Bareback is good for the soul

Before I fed the horses on Friday night, I decided to ride but I wanted to do something fun. Too much ringwork and naughty horses under saddle. I wanted to just enjoy Charlie. So on went his bareback pad and off we went to one of the big empty paddocks (since the horses are on night turnout it was wide open). I've been wanting to ride out there forever; figured I might as well take the chance now before we move away! So off we went.

Go time?

All this space...

Gone were any of Charlie's pissy grunting leg-biting antics that have frequented our ring rides lately (more on that later, I'm trying to figure out what exactly is going on). He was happy and responsive, only calling out once to a friend who was hand-grazing nearby. Charlie was so awesome, in fact, that I braved a trot all around one side, and then a canter. And then a grab-mane-and-go fast canter! I was riding the wind. Me and my TB...in a huge field...bareback. Goal achieved. What a perfect way to end the day.  :)

Sometimes all you need is this