The inhibitor

One day I'm 90 percent sure that it's time to let Tex go down the road, and the very same day, my son throws that percentage down a few notches. He is really starting to ask to ride. And of course, guess which horse he ONLY wants to ride? You guessed it- Tex. 

My son is actually more confident on him than my older daughter. He's been enjoying steering him, and isn't afraid to make him do things. His attention doesn't last long, but that will improve with age.

Lazy and gentle horses that won't freak out with kids are hard to find and expensive to buy. Tex isn't a perfect kids' horse. His upward transitions are quite rough. But I still see a little potential. 

Dang it, son. You've taken me down to about 40 percent sure I want to sell him today. 

How could anyone tell this face they're selling his horse?

"Can I 'wide' my horse, Tex?"

"Will you take my pit-cher?"

"I wanna [L]ead him."

90 percent sure...

In my last several rides, Hazel has been my mount of choice over Tex. In comparison, Hazel is like driving a smooth BMW, compared to Tex being like an old rusty, no power steering truck. She's so willing, so athletic, and so sensitive.

My goal for Tex was to keep him as our kids' horse and for a guest/backup horse. He would still be an OK guest horse for someone who knows how to ride already. But he continues to test the kids on every single ride, and they are still young and needing a horse that will help them build, not lose, confidence. They need too ride something with willingness. And in the past and present, I haven't particularly seen that characteristic in Tex. He also tests beginner riders of any size.

I'm still roping on him, but he's not really fast enough to keep up at a roping. That makes me want more and more to get Hazel going with roping so that I can compete.

In the past, it's been a good sign that it's time to sell a horse when I choose another one over that one consistently, and when I get aggravated with riding that one. I can't say I'm aggravated with Tex, because I've not known much better. But now that I've experienced Hazel, it's getting harder and harder to go back. The signs are getting clearer to me that I'm about 90 percent sure that I'm ready to sell Tex. But, of course, I'm going to be picky.

Last night, a 14 year old boy tried him out, and they seem like a good fit for each other. Tanner is a natural, gentle, and confident rider, yet doesn't have a ton of rides under his belt. He wants to rope, do youth rodeos, and just be a cowboy. I think they'd be wonderful for each other.  But they're not in a hurry, and, like I said, I'm only 90 percent sure....