Veronica is no stranger to our trail next door, having taken many a hand walk (and even a few rides) out on the 1.5 mile loop, but it was her first time back out this season. There were not one but two small dogs who unexpectedly rounded corners, but Veronica barely batted an eye. She does love dogs, after all.
She accompanied Tiva, who was being ridden. At one point, we came across a bridge with quite a bit of running water rushing beneath. Tiva felt a bit uncertain leading the way, so Veronica stepped in to make the crossing first, which gave Tiva the confidence she needed to follow suit.
A few times, Tiva ventured out ahead on her own, leaving Veronica for a few minutes to forge her own path without a buddy horse. Veronica is the type who receives and appreciates the support from her rider or handler, and when paired with a confident human leader who she trusts, she is able to find confidence in herself. Even in times of mild uncertainty, Veronica is able to look to her person for guidance, which she did in these moments when Tiva disappeared around the bend.
With her rider back in the saddle again, Veronica is back in work. The time she spent vacationing didn’t seem to have any negative setbacks for this beautiful mare, showing us just how much more mature Veronica has become in the last few years. Though she is still a girl who will require a specific type of home, we have to appreciate just how far Veronica has come since her early days. She is truly a lovely horse inside and out.
