Then it was Rio time. I thought about using the bosal again for ground driving, but opted to put a web halter on him with my driving lines attached; the lines are a lot easier to handle than the mecate ropes for the bosal.
Saddled up at the hitching rail again, and headed over to the round pen. This time, I hobbled the stirrups so I couldn't get the lines caught under them. A couple of practice turns with the lead rope around the rump, and we stepped right in to driving. Rio has no problem at all with the lines laying around his legs, and he quickly figured out the turns, stop and back up in the new gear.
Nitro's owner was here too, and after a bit I asked him if he'd like to handle the lines. This fellow used to drive horses a lot, so I knew Rio would be in good hands; soft hands too.
Steppin' out
Set and turn
and on out.
It was really nice seeing someone else work Rio, I really got to see how nicely he handles himself, the soft look to him and how willing he is. I don't normally have anyone else around to help with the horses, so I'm really happy to have this fellow around. His work with Nitro is coming along too, he's here every day, handles him ,gives him some exercise and just spends time with him- every day. Nitro seems to really like him, and has a lovely soft look to him, just like his big brother. I am so proud of these horses!
I phoned AQHA today and ordered the DNA kit for Rio, and I'm getting the full work up for his colour too. I'm hoping he will be homozygous for the black gene, like his mama.
I've been taking Beamer out bareback around the hayfield; and there is a fun little exercise I do that some of you might want to try. Write your horses name in the snow, using only his footsteps. It's challenging, and gives something to do. to write Beamer's name we have to count steps, do turns on the haunches, roll backs, back ups, etc. For those of you who don't have snow, try it in the sand, or in an arena. It's fun!
9 comments:
Nitro's owner seems like a very skilled and quiet and effective horseman - all the same in my book - nice to have someone like that around. I've often commented on your good-minded horses - maybe for my next one . . .
Looks like they are having a good session!
I like Rio's look, nice and leggy!
Its great that Nitro ended up in such good hands too, I have a real soft spot for that little guy:)
He sure is coming along nicely and it's great that Nitro's new person spends so much time with him. That is the way to make a great horse.
I love that idea about writing names in the snow. If the wind ever stops long enough to form the letters, I'll give it a try.
Good to see, I love this stuff, working with them to me, is most times a lot more pleasurable than riding. That doesnt sound right, but i guess you`ll know what I mean.
Nitro's new owner looks great! Love the name game.
Rio is looking good...leaps and bounds ahead of Jazz over here.Poor girl she wants to do stuff....soon....very soon.I am so happy for Nitro....not only did he come back to a good place but he got a new person that cares....big YAY!!!!
Looks great, and so nice that Nitro's new person is around to help and to work with him!
I have never driven a horse though I know it's good for them. I should learn!
I am waiting for our round pen to dry out - it was snowy and slick, now it's muddy and slick. last month a horse had a Bad Incident as I was about to take him out to ride, and so I put him in the round pen, where he proceded to be stupid and dangerous, but I couldn't accomplish anything with him cuz the footing was so bad!
i can't afford to let him do that again. he's broke... i guess he just had a cougarized brain fart. I think driving would be GOOD for him now!
and writing names in the snow with hoofprints - love it!!!! now I just need more snow
: /
- The Equestrian Vagabond
Post a Comment