Groomed and rode Magic today. We rode to the Oak pasture and worked in the arena. We did about the same thing we have been doing. Magic did not seem to have as much enthusiasm for the work as he usually does. We rode the trail around the Oak pasture with a little deviation, just for variety, directly up to the far corner gate and around a brush pile to reconnect to the normal trail. We did a few stop / start transitions along the way. The cows were grazing around the gate just like they were when we entered the pasture. I thought that since Magic and the cows have accepted each other, I would just let him walk up to the gate and not do anything special. As we were passing a pile of logs (I plan to get a portable sawmill to come and make some home grown lumber, cherry, walnut, cedar, etc.) there was a little calf scratching himself on a log near us. The same calf had been in the same place when we came in the pasture. I paid no attention to the calf. Magic paid no attention to the calf. Then the calf noticed us and thought “OMG, a huge tall monster is about to get me.” and bolted off. This was too much for Magic and he moved quickly out of the way by jumping 12 feet to the right. I do not know if it is possible to keep your seat under these circumstances, but I was not surprised when I hit the ground. I did not want to let go of the reins cause I wanted to assure Magic that everything was OK and he did not need to run through the fence to the barn. The reins were about 30 years old and broke easily so Magic did not hurt his mouth. The good thing is that I was able to get up, Magic waited and stood as I walked up to catch him, we got through the gate, I was able to mount and ride Magic back to the barn. All’s well that ends well.
Magic loaded in the trailer this morning.