Taking a small break before we get the party started. No need to rush or anything, is there?
Off we go...
Lots of big circles, little circles, wide turns, sharper turns, stop and wait...
Love the way he is moving in this one. Walk on, more circles, more turns, a few serpentines...
and then we were done for the day. He did really well and we hooked him on Sunday too and I got into the cart for the first time. Yes the breeching and tie back straps are loose here. It was intentional so if anything was to happen and it all went south- everything could be undone in a hurry and without much effort. Remember- this is only the second time he has been put to a cart and expected to pull it. The shafts are a touch narrow and short on him too. Saying he has been tough to fit on a number of things is an understatement!
The woman I bought the cart from expressed a few concerns about some things she seen in the photos and I explained to her everything we have done so far, leading up to this point. We have intentionally let the cart bump into his back legs and butt, bounced the shafts in the tugs, patted the seat and made all sorts of noises. Let straps hang off him, tugged and jiggled the harness, used poles to teach him the shafts don't bend, but they do move with you sorta...
We have pushed a lot of buttons on him in the comfort of home and a familiar environment so that he knows- life is not always quiet, shit happens and as long as you listen to me (or whoever is at the other end of the reins) you will be just fine. We have done as much as we can think of to show him that None of this is a big deal and doesn't deserve much of a reaction if any. Yes there will be times when he will need to Move it, NOW! but I want him to do it only because he is being told to, not because he is freaking out over something incredibly dumb.
There is an ADT up north next month. While he has been really easy to train so far and very accepting of everything, we will wait and see where he's at before making any big expectations on that front. We waited this long... There is also an open schooling show at the local horsepark on May 15. Nothing fancy, just go around the ring a few times both directions and call it good. Maybe we can make that one?
4 comments:
Looking good ! That is one spanky pony!
So cute! Love what you are doing and posting the why of it all! Keep it comin'
OMG...He is adorable!
I want one...LOL.
FV- To say I love this pony is putting it mildly. He is fun to work with, learns quickly and gives you far more than you ask for.
VaqueroGirl- We have done as much as possible to blow him up, set him off, push his buttons and let him know- there's nothing to worry about. As I told the woman we bought the cart from- to say we want him as unflappable as possible, every step of the way is an understatement.
BECG- Seriously? Because we can make you one, you know... lol
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