Semi-Retirement Options for my horse :)?

Hi,


I have an 18 year TWH that I've decided to put into semi-retirement. After over a year of frustration showing and just managing to do ring work at home, I've found the solution. He's ready to move on. When I thought we were just getting into the swing of showing, he decided he was done. He absolutely hates ring work and shows now, at least, that's what I think it is. For all that time, I couldn't make him do a simple thing; just calmly do a flat walk...a basic thing that every horse can do. He would just rush through our routine. After several attempts of trying new tack, bits, trainers, etc. I finally woke up and listened to my horse. He didn't act like this on trail rides with just me and him. He wants to retire from ring work and showing and hit the trails! Oh how foolish I feel to have not noticed it earlier. I know I'm rambling, but do you think I'm making the right decision. I am going to avoid ring-work except for warm-up and just trail-ride around my place(maybe once or twice a week). Then, I will take him to 2 or 3 shows a year just show in costume and halter classes. Maybe just an equitation class because he works good in the show arena alone when doing the patterns.





Also, what kind of things can I do on trail rides to keep him in shape enough for laid back fun shows?





Thanks!|||He will be happy with the trail riding, and trail riding will keep him in good enough shape, assuming you go faster than the walk once in a while.