As long as it takes, and as slow as I need to get there.
I was wondering if I have what it takes to raise and train another colt, and that mantra above popped into my head. I can do anything, as long as I do it on my own timeline and don't mind the journey getting there. We are making major changes in our practice that will allow me to spend even more time training my horses.
*****
Speaking of which....
New obstacles.
At my request, my husband made me a portable mail box and added a gate on the south end of the arena that opens to the south pasture. A couple years ago, Leah almost fell when I was training her to open gates and I may have "released" a bad thing--bracing and bolting to the left. In any case, she had an issue with things getting too close to her and she'd try to bolt. She doesn't do that anymore, but she does take a couple steps away when we get next to barrels, mailboxes, and gates. She's resistant to side-passing toward them. These obstacles will be--already ARE--a great addition to work on that issue.
(Notice the new mounting block, as opposed to the old "mounting trough"?)
This gate now opens to the south pasture--which feeds into the north pasture and the neighboring pasture! Let the good times roll! Cowboy--who is a pro at gates--has been taking me on some lovely, long rides.
And kudos to my husband for such a great job!
*****
Neck Reining.
We're making big progress on neck reining, but here is a video I took while I rode one-handed last week. She isn't at her best in it, by any means. Usually, she stops on a dime and rounds into her turns better. That was a windy day and she doesn't like wind.
*****
Speaking of which....
New obstacles.
At my request, my husband made me a portable mail box and added a gate on the south end of the arena that opens to the south pasture. A couple years ago, Leah almost fell when I was training her to open gates and I may have "released" a bad thing--bracing and bolting to the left. In any case, she had an issue with things getting too close to her and she'd try to bolt. She doesn't do that anymore, but she does take a couple steps away when we get next to barrels, mailboxes, and gates. She's resistant to side-passing toward them. These obstacles will be--already ARE--a great addition to work on that issue.
(Notice the new mounting block, as opposed to the old "mounting trough"?)
An extra incentive--treats in the mailbox, when she does it right.
This gate now opens to the south pasture--which feeds into the north pasture and the neighboring pasture! Let the good times roll! Cowboy--who is a pro at gates--has been taking me on some lovely, long rides.
And kudos to my husband for such a great job!
*****
Neck Reining.
We're making big progress on neck reining, but here is a video I took while I rode one-handed last week. She isn't at her best in it, by any means. Usually, she stops on a dime and rounds into her turns better. That was a windy day and she doesn't like wind.
Here's a photo I cut out of the video. Lovely, wind-blown, Leah.
She has been showing a real calmness when we ride out in the pastures. Even more steady than Cowboy. (We just have to get her past that dang gate opening and closing! And we will!!)