Adaptable Horse Training @ Pilar Horsemanship
It's FINALLY here...
Equine Harmony: Building Trust and Bonding with Your Horse
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We have completed Module 1 - CONGRATULATIONS!
Do you want to continue to grow in your relationship with your horse? Watch for information as we offer the rest of the couse at a discounted rate this week only!
All proceeds will benefit LifeHorse At Grand Review Farm!
Want a sneak peek at what the other modules include?
Module 1: Understanding the Importance of Trust and Bonding
Introduction to the significance of trust and a strong bond between a horse and its handler/rider.
Explanation of how trust impacts communication, obedience, and overall horse well-being.
Module 2: Horse Behavior and Communication
Overview of horse body language and non-verbal communication.
Understanding different behaviors such as ear positions, tail swishing, and vocalizations.
Tips for interpreting your horse's mood and emotions.
Module 3: Building a Solid Foundation
Establishing a safe and respectful environment for both horse and handler.
Techniques for approaching the horse calmly and confidently.
Teaching the horse to approach you willingly.
Module 4: Groundwork and Connection Exercises
Introduction to basic groundwork exercises like leading, stopping, and backing up.
Exercises to encourage the horse to follow your lead and respond to cues.
Using body language and energy to communicate effectively.
Module 5: Desensitization and Trust-Building Activities
Activities to desensitize the horse to various objects, sounds, and situations.
Building trust through desensitization exercises to reduce fear and anxiety.
Gradually introducing novel items and gauging the horse's response.
Module 6: Positive Reinforcement and Rewards
Exploring the concept of positive reinforcement in horse training.
Using treats, scratches, and praise as rewards for desired behaviors.
Techniques for timing rewards effectively to reinforce positive behavior.
Module 7: Consistency and Routine
The importance of consistency in training and interaction.
Establishing a routine that promotes a sense of security for the horse.
Benefits of predictable handling and regular exercise.
Module 8: Quality Time and Bonding Activities
Engaging activities to strengthen the human-horse bond, such as grooming sessions and hand-grazing.
Spending relaxed, quality time with your horse to build trust.
Creating positive associations with your presence.
Module 9: Riding and Bonding
Transferring trust-building techniques to the saddle.
Establishing a secure and confident rider-horse relationship.
Incorporating bonding activities during and after riding.
Module 10: Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles
Addressing challenges in trust-building, such as fear, past trauma, or resistance.
Techniques for working through obstacles while maintaining trust.
Knowing when to seek professional assistance.
Lesson 8: Long-term Relationship:
Exploring the lifelong benefits of trust and bonding between a horse and its rider.
The lifelong benefits of trust and bonding between a horse and its rider are profound and extend beyond just the practical aspects of horsemanship.
Here are some of the enduring advantages:
1. Enhanced Safety:
Trust and bonding result in a horse that is more reliable, responsive, and less likely to exhibit unpredictable behaviors. This translates to a safer experience for both the rider and the horse, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
2. Improved Performance:
A horse that trusts its rider is more willing to perform to the best of its abilities. The bond between horse and rider motivates the horse to give its all, leading to improved performance in various disciplines.
3. Open Communication:
Trust and bonding create an environment of open communication. The horse becomes attuned to the rider's cues, body language, and even subtle shifts in energy, enabling a deeper level of understanding.
4. Mutual Empathy:
The bond formed between horse and rider fosters a sense of mutual empathy. The rider becomes more attuned to the horse's needs, emotions, and comfort, resulting in a more compassionate partnership.
5. Stress Reduction:
Trust reduces stress and anxiety for both horse and rider. A horse that trusts its rider is more relaxed, leading to less tension and anxiety during training, riding, and handling.
6. Emotional Well-being:
The bond of trust contributes to the emotional well-being of both horse and rider. It creates a sense of companionship and connection that enhances overall happiness and contentment.
7. Lifelong Learning:
The journey of building trust and bonding with a horse is a continuous learning experience. It teaches riders patience, adaptability, and the importance of clear communication.
8. Resilience and Patience:
Nurturing a strong bond requires time, effort, and patience. This process cultivates resilience and the ability to persevere through challenges, which translates to personal growth for the rider.
9. Lifelong Partnership:
A well-established bond between horse and rider can result in a lifelong partnership. Horses often become trusted companions, offering joy and support throughout various stages of life.
