The Mustang Diaries: Cash & Kai - Kai's First Big Boy Ride

Kai stood fidgeting, his eyes wide and head held high with tension, while I tacked him up last Saturday morning for his first big boy ride - a 6-mile trail ride away from home. This was also his first ride ever in the trailer! The vast expanse of the forest ahead of him was an entirely different beast from the usual sight of his training corral. Little did I know that over the next few miles, I would witness a transformation, a blossoming of confidence that would turn this nervous youngster into a seemingly seasoned trail horse.

Our journey began cautiously. Kai’s initial steps were shaky and unsteady; he wouldn't even enter the trailhead at first without a fight. With light hands but heavy determination, I managed to get him started down the trail. My job, I knew, was to be his anchor, a calm and reassuring presence in this overwhelming environment. We took it slow, allowing him to absorb his surroundings, his nervous energy gradually ebbing as he began to feel more at ease and trust.

The trail threw challenges at us from the very beginning. The first hurdle was the plethora of puddles resulting from the previous week's constant rain. Kai was horrified. He sidestepped, he snorted, he even attempted to rear and bolt when faced with the first few murky pools. Patience was key. I urged him forward gently, rewarding him each time he hesitantly splashed through the water. By the fourth or fifth puddle, the fear had mostly dissipated, replaced by a curiosity as he watched Cash kick and play in them in front of him.

Next came the bridges, a true test of his bravery with the raging creeks just below him. Of course, he did not bat an eyelash at any of these.

Beyond the bridges, the trail itself became a dynamic teacher. We faced steep inclines where Kai learned to engage his hindquarters and power his way up the hill. Rocky sections forced him to be mindful of his footfalls, honing his balance and coordination. Narrow passages, flanked by dense foliage, demanded precision and trust in my direction.

Throughout it all, Kai surprised me. Despite his initial anxieties, he displayed intelligence and a willingness to learn. With each challenge he overcame, his confidence visibly grew. He began to anticipate obstacles, navigating the terrain with a sense of independence. He learned to trust his instincts, and more importantly, he learned to trust me.

By the time we reached the end of the six-mile loop, Kai was a different horse. The nervous youngster who had hesitated at the trailhead was now a confident, relaxed trail companion. His ears were forward, his stride was purposeful, and he moved out on a loose rein. He had faced his fears, conquered his anxieties, and emerged victorious!