Mares

I got to ride Berraco yesterday for the first time after almost 2 years of being laid off. He did amazing, like I had never stopped riding him. I swear he was on his best behavior because Anna was riding Amada all by her self for the very first time. For those of you who don't know about Berraco, he is my 10 year old breeding stallion and Amada is his daughter.
My heart was in my throat with my baby on such a green mare. Amada is 4 years old. But true to form, Amada was a perfect angel. Claire and I have taken her out a few times and she has never made a wrong move. Anna did great with her.
Claire, my faithful riding partner, was riding my big TB mare Image. Image is a former race horse who's primary job for the last 5 years has been being a mother. We just threw a saddle on her and rode her off. She has been incredible in every way. Claire is such a beautiful rider and she looks so good on that big mare. Image is 16.3 hands and 14 years old this year. Claire brought along her digital camera in it's water proof case so she could take pictures of this monumental ride.
Amada had to trot most of the time to keep up with Berraco's long walk. The trot scared Anna at first, but found it to be sooo smooth after riding her Shetland pony Sally for so long. Sally would give her a side ache. Amada stayed glued to Berraco most of the ride, even through the river. Berraco splashed her like he usually does and at first she shied away from it, but settled down and enjoyed the water.
Amada had to jump some of the logs that Berraco and Image could just step over. Anna LOVED it saying that Amada loved her and was making sure she didn't get hurt. It was so precious. I couldn't stop smiling the entire ride. I also got a neck ache from constantly looking behind me checking on Anna and Amada.
I am now more confident that Anna can handle Amada and that Amada won't jump out from under her. I did have Anna wear a riding helmet which I have never done. Anna is so excited now to be able to ride Amada all by her self. I have been such an overprotective mother that I have always led Amada when Anna is riding her. I just needed to trust both of them.
I'm still so happy about riding my horse again after all this time. It brings tears to my eyes.