It was a good day to work the youngsters. I started with Mesa. I checked her mouth to see if she had wolf teeth- she doesn't- so I put a snaffle bridle on her for the first time. No reins, just wanted her to learn to wear a bit.
Thumper of course was very helpful.
After saddling her up I led her down to the round pen just to be sure she wasn't going to do any thing silly.... I needn't have worried.
After moving her around the pen a few times we went for a stroll. Such a fun little horse!
I think she is okay with the bit now....
Next up was Drifter. Started out on the walk and he promptly bit me..... bad boy! and bad me for not getting to him before the actual bite. I am much more vigilant now! I went and got a riding whip so that I would have an equalizer if he tried it again. There were a couple of times he thought about it, I could see it in his eyes when I asked him to do something he wasn't inclined to do, but being ahead of the action paid off and he didn't try. He also tried a time or two to get away (and back towards the mares) but he learned that I am undraggable. Trying to pull away from me is about the same as trying to move a tree....
All this behaviour I expect, he isn't the first stud colt I have handled. What I like about him is that he may try something but if it doesn't work for him he doesn't get all worked up about it. He's a thinker. I may have to get after him a few more times on some of these issues but I bet he gets over it all quickly. As soon as he is handling well on walks it will be time to pony him, let him see the sights. Also time to do more groundwork with him, that's coming up next month.
He's such a hairball!!!!
3 comments:
I do not envy you your babies, I have no idea. I assume it's a whole 'nother game working with foals. I've also never envied anyone a puppy. Also, I've never had one. Kittens, they're fine: ) Never trained one though.
Oh my gosh, I do envy your time spent with your babies! My favorite time to spend with "training efforts" is with the youngens. You have such sweeties, even the little colt being nippy. You gotta try! :) Kids...they're all the same! Yours are good ones. Enjoy!!
I missed the cool moon totally, too cloudy here.
I got to see the wolf blood moon. saw it through the telescope, and it was pretty spectacular! :) Mesa is a keeper! :D
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