10. Emotional Connection:
Trust and bonding create a deep emotional connection that goes beyond functional interactions. The horse becomes a source of comfort, friendship, and understanding.
11. Positive Influence:
The bond between horse and rider can extend to other areas of life, influencing how riders approach relationships, responsibilities, and challenges with empathy, patience, and respect.
12. Lasting Memories:
The memories created through the trust and bonding experience become cherished and lasting. Riders often look back on their time with their horse as some of the most meaningful moments of their lives.
In essence, the trust and bonding developed between a horse and its rider yield a relationship that encompasses emotional, physical, and mental benefits. This partnership goes beyond the riding arena, impacting personal growth, well-being, and the shared journey of mutual understanding.
The emotional rewards of a deep and meaningful partnership.
The emotional rewards of a deep and meaningful partnership between a horse and rider are profound and can enrich both individuals' lives in various ways. Here are some of the emotional rewards that come from such a connection:
1. Trust and Security:
The bond between horse and rider fosters a sense of trust and security. Knowing that your horse trusts you and vice versa creates a safe and supportive environment.
2. Unconditional Connection:
The relationship with a horse is free from judgment and expectations. This unconditional connection provides a space where you can truly be yourself without pretenses.
3. Companionship:
Horses become more than riding partners; they become companions. The presence of your horse offers companionship, easing feelings of loneliness and providing a sense of belonging.
4. Emotional Healing:
Interacting with a horse can be emotionally healing. The bond offers solace and comfort, helping individuals cope with stress, anxiety, and difficult life experiences.
5. Joy and Happiness:
Spending time with a horse you deeply connect with brings immense joy and happiness. Their presence and the shared moments can brighten your day and uplift your spirits.
6. Sense of Purpose:
Nurturing a strong partnership with a horse gives you a sense of purpose. The responsibility of caring for and working with your horse can give your life greater meaning.
7. Enhanced Empathy:
Developing a deep bond with a horse cultivates empathy. Understanding your horse's needs, emotions, and responses enhances your capacity to empathize with others.
8. Stress Relief:
The peaceful moments spent with your horse can provide stress relief. Grooming, riding, or simply being in their presence can be a therapeutic escape from daily pressures.
9. Personal Growth:
The challenges and triumphs you experience with your horse promote personal growth. You learn patience, communication, and resilience, enhancing your emotional intelligence.
10. Shared Achievements:
Celebrating achievements with your horse, whether they're in training, competitions, or overcoming obstacles, creates a strong sense of accomplishment and pride.
11. Emotional Connection:
The emotional connection you share with your horse is unique and profound. It's a bond built on mutual understanding, respect, and the journey you've undertaken together.
12. Lifelong Memories:
The memories created with your horse become lifelong treasures. From the smallest moments to the grandest adventures, these memories hold a special place in your heart.
In summary, a deep and meaningful partnership with a horse offers emotional rewards that extend far beyond the riding arena. The connection you forge provides a source of support, comfort, and joy that enhances your emotional well-being and enriches your life in countless ways.
Case studies or personal stories of riders who have experienced the transformational power of trust and bonding.
Emily and Luna: Overcoming Fear and Gaining Confidence
Emily had a riding accident that left her fearful of getting back in the saddle. She met Luna, a sensitive mare, at a rescue. Through patient groundwork, gentle handling, and gradually building trust, Emily and Luna formed a deep bond. Luna's calm and patient nature helped Emily overcome her fear. As their trust grew, Emily's confidence returned, and they started riding together again. The partnership not only healed Emily's emotional scars but also allowed Luna to flourish in a nurturing environment.
Jacob and Spirit: From Troubled Past to Trail Partners
Jacob adopted Spirit, a former racehorse with behavioral issues. Spirit was mistrustful and had a history of anxiety. Jacob employed natural horsemanship techniques to build trust and form a strong bond. Slowly, Spirit's anxious behaviors diminished, and he began to enjoy their trail rides together. The trust they developed not only transformed Spirit into a reliable riding companion but also helped Jacob gain valuable insights into patience and understanding.
Sophie and Breeze: Overcoming Communication Barriers
Sophie struggled with effectively communicating with her horse, Breeze. Breeze was headstrong and often resisted cues. Sophie invested time in groundwork, where she focused on clear communication, body language, and voice cues. Through consistent efforts, Breeze started responding more willingly, and their bond deepened. As their trust grew, their riding sessions became harmonious, and Sophie's improved communication skills extended to other areas of her life.
