Ozzie!!!! Remember he's just a baby still and has to get it figured out - have fun running barrels - I can't wait to get Rebel going next spring! You look so happy!

Alex said...

yipee. looks like ozzie found his niche! im so glad you are having fun thats what its all about right?!

BrownEyed Cowgirl said...

Now it all kind of makes sense. I think Ozzie was just having a hard time staying gathered up. Asking him to go consistently slow might have been just too difficult mentally and physically for him and obviously his reaction was to get "owly". Being left alone to stretch out a bit and travel at a pace that is more comfortable for him results in him being able to maintain his brain and show off all of the training he really does have.
From all the things you have said about him, he sounds like has the capability to make a very nice barrel horse-long strided, laid back attitude. Have fun seeing where this leads you.;)

TjandMark/AKA PearlandHawkeye said...

Ah, I am crying. I always liked that horse.

KD said...

Woo-hoo - good for you !!!

Laughing Orca Ranch said...

That's great news, Andrea. Sounds like Ozzie has found what he likes best. Now the two of you can just spread your wings and fly!

~Lisa

The Wife said...

Awesome!

The Wades said...

Great, happy picture of you two. So glad you had a good time.

Paula said...

Don't you love it when it all comes together!

Unknown said...

Yay for Ozzie!

And that poor dog really does look very sad.... poor thing. Now you have to supply us with happy dog pics too.

The Pink Geranium or Jan's Place said...

yeah for Ozzie, and for you. I love a good gaming horse.

To bad I am to old for that now.

Now I love a good lazy horse!