Small, slow and steady progressional steps are still steps heading in the right direction 🙌
As mentioned, Skye has moments of uncertainty through insecurities, and with new asks she will have "scoot" moments, and even if she doesn't react, you can tell it's there loading. Even to the point of patting her butt when up on the mounting block or grabbing her tail she'd be very wary and ready to evade.
So Scott has been spending alot of time bareback so she could feel every movement and touch - still while being allowed a voice and an option to move if she felt it needed.
With each session she let her guard down and progressed better each time, giving green lights to head out the bush for the first time last night.
There is no set program for every horse, they genuinely take the time they take, but if you listen and adapt, they'll still reach the finish line acceptingly and successfully. 🥰
Little Duncs wrapping up his 6th and final week. 🥰
This fella has come along so amazingly and tries super hard each session.
He's really starting to listen to my legs and seat for a stop and I couldn't be any more proud of him!
Over the weeks I've kept it balanced with groundwork for preparation, bush rides for clarity and exposure and the odd short arena session to introduce some leg and seat control - plus plenty of downtime to process.
A good ratio is key to not overloading and keeping them enjoying their work - resulting in enjoyable and visable progression each ride.
I've loved working with Duncan, not only his trainability but his character has left me smiling and laughing every day!
The future is bright for this legend! 🙌
When it's 40⁰ outside, where else would we be?!
Dolly, Duncan and Viking's first dip in the dam - I'm pretty sure they were all very appreciative of it too! 🌞
Mouthing.
It's been a while since I've touched on my mouthing process, so I filmed Dolly and Duncan's first day with the bit in.
The first day of introduction I'll basically put it on and let them fiddle with it until they accept it and relax.
The way Dolly is playing with it is very common, but the next clip of her is only half an hour later - already accepting and seemingly comfortable with it.
I didn't film Duncs to begin but he actually stopped playing within 5 minutes, showing that some get used to it alot quicker.
I'll also add that I will not introduce this until they are 100% tying patiently. If they're not accepting of being tied up, chucking a piece of metal in their mouth is only going to make them more irritated - and not at all be beneficial in any way.
Second day I'll repeat this to begin, and once they stop fiddling, I'll step into flexing and stepping through/giving to direction on the ground and eventually a bit of lunging.
This is all repetition of what I've taught previously in the halter - so they understand my commands and moves, it's just asking through a different piece of equipment.
Breaking down and simplifying these steps again is essential for me to make sure they not only understand but are also comfortable to transfer into riding in the bridle. 😊
First ride on Dolly - and why not make it a first bush ride while we're at it. 🙌
I gave Dol a couple steps around last night in the roundyard, but the flies were horrendous and giving us both the irrates so called it a day. When the plan of an early ride proved just as annoying I headed bush instead.
This is definitely not a common occurrence, but if they're giving the right signs and vibes, then why not.
There are many ways to ask for a first ride, and also a first outside ride, and although it's true to have the right buttons and commands to suit your program, it really does come down to the individual horse and what they'll allow, offer, and above all their comfort levels.
I first lunged her out here making sure I had the same connection as at home, then some driving from alongside to make sure she had the self confidence to lead the way, and when she ticked those boxes and was super relaxed and willing, I swung on.
She was a little sticky in the feet to begin - no different than some first rides in a roundyard, but once she got moving she was in her element and was a total superstar. ❤️ So proud of this awesome girl!
Duncan's first bush ride. 🙌
This little lad pleasantly surprised me yesterday! Although he had more forward thoughts in the arena a few days ago, he still wasn't overly impressed or engaged. As soon as I stepped on out here, he was alot more enthusiastic and thoroughly enjoyed himself throughout the ride, alert and aware of his surroundings but not reactive - just how I like them!
You'll see I allow plenty of touch and smell, and pause time when he needs - making sure he knows he has the option to investigate for his own confidence and understanding.
Such an awesome first bush ride! 🥰
Fantastic ride, on even more fantastic ponies 🥰
With both Bee and Viking finishing up their 8th week in training, this was their first ride out in company and they absolutely blew us both away, giving us a fuss free and super enjoyable cruise through the bush.
As mentioned on previous rides together, we never want to play follow the leader the entire time. We'll switch it up and separate if the horses disposition and demeanour allow, just to test their self confidence and make sure they're listening to their rider - with both succeeding incredibly.
Side note - you'll notice Bee still in a halter, her owner has said she loves riding bitless, so have been honouring these wishes, but I have started mouthing her also, I'm just yet to put together a correct bit and bridle combo that fits her perfectly 🙈 but I will say, of all the horses we've ridden in halters, this big girl is one of the softest and most responsive. She's so respectful of the halter pressure and is a pleasure to ride in it - which should give her owner the confidence to take her out bitless when desired. 😊
First ride for Duncan 🙌
This fellow is super chilled and at times a little unenthusiastic 🤣 but even with these easy going types, it's still important to make sure the basics are set on the ground so they understand what's being asked on their back.
I got Duncs moving his feet a bit more on the ground before this ride, getting him more switched on with a purpose, which in turn got him more interested in what I was asking.
With that I was able to have that bit better connection for a clearer and successful first ride. 👌
Scott having his first ride on Bee...while I ducked for cover away from the incoming storm 🙈🤣
I do love a big storm rolling in for photos, just prefer to get under cover at the first sign of lightning! Thankfully it went around and allowed me to watch these 2 cruise around for the last session of the arvo ❤️
A break in the weather this morning called for a steamy stroll on Viking.
No music needed for this one, the sounds of the bush locals after the rain is pure perfection. 👌
Equine Education based in Yinnar Gippsland.