Mia and Dreamer: From Timid to Confident Rider
Mia was a timid rider who lacked confidence in her riding abilities. She met Dreamer, a patient and gentle gelding, at a therapeutic riding center. The bond they formed during therapeutic sessions allowed Mia to gradually build her confidence. As she experienced Dreamer's responsiveness and support, Mia's posture and skills improved. Over time, Mia's newfound confidence extended beyond riding, positively impacting her self-esteem and overall outlook on life.
Ella and Willow: Building a Lifelong Partnership
Ella and Willow's partnership began when Willow was a young filly. Through consistent training, positive reinforcement, and patient care, they built an unbreakable bond. Their deep connection was evident in their seamless communication and the trust Willow had in Ella. As they embarked on various riding disciplines, their partnership remained strong, resulting in remarkable achievements and shared experiences throughout their lives.
These stories highlight the transformative effects of trust and bonding between riders and their horses. Each rider's journey reflects personal growth, overcoming challenges, and experiencing the emotional rewards that come from nurturing a meaningful partnership with their equine companions.
Lesson 7: Enhanced Performance:
The connection between a strong bond and improved performance in various disciplines.
The connection between a strong bond and improved performance in various disciplines of horseback riding is multifaceted and profound. A strong bond between a rider and their horse forms the foundation for effective communication, mutual trust, and harmonious partnership. This bond directly influences a rider's ability to excel in different riding disciplines, such as dressage, show jumping, eventing, or trail riding. Here's how a strong bond contributes to improved performance:
1. Communication: A strong bond enhances communication between the rider and the horse. Nonverbal cues, subtle shifts in body weight, and minimal rein contact become more effective when the horse trusts and understands the rider. This level of communication is crucial for executing precise movements and maneuvers required in disciplines like dressage.
2. Trust and Confidence: A strong bond instills trust and confidence in both the rider and the horse. When the horse trusts the rider's guidance, it's more willing to follow cues, even in challenging situations. The rider, in turn, feels more secure, allowing them to focus on their performance rather than worrying about the horse's reactions.
3. Emotional Resilience: A deep bond contributes to emotional resilience for both the rider and the horse. This emotional connection helps the horse remain calm and focused in high-stress scenarios, which is essential in disciplines that demand precision, such as show jumping.
4. Partnership Dynamics: In disciplines like eventing, where horse and rider navigate multiple phases, a strong bond fosters effective teamwork. The horse and rider work together as a cohesive unit, seamlessly transitioning from one phase to another with a shared understanding of each other's cues and intentions.
5. Responsive Performance: A strong bond enhances the horse's responsiveness to the rider's aids. In disciplines requiring quick transitions, like reining or cutting, this responsiveness is crucial for executing rapid movements with precision and accuracy.
6. Intuitive Connection: A strong bond leads to an intuitive connection between horse and rider. The rider can anticipate the horse's reactions, making split-second decisions that are essential in disciplines where split-second timing is crucial, such as barrel racing.
7. Willingness to Perform: A horse with a strong bond to its rider is more willing to perform at its best. In disciplines that involve complex patterns or courses, such as equitation or cross-country riding, the horse's willingness to navigate obstacles is integral to success.
8. Consistency and Progress: A strong bond fosters consistency in training and performance. As the bond deepens, both horse and rider improve over time, resulting in a more consistent and upward trajectory in their performance in various disciplines.
9. Harmony and Aesthetics: In disciplines that prioritize grace and harmony, such as classical dressage, a strong bond creates a seamless partnership where horse and rider move together in a way that is not only technically precise but also visually appealing.
In conclusion, a strong bond between a rider and their horse is a cornerstone of successful performance across various horseback riding disciplines. It facilitates effective communication, builds trust, boosts confidence, and fosters a partnership that is essential for achieving excellence in each discipline's unique requirements.
How trust leads to a willing and engaged horse during training and competition.
Trust is a fundamental element in creating a willing and engaged horse during training and competition. When a horse trusts its rider or handler, it becomes more receptive, confident, and motivated to participate actively in the training process and perform well in competitions. Here's how trust fosters a willing and engaged horse:
1. Safety and Comfort: Trust establishes a sense of safety and comfort for the horse. When the horse believes that its rider or handler will not place it in harm's way, it feels secure and is more likely to engage willingly in training exercises and competitions.
