I call the horse ,whose real name is Touch Me Marso, the Uber Model. This is because he has such fabulously long legs and is so tall and elegant. Look at him. And yes, that is me sitting up there on him.
My coach, Belinda Trussell, was showing last weekend so she asked if I could take Touch for a ride. I got barn manager Carl to stand in front of him while I got on. It takes me a bit to get on as I cannot just swing my leg up and over. My replaced hip is not capable of that move. Touch seemed to know that and stood quietly. Carl gave him some treats to reward this behavior.
I walked him in the arena for about ten minutes and then did a few circles of trot. It is quite a trot! Then we went out to the forest. We spent about 40 minutes walking the trails including Biasini’s favorite the Goat Trail. Touch really enjoyed his time on the trails.
Here is something to consider. This horse is well on his way to a very successful international career at the top of the sport. And he can also be taken, by a rider he does not know, and enjoy a nice trail ride. In my opinion this is a huge plus. The horses doing the Grand Prix work need a break for their bodies and their minds. But many are nervous going for a trail ride. Not Touch. He loves it and that long legged walk carried me through the woods and up and down the hills.
HorseAddict 
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