You Know That You Are A Horse Nut...

...if you smile during your horse's shenanigans.

Hey look!  An active hind leg.

Have I mentioned that Harley is a sensitive guy?  I am his only rider and have been for five years and counting.  He knows me very well and I know him.  If something in my riding changes, he notices immediately.  If I override or push too hard or ask for something at the wrong time, he responds accordingly.  Sometimes he tries to do what I am asking.  Sometimes he gives a huge response to match an overzealous aid.  Other times, he is just feeling exuberant and comes up with some shenanigans on his own.  I have ridden a couple mares in the past who displayed the same "particular" nature.  I credit them for preparing me for riding Harley.  He is a sweet, kind horse, but sometimes he needs to express his spirit!

My usual MO is to just keep riding.  I rarely punish, although I will make the work more difficult if he seems under-challenged or isn't committing to the aids.  I also frequently check my own position and my aids.  I strive to be fair.

 Proof that I am a horse nut: I wouldn't have him any other way!

The last photo is the next complete circle following Harley's shenanigans.  My seat is light, so I have risen out of the saddle here, but look how uphill his canter has become.  I believe that the slight changes in my position that I had been practicing from my lesson put more responsibility on his hind legs and he responded by really pushing off and shifting his balance around.  Sometimes he just needs a few jump starts!