Warming up before heading out to the course.

 

There's something about his trot that is really comfortable. His legs move, but there's very little bounce to his back.

Looking at the camera man.

Asking for a step over.

Once Adiron jumped it from the trot, Thistle had to give it a try.

Of course he one upped us and cantered away.

Powering up the bank.

Quite some muscle on this horse. People would stop and stare and say what a big horse. He's around 15.3, but nice and wide.

And bravely jumping down the bank and cantering away.

Trotting over the log.

And jumping and cantering away.

Up the hill on his own. He's not completely brave, but he trusts his rider and will become braver with that trust.

Jumping in the woods.

A little hesitant over the telephone poles the first time. There was a refusal here, but it seemed more a test of if that were an option, rather than being afraid of the jump.

Much more forward the second time over and cantering far away from the group with no problem.

Always happy to lead the way. Sometimes we'd put quite a gap and Thistle would keep marching on, not worried where Adiron was.

Just a little urging. The water had a lot of glare and ripples. Once he figured out it was water, though, he went right in.

Thistle was a little curious about visiting the horses who were across the water.

But, no visiting, and he and Adiron crossed back over to head back to the trailers.

Thistle did do a little dancing and throw a baby tantrum towards the end. Chrissie stopped to talk to someone and Thistle wanted badly to go over and talk to the horse. She didn't let him, so he got a bit 'light in the front end'. It was also a bit funny when he'd lift up, then strike his front feet on the ground real hard in frustration. To my mind, I prefer that to tossing the rider and going and doing what he wanted. Chrissie calmed him down, and when they walked past the horse to leave, Thistle was under control and obedient again.