Today started out with a lesson, and Regina had us work on getting Tweed’s attention fully on an obstacle before beginning it. The goal is to get him to pay attention to his feet up and downhills. She said he has a tendency to look past obstacles. At the top of a hill, he’s looking 20 feet past the bottom. At the bridge, he’s looking 10 feet past it. Etc.
It was excellent work for Tumbleweed and paid off on the trails. I collected him before each hill, then released him and let him make his way. He was much more careful picking his way up and down.
The dynamics with the new horse were different than Tuesday. The companion was a seasoned gelding who has done lots pack trips. Tweed wanted to be right on his butt, and he didn’t mind. We forced Tweed to lead off and on, but Tweed preferred to follow him. (That was an unusual behavior for him.)
So, while Tweed did much better this ride, we didn’t have the same connection we did Tuesday. He wanted to be more connected with Gunner, the golden old boy. I think Tweed would have even liked to join his herd and go home with him. Lol.
It was a 3 hour day for Tweed, and the boy was just so tired!
Is this fun yet, Tweed? It is for me, but I’m not sure you’re loving it.
I have to say, when I groomed him to prepare for the lesson and ride, my whole body and spirit were filled with happy endorphins. He has become my happy place, and I hope he will grow to love our rides as much as I do.
He seems to want to, and probably will, when they’re easier for him.
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