One of the things I did yesterday with Rally was to bring my step stool into the pen so that I could get her used to someone above her. She looked a little surprised at first; remember horses don't normally look above them in close quarters unless they raise their head and are looking for danger. I proceeded to rub and pet her head and neck, then along her back. She was relaxed, so I leaned over her back and rubbed her on her off side. She was fine with that so I put my weight on her as I leaned over her. She was fine with that, which made me really happy!
Today I started on her back feet again- not a lot of progress, but less desire to kick out.
Then I figured, what the heck, so I went and got a saddle pad to sack her out with. Well that was a non event. Threw it up on her a few times and she looked at me as if to say, what next?
That pad looks good on you, Rally!
Note the ground tie
Well what next indeed? So I went and got my little saddle. Let her sniff it and check it out, then plunked it on her back.
Ok, another non event. So why not.... I went ahead and fastened the cinches.
Well, no problem. Note the ground tie again. So here I am thinking, what will she do when I ask her to move? Because that is often when they blow up on their first saddling.
Can I just say, I love this horse? I got the distinct feeling that she has been waiting for this for a long time. I like to take things slow with her, partly because it keeps me focused and patient.
There are lots of things to work on with her, such as getting her to trust me with her back feet, getting her ok with being closed in the trailer as well as hauling, and longeing her saddled.
I may even ride her at some point....time will tell.
11 comments:
Wow, Shirley. That is shocking. She looks so calm and she’s even away from her buddies. Seems like she has a good mind.
Wow, yes I noticed that she was ground tied! You are making good progress with her! She must feel better after her front hooves were trimmed a bit:)
Rally is something else. It is being drawn out by your patient, knowledge and caring. I bet her previous owners would be both shocked and happy with her incredible progress.
Thank you for giving her a chance to shine, feel valued and loved.
Se seems like a thoughtful and steady horse. I like her a lot.
Look at that coat <3 Rally is feeling good in more ways than one!
It looks like she's got a good mind on her. This has been quite a lifestyle shift for her, but I think she's starting to enjoy having her mind challenged a bit.
Pairing the right person and temperament with a horse is always such a bonus. I think she has been waiting for you for a while!
Wow, what a quiet reaction to a saddle! Her eye looks soft and relaxed.
Your progress is really impressive and she has such an expressive face!
Exactly what I think- that she recognized me as her person the day we met. And vice versa.
I had a mule that was like that! Ho hum on everything even the first ride into the forest.
Nicely done.
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