New Years Day first ride on my new stud

This is my first year with RAC and as far as New Year's resolutions to get in shape...maybe lose a few pounds....what better way than by doing something I enjoy. I am so NOT a winter rider but as a lot of you know, I have a new stallion at my place. Jake is a white, gaited curly stallion that was broke to ride at one time but hasn't been used much in years. He has such a laid back temperament that I figured I may as well see how he would do under saddle. Boy was it cold out! I had tacked him up a few days earlier and did a little round penning and he was very receptive with the ground work. I played with him for about an hour this afternoon, mostly to work my own courage up I think. He was a little rusty but he was a good boy. I stayed in the round pen and kept it at a walk, I wanted to make sure it was a positive first ride. I am very happy with my decision to sneak this new boy home...and I think that my husband is warming up to him now too.