Trailriding: The shortest horse rule.
We have a tricky gate leading into the arena that none of us like to open. It's actually two gates, chained in the middle, and when the chain is loosened both gates fly open.
As soon as the gate is in sight the negotiating begins.
"I got the gate last time, it's your turn," I'll say, while someone else will swear they were the one who opened the gate. It's gotten ridiculous.
Sometimes we'll sit in front of the gate for a good 5 minutes, stubbornly waiting for someone else to dismount and open the gate. I believe that the person on the shortest horse should open the gate, after all, they have an easier horse to mount!
Maverick is the shortest horse, and that usually means I'm asking Maddy to open the gate. She has all sorts of reasons why my logic is flawed.
Sometimes we can talk Elle into getting the gate, despite her being on the tallest horse, Tigger.
And, since you asked, yes, we've tried opening the gate while still mounted, to varying degrees of success, or lack of. This particular gate really is difficult to manage, even from the ground. Imagine trying to manage it from a horse.
So, until we've mastered opening the gate while mounted, I think we should all agree to the shortest horse rule.
Shelly (mom)
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