2. Positive Reinforcement: Trust often involves positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewarding the horse with treats, pats, or praise. Positive associations between the horse's actions and positive outcomes encourage the horse to willingly repeat desired behaviors.
3. Clear Communication: A trusting relationship is built on clear and effective communication between the rider and the horse. When cues and signals are consistent and understood, the horse responds more readily, leading to a smoother training process and better performance in competitions.
4. Reduced Stress and Anxiety: A trusting bond minimizes the horse's stress and anxiety levels. Trust helps the horse remain calmer, which is crucial for effective learning and optimal performance during competitions.
5. Enhanced Willingness to Learn: A trusting horse is more open to new experiences and learning opportunities. It willingly engages in training exercises and is more receptive to trying new skills, which is essential for advancing its abilities in preparation for competitions.
6. Confidence Boost: Trust boosts the horse's confidence in its rider or handler. This confidence translates into a more willing attitude to tackle challenges, both in training and in competitive environments.
7. Responsive Performance: Trust leads to a higher level of responsiveness from the horse. It becomes more attuned to subtle cues and aids, which is vital for executing precise movements and achieving optimal performance during competitions.
8. Emotional Connection: Trust fosters an emotional connection between the horse and the rider. This bond motivates the horse to engage not just out of obedience, but also out of a desire to please and connect with its rider.
9. Resilience and Adaptability: A trusting horse is more adaptable and resilient in various situations. It's more likely to maintain composure and respond positively to unexpected stimuli or changes in the competitive environment.
10. Mutual Respect: Trust builds mutual respect between the horse and the rider. When the horse respects the rider's guidance and the rider respects the horse's boundaries, a partnership is formed that leads to enthusiastic engagement during training and competition.
In summary, trust forms the cornerstone of a willing and engaged horse during training and competition. It establishes a positive and respectful relationship, reduces stress, enhances communication, and boosts the horse's confidence and motivation to perform at its best. A trusting horse willingly gives its best effort, making training and competition experiences more rewarding and successful for both horse and rider.
Examples of top-level riders who prioritize trust and bonding in their training approaches.
Several top-level riders in the equestrian world prioritize trust and bonding with their horses in their training approaches. These riders understand the significance of building a strong partnership based on mutual respect and communication. Here are a few examples:
1. Charlotte Dujardin: A highly accomplished dressage rider, Charlotte Dujardin is known for her deep bond with her horses, particularly her partnership with the legendary horse Valegro. Their trust and understanding were instrumental in their incredible success, including multiple Olympic gold medals. Dujardin emphasizes positive reinforcement and attentive listening to her horses' needs, creating an atmosphere of cooperation and partnership.
2. Beezie Madden: Beezie Madden, an accomplished show jumper, is renowned for her exceptional horsemanship and partnership with her horses. She emphasizes building trust through consistent and fair training methods. Madden values clear communication and prioritizes the mental and emotional well-being of her horses, ensuring they are confident and motivated to perform at their best.
3. Monty Roberts: Monty Roberts, often referred to as the "horse whisperer," has dedicated his career to promoting trust-based horsemanship. His nonviolent training methods prioritize building trust, understanding, and mutual respect between horse and human. Roberts' techniques focus on working with the horse's natural instincts, resulting in a strong bond and willing partnership.
4. Ingrid Klimke: An accomplished eventing rider, Ingrid Klimke is known for her compassionate and partnership-based training approach. She values a trusting relationship with her horses and believes in training methods that prioritize their mental well-being. Klimke emphasizes patience, clear communication, and understanding the individual needs of each horse.
5. Warwick Schiller: A successful reining competitor turned trainer, Warwick Schiller emphasizes building trust and a willing partnership with horses through understanding their psychology. He promotes a holistic approach that considers both the physical and mental aspects of horsemanship. Schiller's methods prioritize creating a safe and enjoyable experience for the horse, leading to improved performance.
6. Laura Kraut: Laura Kraut, a prominent show jumper, places a strong emphasis on trust and communication in her training philosophy. She believes in building a partnership with her horses based on mutual understanding and respect. Kraut's approach allows her horses to express themselves while working together as a team to overcome challenges.
