Beetle tends to start walking while someone is mounting him. He’s done it not just with me but with more experienced riders giving him training rides, and even with his previous owners! At best it’s bad manners, at worst it can be dangerous. Ideally he should stand still, wait for his rider to be settled in the saddle, and only start walking once the rider gives him a cue. But Beetle feels he has places to go and things to do, whether his rider is ready or not.
For months we’ve been doing groundwork to help our communication and our partnership. Even so, I would need someone to hold him while I mounted up to ride. During my last lesson, we spend the first 15 minutes on groundwork and 15 minutes on riding. While doing groundwork, I felt like Beetle and I were connecting really well. I decided to be brave and told my instructor I wanted to try mounting Beetle without anyone holding him.
He stood still as a statue!! My favorite part is when he looks back at me to acknowledge what a good boy he is. You’re the best, Beetle!
