DaVinci had an outing to Frontier Park! His first time hauling out somewhere, He was so well behaved.
DaVinci at the river again today
My mustang has been learning to tie. Such a simple concept to us humans, but can be extremely stressful to some horses, including this girl.
She is the type that will stand frozen, and to some she may appear relaxed. Then suddenly something makes her react and she panics. Here, I am keeping her feet moving a bit to let her know she can move still, let her feel that she is still tied when she does get towards the end of the rope, and more importantly, keeping her from standing frozen.
Today she did not pull back a single time! This was only day 2. So proud of her. This has been a huge emotional hurdle for her and she's finally making some progress.
If I had started tying her months ago before she was ready, I would have just made this that much more traumatic for her and caused a lot more physical and emotional harm to her in doing so. She had some terrible experiences before me that has caused her to have triggers over the "small things". Take the time, read your horse. They tell you when they are ready for the next step.
Snippets of Bang Bang's third session. He's catching on very quick to everything I have thrown at him. Today was the first time teaching him to drop his head.
Little bit of the ride with Libby today. Taught her to drop her head/neck at the wither when we're standing and she LOVES it as you can see. Although she needs to learn to actually carry herself still while we're moving and raise her neck and withers, this has been a nice exercise for her to ask her to drop her head and just chill.
Frankie's first time with anything cinched on! No reaction and he was super chill with the whole process. He's really coming around ❤️❤️
I'm behind again on video updates.
But here is Bang Bang session #2. He didn't know much at all when I first worked with him last week, but you can see how fast he learns! For being a 3 year old stud, I'm impressed with his behavior! He's actually pretty mellow and respectful for not having much education under his belt yet.
DaVinci had his first river trip today! He did so great. Being ponied by a mare he's never met with being a stud colt. Such a confident boy and is learning fast.
Update of Frankie. He's gotten so calm and is really maturing mentally. He used to rear and kick out when I first asked for that shoulder to move. Look at him now! He also hated bridling just the last session we had, and as you can see is much better now.
DaVinci exploring the property today and visiting our cows (including a Yak).
Clips from DaVinci's first sessions here! He's coming right along.
Colcci has been struggling to "wear" anything. He's still explosive with the first tightening regardless of how slow I do it, if he's moving already or standing, or even with a lariat that loosens instantly when I want it to. He is however finally getting better about the whole process and learning to relax with his clothes on.
I tried something a little bit different today and I think it will work well for him. We'll see how he is next week with it.
Little bit of riding Felix! He is getting much better about maintaining a walk without stopping or getting agitated. We're now striving for the same thing at a trot!
Frankie's got that "Bluetooth halter" installed now 🤣
Libby the Gypsy is doing so good. Working through her rooting on the bit, but considering she is worked only once a week after sitting for 3 years, she is looking great! Hoping to haul her out somewhere soon. Although her Donkey friend may not be happy about that idea.
Video of Star's first ride.
Libby's video today. The camera angles sucked, so not great video. But I'll get a better one next time.
First day asking Star to sidepass to me for mounting. He picked up on the idea quick, but was stubborn. As you can see though, decent progress for the first time!
Working with Nelly to find out a trigger for a new rearing issue. I had thought it was solely the cinch from when I saddled her last time, but although you can see her a bit uncomfortable about the rope on her belly while backing up, she didn't react the same way she did the first time I worked her. She got anxious when I held pressure on the lead rope when asking her to back, and when I went to put weight on her from the rail. So I'm thinking there's more to it than just the cinch. We shall see!
