The rain gods cooperated yesterday and we were able to bring Rosemary to the trainer's. We used the trainers harness, bit and cart so things fit Rosemary a little differently. She did not mind the chickens clucking and the rooster crowing. She did wonder about the huge horse cross tied behind her. He must have been 17h +. The trainer breeds Cleveland Bays and fox hunts so most of the horses she has are huge.
We were not sure the bit placement would work because her head is so short, but she only got her tongue over the bit once. Luckily she was not in season. The trainer's stallion is in a pen right next to the arena.
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| See the cute Stallion in the corner |
The cart we used was a tighter fit which actually worked to keep her straighter. I was impressed at how tight she was able to make turns. Rosemary still pulled her tests, starting to trot, reacting to the whip and not wanting to halt. The trainer talked her through it and they both worked well together.
One aspect the trainer started to work on last week was backing with the cart. Rosemary had no clue. When I rode her on Saturday and on Monday I worked on backing under saddle using hand and voice commands. She actually gave me at least a couple steps each time. So of course just after I stopped recording, the trainer asked her to back. At first it seemed she would not do it, but then she backed two steps. I love when training transfers.
It was a reserved lesson, but the advances she made were great.
Now if only we could figure out why she has decided not to get on the trailer?
Man, she has a nice walk.
ReplyDeleteNot sure on the trailering either. My favorite method for teaching trailer loading is to make the trailer the safe place. So I ask them to load, they don't, they get lunged right next to the trailer immediately. I stop them, ask them to get on the trailer again, if they do, they get a break. If they don't, back to lunging. If nothing traumatic has happened, it might just be that she needs a good reminder.
She does have an awesome walk, feels great under saddle too.
DeleteThe trailer issue started last week, no idea why. We backed the trailer up to the barn so the bushes act as a barrier. Today we used her breakfast to load her. She seemed to prefer to load herself, which suits us fine. She walked on and off like four times. I think Rosemary is going through a rebellious stage. Gotta love the cob attitude.
PS. we use the lunge method too :)