Uncovering a Horse's True Character

As equestrians, we strive for perfection in every aspect of horse riding, from flatwork to jumping. But sometimes, our horses can surprise us with their true nature, revealing their character and integrity. I recently had such an experience when my young Thoroughbred, Knight, showed me that even the most well-behaved horses can have a hidden side.

During a spring break riding lesson, we were doing great. My trainer praised our flatwork, saying that everything was adequate and smooth. But as we approached the fence line, things took a turn for the worse. I realized, 'Crap! We're going to buzz past the fence.' Telltale prints revealed the jumping bobble, and I knew I had made a mistake.

As we rounded our turn and did a bright trot over the middle of the arena, I zoned out until just before the vertical. But by then, it was too late. The embarrassing reveal about my honesty litmus test came after our flatwork, when my trainer said that if I wanted perfection, I should consider doing dressage instead.

I do apologize a lot during my riding lessons, and this experience only reinforced my concerns. I fear that I will teach Knight bad habits and he'll become a spoiled jerk in the long run. As a sensitive, mildly self-critical person with a green horse, I worry that if I don't ride like a champion, I'll ruin him.

But despite my fears, everything was going smoothly until we approached the fence line. It was then that I discovered Knight's true character. Unlike many horses, he didn't exhibit shifty eyes or sweat beads on his forehead when faced with an obstacle. Instead, I accidentally found out that he has integrity and will do what I ask of him.

This experience taught me that sometimes, our horses can surprise us with their loyalty and honesty. By learning to trust my young Thoroughbred, I hope to build a stronger bond between us and create a more harmonious riding partnership.

Pony shifty eyes