DAY 3: Before the
spa treatment and some much needed extra calories on Day 2, we had out first
round pen session. It became apparent that there was a good stop and some real
athletic ability in there as well as the desire to have “more slow than go”
unless asked for it. There were some moments of establishing who feet were
going to move first and who as #1 and who was #2.. Like most “first dates” we
were establishing communication and learning about one another. We focused on
simply establishing a direction and stopping when asked. His inclination seemed
to be to turn to the inside when going counter-clockwise and to turn into the
fence, pointing his backside at me at a 45 degree angle. As Clinton says “two eyes are better than two
heels so we established a “rule” that it is not okay to point the back end to
me. When it felt like a “win” and the concepts were understood it was time for
food, grooming, scratches and meditation on the lesson.
The morning
of Day 3 we wanted to see if the lesson stuck. To our joy it pretty much did.
We spent 20 minutes in the pen and got some nice direction changes and two eyes
more often than not. Lots of signs of relaxing and lots of scratches and
cookies (remember he needs the weight gain). There was some stubbornness with
his feet so we did advance and retreat until he gave us his feet without
protest. We think he is finding and testing his boundaries a bit. He did well
for only his second lesson. Later today we are going to meet friends at a local
arena. It’s time to expose the fellow to new places! He’ll gat t hang out, get
groomed on and relax. We may walk around a bit (rope halter in hand) and visit.
Should be a good day!
Day 3.5…we loaded
up Argent our 6 year old Kiger mustang gelding and the new kid possibly known
as Roscoe and headed over to the Pioneer Park Arena in Somerset, CA.
The plan was to let Laurie and Argent get in a training session while I test
fit and readjusted the saddle and tack on Roscoe. We turned the horses out just
to unwind a little and enjoyed watching them trot and lope around. We did some
basic direction changes and then got to work. Laurie and Argent went through
their program while I tacked the new kid up and walked him around. Seems like
everything fit. This is a Good Thing! The concept of backing was introduced.
Some successes in that department came from that introduction. We even
introduced desensitizing to the rope/stick-n-string. That was not hard at all.
He mellowed almost immediately. Somewhere in Roscoe’s history there was lunge
line work and he seemed to know how to Lunge for Respect Stage 1. Okay! Because
his feet are not quite right –we have an appointment with the farrier on
Tuesday- we did a little bit of this at the walk. Not to bad. He seemed willing
to work which is nice. Speaking of feet, his were not horrible but not great
either and there was some discomfort on the gravel. All in all a pretty full
day for the new kid.
DAY 4: A day off.
A bath. An afternoon snack and some shady pasture time. Yes, that is how we
roll. After some vigorous grooming and two rinses we noted “Roscoe” was more almost
sorrel in places. After some research it was deemed that he is actually a dark
chestnut. We’ll roll with that. He really likes attention and seems to be
comfortable with “bath time” which is nice. We worked on picking up his feet,
which got much easier with repetition. Roscoe and Argent really get along. They
have many similarities in personality. This too is nice. The one “minor” challenge
is how Roscoe load in a trailer. He is convinced that the slant load is a
straight load. He walks right in and stands in the middle. It is kind of funny
in a way. We’ll be working on that this season
DAY 5: Today was
all about establishing a starting point. We tied several of the Fundamental
exercises and found out where Roscoe needs me to start and how much pressure
needs to applied. After round pen work we did some work on the lead line. After
each good try he got lots of praise. Resting between each “set” (usually four
good tries) of attempts kept his spirits up and hi willingness to try and
figure out the answer. It is really about pacing his learning and placing
physical/mental demands on him that will stimulate respect and development
without taxing him too badly. Laurie saddled up and rode Roscoe at the walk
doing some nice big circles. He listened to seat cues pretty well (we know
there is some cutting/reining training in there) and is pretty light in the
bridle.
I go on for a photo opportunity and then walked one circle
and got off. After the session (while Argent got to work) Roscoe got a snack
(stable mix and beet pulp in water) and enjoyed some grooming time. Later in
the evening some friends came by to meet the “new guy”. Everyone was social and
enjoyed the attention. Not a bad way to end the day!
DAY 6: Basic
round pen day. We kept the session easy because Roscoe’s hooves are not in the
best shape and it is uncomfortable to move “quickly.” Roscoe should signs of
improving in his understanding of what I was asking of him. His turns to the
inside seem better and he stops QUICK when you step in front of the drive line.
He seems to care less about being “flogged with kindness” or having the rope
toss on him. We’ll be introducing the plastic bag next session. Did some light
work on the lunge line. He seems to understand that better. The primary concern
is his hoof health and getting weight on him. The exercise/training program
will keep his mind alert and his body supple. We can see some challenges that
will need to be addressed in training which stem from a lack of exposure and
experience but we feel good about his willingness and heart. The biggest human
challenge right now is to not push too fast even when Roscoe “encourages” us
with his performance. Slow and steady is going to be the mantra around here for
a time.
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