David and I went trail riding with some Friends at Uwharrie River Farms on Dec. 30 2008. I rode Calypso and David rode Katy. This was Calypso's first trail ride away from home, and with horses other than ours.
Katy has always, did great. She was eager to be out on the trail, and wanted to get the oppertunity to run (her passion is to run!).
Calypso started off well. He unloaded from the trailer, very calm, ignoring the new surroundings - he was not bothered about being in a new location. During the warm up time he was fine, walking around very politely, not talking to the other horses, minding his manners. As we started down the trail, a black walking horse gelding came up beside us - and apparently Calypso did not like this horse, he reared and struck out at him (which took me and David by surprize). Each time that gelding came near Calypso he would rear and strike - almost as if defending Katy. He never offered anything towards the others in the group. As Calypso settled down, we went along for awhile with no trouble, until we had to cross a creek. Everyone tried to offer advice to get him across, nothing worked, not even Katy Leading him across. Finally I walked right beside him helping him one foot at a Time, with someone leading him - and he got to the creek and leaped across!. The next two creeks we no trouble, after he stopped for a drink! The rest of the ride went very smoothly, and he acted like a seasoned trail horse.
This just proves that horses can do the unexpected, granted Calypso is only 3 and a stallion, but this was completely out of his normal actions. Always be prepared!
- Anne
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