Today was the day Katie came by, and I had told her not to expect much except groundwork, considering the energy Tumbleweed had the last few sessions. But that wasn’t the case today.
When I went to get him he was just so mellow and fully connected, a totally different horse. We had twenty minutes to do some basic stuff before Katie arrived, and he was gentle as a kitten. At liberty, he wouldn’t leave my side. On the lead, he was fully tuned in and respectful.
Wild Dan came out to see us and entertained Tweed for a bit.
Then Grady came out, too.
We did light work over poles and coming to the mounting block.
Then Katie arrived and I updated her. Yeah, you’re going to be riding today. He’s all there for you.
She got to it.
She was very happy with him and says we’re about 80-90% where he left off.
When she was done with him, I got Epona.
He watched Epona the entire time she was gone.
I love this plan. We’re going to meet once a week for now, and it will really help me get him started right. If there are any holes or I reach a mental road block, Katie will help us past it.
We are going to be so ready for spring!
Yay! It sounds like a great day, and how lovely that he chose that day to be his "tuned in" day. I love that you and Katie have a plan and are looking forward to spring.
ReplyDeleteYesterday was day 4 of his back to work and it just happened to also be a warm and sunny day. Makes you wonder how much weather affects their moods.
DeleteGood boy, Tweed. Glad he came to work on the day Katie could visit!
ReplyDeleteYes, they like to make liars out of you. 😆
DeleteWeather definitely affects them, but a good horse will work for you no matter the weather. I think we tend to back off on our expectations for them on those bad weather days, so kudos to you for working him through it those first few days.
ReplyDeleteGood point, Shirley. It could be that having them do something, rain, snow, wind, or sunshine, develops a better overall work ethic in them. The trainer who starts our horses never takes days off for weather. We’d see her out there in the absolute worst conditions. She told us they had to be able to handle whatever came their way.
DeleteThe limiting factor is what weather I can tolerate.
DeleteYou have a great plan and will be ready to ride Spring trails!! Happy for you!
ReplyDeleteI wondered if Tumbleweed was going to show up calmer. Horses just seem to know.
Makes you wonder, doesn’t it? What element caused such a huge change? Prior work? Weather? Or some difference in me from knowing Katie was coming?
DeleteYes, to all.
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