These top-level riders serve as inspiration for the equestrian community, showcasing the significance of trust, bonding, and partnership in achieving success across various disciplines. Their training approaches highlight the mutual respect and strong connections that contribute to horses' willingness, enthusiasm, and exceptional performance.
Lesson 6: Building Resilience:
How trust-building activities help horses become more adaptable and resilient.
Trust-building activities play a crucial role in helping horses become more adaptable and resilient. Horses are highly sensitive and social animals that respond positively to interactions that establish trust, respect, and a sense of security. When trust is nurtured between humans and horses, the animals become more willing to explore new situations, handle challenges, and recover from stressors. Here's how trust-building activities contribute to their adaptability and resilience:
1. Reduced Fear and Anxiety: Trust-building activities involve gradual exposure to novel objects, environments, and experiences. This exposure is done in a controlled and non-threatening manner, allowing the horse to gradually overcome fears and anxieties. Over time, as the horse realizes that their handler won't place them in harm's way, their fear response diminishes.
2. Positive Association: Trust-building often involves positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewarding the horse with treats or praise for responding to cues or facing challenges. These positive associations create a link between the horse's actions and positive outcomes, motivating them to engage in new experiences without fear.
3. Clear Communication: Trust-building activities emphasize effective communication between the handler and the horse. When a horse understands what is expected of them and can trust that their handler will guide them appropriately, they are more likely to handle unfamiliar situations with confidence.
4. Building Confidence: As horses successfully navigate trust-building exercises, they gain confidence in their abilities and judgment. This increased self-assurance translates into greater adaptability when faced with new situations, as the horse believes in its capacity to handle challenges.
5. Establishing a Bond: Trust-building activities are often focused on developing a strong bond between the horse and its handler. A strong bond means the horse sees the handler as a source of safety and support, which in turn boosts the horse's willingness to follow the handler's guidance even in unfamiliar or potentially stressful circumstances.
6. Emotional Regulation: Trust-building activities can help horses learn how to manage their emotions. When faced with something that might initially cause anxiety, a horse that has been exposed to trust-building exercises is more likely to remain calmer, think more clearly, and respond in a controlled manner.
7. Resilience to Change: By gradually exposing horses to different situations and environments during trust-building activities, they learn to adapt and cope with change. This exposure broadens their experiences and prepares them to handle various challenges they might encounter in the future.
8. Improved Problem-Solving Skills: Trust-building activities often encourage horses to think critically and problem-solve. As they become more accustomed to navigating obstacles and puzzles, they develop mental flexibility and creativity, which aids them in adapting to unpredictable situations.
In summary, trust-building activities provide horses with the tools to develop emotional resilience, confidence, and adaptability. These activities promote a strong bond between the horse and its handler, enabling the horse to face new experiences with a sense of security and trust in their own abilities.
Exploring the concept of "desensitization" and its role in trust development.
Desensitization is a training technique commonly used with animals, including horses, to help them become more comfortable and less reactive to various stimuli, objects, or situations that may initially trigger fear or anxiety. This technique plays a significant role in trust development between humans and horses by fostering a sense of safety, predictability, and confidence in the horse.
In the context of horses, desensitization involves exposing the horse to gradually increasing levels of the stimulus that triggers a fearful or reactive response. The goal is to help the horse habituate to the stimulus, reducing their fear and allowing them to remain calm and relaxed in its presence. This process is done incrementally and at a pace that respects the horse's comfort level, ensuring that the horse doesn't become overwhelmed.
Here's how desensitization contributes to trust development between humans and horses:
1. Building Positive Associations: Desensitization is often paired with positive reinforcement. When the horse reacts calmly or positively to the stimulus, they are rewarded with treats, praise, or other rewards. This creates a positive association between the previously feared stimulus and a pleasurable outcome, gradually reshaping the horse's perception from fear to comfort.
2. Gradual Exposure: The desensitization process starts with minimal exposure to the stimulus and progresses in small steps. This approach prevents overwhelming the horse and allows them to adjust at their own pace. As the horse becomes more accustomed to the stimulus, their fear response diminishes, and they learn to remain calm.
3. Trust and Leadership: The handler's role in desensitization is crucial for trust development. When the handler remains calm, confident, and in control during the process, the horse perceives them as a reliable leader. This fosters trust, as the horse learns that the handler will not put them in harm's way.
