Kai - Day 6

Had an interesting session with Kai- I tried a trick with a smaller saddle.

This is a little military saddle that is being rebuilt- it doesn't have any rigging on it so it is lightweight and easy to swing around.
I found his zone on his left side where he moves away- it's at his jaw line. As soon as I go beyond his peripheral vision he just can't stand it. So I wasn't about to spend hours increasing his tolerance zone incrementally , so I held the little saddle at mid zone and pointed my feet at his hind feet and made him move his hip over. As soon as he stopped all 4 feet, I stopped. I'd try lifting the little saddle, and he'd move so I made it work to move. After a few rounds, he let me throw it up there. So I did that about a dozen times- all from the left side- until he just stood there as I took it on and off. After that, I got the big saddle- and no way he was letting me throw it up. So back to the little one for a few more rounds..... then back to the big saddle. I persevered and he finally let me throw it up there, and I took it on and off about 3 times before I cinched it (I was getting worn out!) The interesting thing is that once saddled, he was kind of pouty, I longed him and he wanted to carry his head to the outside and lean on the lead. It took a lot to get him to soften and behave, both directions. Oh- and I did apply oils first: Valor around his left forehead and eye socket, Release at the base of his ears and between his cheek bones and in his nostrils, and Grounding in his nostrils and on his ventral line. I wanted to give him all the benefit I could to help him get over his left side aversion. He really, really only wants to look at me out of his right eye when I'm working with him.
Once we got the longeing sorted out to where he was giving me nice circles both ways, I bridled him and had him give to the bit both ways- and also the rein around the hip trick, and backing. Heis really soft in the face! Love that. Then I held the saddle horn and reins as if I was going to get on and jumped beside him- left side first- he moved away- 2 more times and then he stood nicely Right side- didn't move a muscle. Then I put my knee in the stirrup and put as much weight as I could, both sides no problem at all. I think once I actually get in the saddle he will be just fine.
Oh- also got him a new saddle pad, a Diamond Wool.

Yeah I know, doesn't match his green theme! But it sure makes the saddle fit better. Goes good with all that twine holding the panels together! Not sure what design Ted has in mind for the tops, but I hope he does it soon!