Training Kai- day 14; saddle up and ride.

My husband finally made it home from the Island- a bit of a long tour this time. Since I had help, it was time to saddle up and climb on Kai. Everything went so well when I got on him bareback that I wasn't anticipating any problems.
But, just to be sure, I did a little ground work first. Even better- he let me saddle him in the round pen with only one tiny sidestep- yay! I did throw the lead rope over the top rail instead of over my elbow, but he was by no means tied. I think he finally has it figured.
I tied a milk jug to the saddle and sent him around- that was boring, so I tied it to the bag and whip combo and sacked him out with that.

me> I think he's at the point that whatever I sack him out with he's ok with. So it's time to up the ante there and work on different obstacles. I really want to do the Cowboy Challenge course with him someday, so I need to build a few things for training him in that area, like a bridge, tunnel, water hazard etc. Maybe next summer I can put him in a Jim Anderson clinic out by Bull River, they put on a clinic out there that already has all those obstacles set up, and by then we should be ready for a clinic.
Then it was time to enlist Ted's help and climb aboard. The following video is a bit boring- which is just perfect! I like a boring first ride! I had Ted lead us around. There were times I could feel that Kai was unsure, like when we turned a little tight he really had to work on keeping his balance. Ted said he spread his hind legs out when that happened.


The next session should be working on a longer line, more like longeing with a rider. Shayla- wish you were here for this! But I'm sure Ted will do a good job.
I'm loving Kai's attitude, he really is trusting me and willing to do whatever I put him through. It's up to me not to betray that trust.