The Mustang Diaries: Atlas's First Ride!

After months of patient groundwork, trust-building exercises, and careful handling, Atlas was ready yesterday to take his first official ride in the round pen!

Mounting was a calculated act, a delicate balance between confidence and consideration. Atlas stood perfectly still, thanks to the countless hours spent desensitizing him to pressure. The initial moments were dedicated to suppleness and responsiveness. Once seated, I took a moment to flex his head and neck left and right. He responded tentatively at first, his muscles tight and unfamiliar with the sensation. Gradually, he began to yield, releasing the tension and finding a new comfort in the movement. This exercise, more than just physical, was about communication. It was about teaching him to listen, to respond to my cues, and to trust my guidance.

With the help of Joe, positioned in the center of the round pen, acting as a motivator and guide, we began to walk out. We circled the pen, first one direction, then the other, reinforcing the balance and suppleness we had worked on earlier. The trot was next, a slightly more challenging endeavor. With encouragement from Joe, a clucking of the tongue, Atlas transitioned into a hesitant trot. Slowly, he began to find his rhythm, his body becoming more fluid and confident with each revolution. Finally, the canter. This was the test, the moment where potential met reality. Atlas took to it with unexpected grace as his canter was powerful and smooth. As we slowed to a walk and eventually halted, the silence in the round pen felt profound. I dismounted carefully, allowing Atlas a moment to process the experience before flexing him left and right on the ground and finishing the session. Then came all the praise and treats for such a job well done!

That first ride in the round pen wasn't just about breaking a mustang. It was about building a partnership, fostering trust, and unlocking the potential that lay within Atlas. It was a small step on a long journey, a journey of mutual understanding and unwavering respect.