Monte and E had their first trail ride on Saturday. Unfortunately there was a steady rain during much of it - and as we all know, Monte doesn't do mud very well!
Turns out that he doesn't do trail rides in general very well. E had problems with him spooking as other riders came up on him from behind, plus he became nervous each time they left the actual trail. She also had to lead him over a shallow flood channel; he refused to walk through the water while she was riding.
I was supposed to participate on this ride, but when it came time to go I decided that my back wasn't quite up to snuff yet. I wonder if Monte would have been calmed by Curly's presence on the trail. Having a friend (or at least a familiar face!) lead the way often helps when you are in a new place.
We'll be taking more rides up at Bennington over the summer, partly because it's fun, but also to help Monte gain more confidence while out on the trails.
