Working Chickory

After 33 degrees yesterday, and a big ole thundershower in the evening, it was blessedly cool today, so I decided to work with Chickory this afternoon. I saddled Gussie, and caught Chickory and headed to the round pen for a quick brush up on ponying, which went well. So the next step was to take them in a fenced paddock for ponying, which was also no problem. So we set off through the yard and on out to the field full of round bales. This is the first time Chickory has been out of the yard since we moved here two years ago. She led like a dream, didn't tighten up that lead rope once. Next time I take her out, I'll put a saddle on her.

After a nice, forward and relaxing tour of the field, I put Gussie away (good girl, Gussie!) and, in the round pen, saddled Chickory. Longed her a little.

Since everything was going so well, I stepped up and rode. She was more willing to walk out, but not to trot- which was fine. I did tap her on the but with the tail of the mecate when she was ignoring my request to walk up a little, she kinda grabbed her butt and sidestepped a bit, but nothing too dramatic. About then the wind kicked up, so I just asked her to stand quietly and think about things- didn't want to pressure her up- then we walked off nicely. All in all it was a good session. Here is a little video of longeing her, you can hear how softly I ask for a whoa and how quickly she responds to it.