removed from expectations of being who you really want to be

Riding is no fun if I don't think the horse is enjoying it too. I have been worried about Sovereign in this respect. He is such a great boy under saddle. He is quiet and responsive, but I have been wondering if he is enjoying himself. Pie, on the other hand, is like a giant roly-poly puppy, happy-go-lucky and innocent, goofy and naughty and ready for the next adventure. Sovey is so good - almost too good, like he is afraid to have fun. Well, today he had fun!! I rode him in a new pasture and I purposely left the gate open. After a few minutes I rode him outside the fence to walk around. We walked around the pasture, behind the barn, around the apple tree and down the driveway. He loved the diversion. He was animated and enthusiastic. His whole demeanor was different. I had an inkling that he was itching to get out and see more. He wasn't nervous or excited in a bad way - no prancing or jigging - just bright-eyed and happy! Hooray!