Niles has been off work for a few months now. Right before Christmas he cut himself between his front legs right by the girth. It's finally healed to the point that the girth doesn't bother it.

 

Some trot warm up. He wasn't sure if he needed to be forward.

Crossing some creeks. He sometimes needed a lead, but usually listened to Chrissie.

He really seemed happy to be out and seeing things.

He does very well in company.

Trotting along with the group.

A little jump over the ditch.

He was very brave with the cows, and walked among them with no fear.

He went back and gave support to the horse that was worried about the cows.

He was willing to follow Mo over the jump, but wasn't very graceful.

The second time he was relaxed and took it more like a canter stride.

We traded out, and I rode Niles on the course for a while.

He's got a lot to learn, but he's solid and safe, even in new situations.

Jumping up the bank.

He was willing over the jumps, and got a little more forward.

This one I was left behind a little. I cued him for a canter at the take off, and we landed galloping on. Not what I asked for, so I had to stop him quickly, but I bet we could have covered some ground.

Chrissie back aboard. He went well for both of us.

Over the ditch.

He didn't care if the cows were laying down or standing up.

Walking in with Mo.

He got a little sweaty. It was a warm day and he's got a lot of hair.