Of Ribbons and Smiles

I picked up Ben's High Point ribbon today! Of course I felt as though he needed the opportunity to wear it - as should all champions :)

Ben also had another big day today. It isn't often that others ride him- to be honest almost everyone is afraid to. It isn't that he is unsafe, it is that he's a bouncy guy, and much bigger mover than the horses they are used to. But today, that changed. A friend/fellow boarder is going to ride Ben a bit while she tries to figure out her challenging/dangerous mare. We thought that perhaps a change of pace would be a good thing for her, and who better to help out than Ben!

She did really well with him, and he was a superstar. I'm pretty sure this grin says it all:

Standardbreds are just horrible to ride, aren't they?!

The idea is that she'll ride him on her own but also take a few lessons on him as well. I can't think of a better job for my guy - lending a helping hoof. That way, if/when her mare is ready, she'll be strong and able to survive :)

So, that means my posts here may dwindle a bit as I won't be riding Ben so much - only a ride here and there. Of course things change and maybe it won't work out for one reason or another which means I'll be back in the saddle and posting about our adventures!