Post by Cavallo on Jun 30, 2012 20:36:55 GMT -5
[Flying Solo] & Kyle Landing - Bonding
Kyle's eyes bobbed up and down, up and down as he watched Solo practically jumping in place, shifting his weight from right to left....Kyle had never seen a horse get this excited over a workout....
Races yes, but a workout?? Kyle raised an eyebrow and shook his head as he approached a recent addition to the Intrepid Racing string. Nick had told Kyle this morning that the new colt would be his ride. Kyle hadn't really thought much about it, but now as he looked at this dancing colt he wondered what Nick had signed him up for.
Solo raised his head as he watched Kyle approach the groomsman had an exasperated look on his face. Kyle took the reins from the groomsman, who relived, quickly un-clipped Solo's lead line and hurried away to deal with a less excitable horse.
Solo's ears went back slightly...Kyle knew that today would be very important for the two of them...He could already tell that this cheeky colt was going to test the waters, to see how much he could get away with. Kyle groaned inwardly...today was going to be a workout alright and not just for the horse.
Easy Solo...easy Kyle stroked the bay's neck and his ears moved sideways, as though now bored. Kyle rolled his eyes and led the colt to the mounting block. Kyle mounted and settled into his seat, already Kyle could feel Solo playing with the bit as though deciding whether or not he should grab it or not.
I am not dealing with this all day today Solo...you hear me. You try anything and we're gonna have it out real quick. The colt's auds swiveled as though he knew exactly what he was saying.
Good glad we understand each other now. Kyle asked the colt for a trot and they were off. As they approached the track, the he bay got more and more anxious...Easy Solo easy!
Kyle suddenly felt a little bit bad. It was their first ride together and he had been acting like more of a grump than the colt had. He was anxious and Kyle's attitude wasn't helping.
He halted the colt at the track and allowed the colt to stand, who was shivering slightly with excitement. Kyle began to rub the colt's neck and whispered soothing words..You're a good boy Solo...we're gonna make a good team you and I...seems we got off on the wrong foot...what do you say we try again...
Gradually the colt became more and more relaxed as he listened to Kyle's soothing voice and the shaking ceased.
Kyle had relaxed too. The whole dynamic now had changed. No longer did he feel Solo trying to push the limits with him, but now it felt as though they had each taken a small step forward together in trusting each other...
What do you say we go for a sprint? Eh boy? Kyle smiled as the colt's ears flashed forward at the word "sprint". He was smart...Kyle felt fondness growing in his heart and asked the bay for a canter.
Solo was more than willing to comply. Kyle began to feel Solo, began to grow accustomed to his rhythm and gate....
It would take time and experience, but today they had taken the first step towards a beautiful partnership.