4. Stress Reduction: Desensitization reduces stress by systematically exposing the horse to the stimulus in a controlled environment. As the horse learns to stay calm, their stress levels decrease, and they develop greater emotional resilience.
5. Enhancing Adaptability: Through desensitization, horses learn to accept and cope with a wide range of stimuli, which translates to improved adaptability. Horses that have been desensitized are more likely to remain composed and manageable in new or challenging situations.
6. Communication and Understanding: Desensitization requires clear and effective communication between the handler and the horse. By guiding the horse through the process and responding to their reactions appropriately, the handler establishes a language of understanding that strengthens the bond between them.
7. Confidence Building: Successfully navigating desensitization exercises builds the horse's confidence in their ability to handle and cope with various situations. This increased confidence spills over into their overall behavior, making them more reliable and resilient companions.
In summary, desensitization is a powerful tool for trust development between humans and horses. By systematically exposing the horse to stimuli that initially trigger fear, and by using positive reinforcement and effective communication, desensitization helps horses become more comfortable, adaptable, and resilient. This, in turn, lays the foundation for a strong and trusting partnership between the horse and its handler.
Demonstrating how trust can empower horses to face new challenges with less fear.
Let’s consider an example of how trust can empower a horse to face a new challenge with less fear:
Imagine a scenario where a horse named Luna is introduced to a new and potentially frightening obstacle: a large, colorful tarp spread out on the ground. Luna has never encountered a tarp before and shows signs of nervousness, such as snorting, backing away, and raising her head high.
1. Trust-Building Foundation: Prior to introducing the tarp, Luna has already participated in various trust-building activities with her handler. These activities have established a strong bond between them, and Luna trusts her handler's guidance and reassurance.
2. Initial Approach: The handler approaches the tarp with Luna by her side. Luna's initial reaction is one of caution and slight fear, as she eyes the unfamiliar object warily.
3. Handler's Calm Demeanor: Luna's handler remains calm, maintaining a relaxed posture and a reassuring tone of voice. This sends a message to Luna that there is no imminent danger, as her handler is not displaying any signs of fear or concern.
4. Gradual Introduction: Instead of forcing Luna to interact with the tarp immediately, the handler takes a patient and gradual approach. The handler allows Luna to observe the tarp from a safe distance and encourages her to take a step closer at her own pace.
5. Positive Reinforcement: As Luna approaches the tarp, the handler offers treats and verbal praise. This positive reinforcement creates a positive association between Luna's bravery and positive outcomes, further encouraging her to explore the tarp.
6. Allowing Choice: If Luna becomes uncomfortable or hesitant, the handler respects her feelings and gives her the option to step away. This respect for Luna's boundaries reinforces the trust she has in her handler, as she knows her feelings are acknowledged.
7. Step-By-Step Progression: Over a series of sessions, the handler gradually guides Luna to step onto the tarp, first with just one hoof, then two hooves, and so on. Each successful step is met with rewards and praise.
8. Growing Confidence: As Luna repeatedly experiences the tarp without any negative consequences and receives positive reinforcement for her bravery, her confidence grows. She starts to realize that the tarp isn't a threat and that she can rely on her handler's guidance.
9. Facing the Challenge: Eventually, Luna walks across the entire tarp confidently and calmly. Her nervousness has transformed into curiosity and acceptance.
By approaching the challenge of the tarp with trust-building techniques, Luna's handler has empowered her to face this new experience with less fear. Luna's trust in her handler's leadership and the positive associations she has formed with the process have allowed her to overcome her initial fear and embrace the challenge. This example demonstrates how trust can be a powerful tool in helping horses confront new challenges with confidence and reduced fear.
Unionville, VA
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In my last post we talked about honest training. The horse I was riding in that video choked the next day, he aspirated and ended up with pneumonia. He is fine, but he ended up getting 4+ months off as a result. He has been in Florida, with me, for almost 2 weeks and had not been ridden since that last post. I am proud to say he’s making HUGE progress. Are we ready to go compete? Definitely not! Are we celebrating the baby steps to him being confident and happy in his life again? Absolutely! Here is the video from yesterday, and I will put one from the first time I asked him to canter after he came home (prior to the short jumping video I posted last) in comments.
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