I Hope You Like Rhymed Couplets

Tonight I embarked on a ride of relaxation,
In an attempt to forget yesterdays vexation.

To work on Two Point and transitions was my objective,
In hopes it would not involve use of invective.

So off to the pasture I went with excitement,
With carrot in hand as enticement.

It was merrily accepted, and grooming proceeded,
Although continued pleas for a second went unheeded.

Grooming finished, and saddle installed,
I mounted and cued "Forward!", leaving Ziggy quite appalled.

"Jog on, you nonce! I'm on vacation!", he objected,
a grievous assumption, which was quickly corrected.

Today would be forward, I would not accept no,
for he is a Thoroughbred, and bred to go.

Our tempo agreed, and walking quite quite sorted,
Up in Two-Point I went, and with trot I courted.

Happy to oblige, my Thoroughbred complied,
Lightly and roundly, in the rhythm I implied.

Onward we trotted, left rein and right,
quite happy he'd of been trot into the night.

But enough was enough, back to walk we must go,
For there's much more than trotting if we are to show.

A walk on a loose rein is what was required,
So that both horse and rider were not over tired.

For the next task was much more demanding,
To canter, in balance would be quite outstanding.

As twilight approached, and light grew dim,
I asked Zigs to canter and left the speed up to him.

Perhaps not the wisest, it must be confess't
As when I asked for a walk, there was protest.

Thoroughbreds have run, since time immemorial,
to have to slow down, Ziggy thought, "Dictatorial!"

His objection was noted, though I made it quite clear,
Exactly who the master was here.

A walk break followed and a rein change ensued,
and what could be on my horse's mind, but food?

By his stall he took me, and it was quite clever,
he stuck his nose in his bucket to make his point for good measure.

A cooling out, and a bath soon transpired,
and I admit now that it was truly inspired.

He got both his run and nightly grain,
Knowing tomorrow he would get both again.

Sleep tight buddy, and think you most kindly,
For a ride so good, and in harmony so slightly.