1.6 Secret Tunnel - Anya and Razz

Their last spot of interest before dark was what Anya dubbed the “secret tunnel.” It wasn’t really all that secret for anyone who rode the various trails frequently but she liked to have a bit of fun. Razz had not been through it yet though so this was going to be her last desensitization test for him to see how well he handled it. As they approached it Razz slowed down and perked his ears forward. The so-called tunnel was a natural rock formation created by a river that had dried up ages ago. Now it was a barely tall enough structure for someone to ride under. Particularly tall riders and horses would have to duck to make it without hitting their head.

Anya dismounted and led Razz up to it, letting him inspect it up close. The tunnel itself wasn’t particularly deep but with the setting sun, long shadows from the other rocks, hills and trees surrounding it made it look far darker than usual. Already Razz wanted to back away from the spooky sight but she held firm.

Carefully she reminded him she was the leader, he should be listening to her instructions. Once reminded she led him forward again, just to the entrance. He was still wary and stopped at it but expressed far more curiosity. After a moment she led him back away, giving him some time to process and relax. He blew out a few times before looking up and around at his surroundings. His eyes returned to the tunnel that only grew darker now that the sun was nearly below the horizon. They would need to return soon but Anya was hopeful they could try walking under it and all the way through.

She decided to give Razz one last shot at it, she brought him back to face the “tunnel” and urged him forward. He was hesitant again but with Anya beside him he took his first step inside. Then another, finally he followed her all the way through. He rushed a bit at the end so she turned him in a circle to remind him this was at her pace, not his. Deciding not to push him too far she asked him to return through it one last time. As they made it out back in the direction of home he successfully followed her lead and didn’t push or pull against her.

Finally Anya gave him the praise he deserved and fished a treat out of her saddle bag. “Good boy, such a good boy.” She pet and scratched his neck as he munched away. Once he was done she mounted back up and began their ride home. The sun was setting fast now and darkness was encroaching. She had a flashlight if it came down to it but she’d rather just get back in time. Humming, she considered giving Razz a chance to run a bit. The remainder of the trail was wide and flat and they had been walking almost the whole way.

Finally she gave it a shot, urging him into a trot then letting him canter the last stretch home. Usually she didn’t like having him speed back towards the barn but they could walk once the lights were in sight. It was refreshing to feel his canter, Razz had such a smooth motion in his stride. They had been so busy with preparation there had hardly been any time for normal riding.

When they reached the head of the trail she brought him back down to a walk and praised him once more. They returned to the barn and Marcus dipped in to check on her. The remainder of Razz’s untacking and groom was filled with chatting about all of his excellent progress.