Late afternoon bareback session

Interesting and productive second session today.  Maria came with me around 5:30 and we tried Maddie's first bareback ride.  I just put a bit in Maddie's mouth and took her into a grass arena next to her mud lot.  Maria hopped on and I led her around for about 10 minutes.  It took this long to get Maddie comfortable--she started out very nervous about the whole thing.  This was surprising to me, since most horses in my experience seem calmer without a saddle.  But the feel on her back was new and it really took some time for Maddie to get comfortable.

After a while Maria asked me to let go of the rein and I reluctantly let her take over.  After another 10 minutes Maddie started stretching and Maria began feeling more comfortable.  Maria trotted her on both reins and asked me to go hop on Jordan.

I got on Jordan bareback, too, and together we rode over to the cross country course.  Jordan & I led the way, crossing the street and doing a good job of this.  In the cross country course, Maria took the Irish steps a couple of times.  Wow!  Once Maria feels confident, she is just amazing on a horse.  But Maria agreed that Maddie felt very nervous and explosive at the start of this session.  I'm really pleased that she learned this lesson today.  On the way home Maddie really showed a calm walk and even stood still when Chuck drove down the driveway and passed within 2 feet of her.  Amazing.