A Rescued Horse's Tale: Roscoe's Journey (Day 45-48)

Day 45: The horses had two days off. Today we squeezed in a training session before the rain hit. We did about 15-20 minutes of groundwork review and then saddled up. Our focus was the cruising Lesson, One-Reign Stops and Follow the Fence for a majority of the session with some Backing and Circles worked in the mix. Roscoe is a sensitive guy and reads the energy of his human better than expected. Trying to be “stress free” as the weather was changing was a little tough but singing quietly to the horse (and myself) helped. We had some wins for the most part. Some resistance going to the right in a circle but it may be caused by the unevenness in Roscoe muscle development. Still he did try and was much lighter compared to three rides ago. After 30-45 minutes the rain started so we leaded up and headed home. A good, albeit rushed session. Sadly “life” is going to get in the way and the horses will bet three days off. On the plus side we found a farrier who can do body balancing work. Roscoe is going in for a trim/balance on Saturday. Lets hope it makes him more comfortable and level.

Day 48: Roscoe had a rather extensive hoof trimming which helped to balance his hips and shoulders. The session leveled his shoulders and his hips really nicely and even allowed for a greater range of motion and energy. He did some light ground work on Day 47 but was still figuring out how to move normally (we call it drunk pony syndrome) instead of being a little wobbly. His hooves were really bad when we got him and he learned to walk/compensate for this. Now, after his second trim/adjustment where he REALLY got leveled and balanced for his conformation and stride he is relearning to move again. Its like having a limb in a cast for a long time and then having to rehabilitate the muscles and joint for that limb. It takes time. Another comment was about his nutrition and how it may have effected his development (he is a little croup high). With the evidence noted at the corona band of MUCH better nutrition Roscoe may actually grow a little more! He is already filled out and is looking much healthier! It does take time though.

            Off we go to the arena. The local drill team seems to have beat us there so the big arena is filled. We take the smaller (60 x120) arena and start doing ground work. Being conscious of Roscoe’s hooves and being off balance/sore a bit we did some work on the line for 10-15 minutes. Roscoe likes people and it seems we have bonded a bit. He was really looking to come into my space after each exercise. Truthfully, being away from him for three days was tough and I had to stand my ground emotionally and well as physically. When I did let him in he got LOTS of rubs and even some treats. Yes, I am a softie I admit it. Roscoe gave me a solid effort every time I asked for something. His flexing was a solid B. His Yielding Hindquarters to the left was really nice. To the right…well he was off so it was not as pretty. In short he really tried for me and communicated areas of discomfort in a very respectful manner. It was really nice working together like that. The bit issue seems to be gone. He just opens his moth for it and we move on.  Whew! We saddled up with a goal of just doing a few laps and being done. Nope! Roscoe wanted to work! Most of the time it was just a squeeze and we moved out nicely. Clucking happened a few times when his feet got a little sticky or when he became a little distracted by the drill team. I touched the spanker once…just reached for it to adjust it and got a “yes, sir” response. He actually wanted to trot so we did until I felt him begin tire out a little. His backing was not as smooth but I cut him some slack on this because of his slight soreness. His circles were really nice. There have been some major improvements in the last week or so. It comes down to working the Method, being clear and being a leader combined with being a loving owner. We have a long way to go but we are finding a joy in the partnership and a solid work ethic. We need to own a couple of more Fundamental ground and saddle exercises and then I think some work outside the arena is going to happen. Should be an adventure!