Cool autumn morning yesterday.  Decided to get serious about Balthazar's fitness.  Would like to do this 6 hour ride through the bush in conjunction with a local resort.  Not even sure they still offer this option - horses for guests and day trippers who can bring their own.  Know someone who did this ride.  They loved it.  In order to do this comfortably however, my unfit thoroughbred needs to get some miles under his girth. So we trotted 3 km to the end of the road.  It's not obvious but it is a long slow uphill gradient.   Thought he had a stone in his boot as he was walking somewhat reluctantly so got off to have a look.  My poor boy!  He was puffing and sweating as though he'd run a race.  Even suspect he tied up a wee bit hence the reluctance in going forward.  His hindquarter muscles were possibly a bit hard.

Walked him all the way home, interspersed with spots of grazing in lush grassy areas.  Asked for a trot just before dismounting and he moved out freely so perhaps it was my imagination.  At least he didn't whinny for his buddies while we were out nor did he have to fight the temptation to break into a jog.

This morning I'm going to get him out of the paddock but instead of work I'll take him for pick.  Just to keep him guessing.