I am considering showing Rosemary at a show this month. The welsh show offers driving classes pleasure and working. I am not sure I can get her to back, but it would be a good experience. They also offer a cones course which I would really like to do.
So Mom and I set up an exercise that Andy Marcoux had at the driving clinic. The exercise puts the cones in the shape of a goal post. It allows the horse/driver to work on open stretches and tighter areas.
This shape made with 5 cone gates
Rosemary was really good. We put a straight bar driving bit in her mouth and kept the curb loose. She seemed to be okay with the bit, but she did pop up occasionally. Part of that could be the fact I was making her go up and down a hill. She like Roscoe tried to just walk downhill when she figured out it was a lot of work to control herself and the cart at trot. She was really maneuverable with that bit though. I think I nearly ran us into a tree a few times. When I did steer her right we did circles and curved lines. So much fun!
I just may be brave enough to try a course at the show. Mom took her turn before taking a drive down the road. Deliah called dibs on the passenger seat. I let her have it since it was her 3rd birthday and she loves riding in the carriage.
Finally on Saturday we were able to do something we all have wanted to for awhile, drive both Cobs. Rosemary has been driven with other horses being ridden before, but not with another horse being driven. She was the one we figured would be fine with the process. Comrade was the real question. He is not totally thrilled with driving and has had his dodo moments. So he was the first one we hooked. Peggy drove around with him a bit to refresh his memory. We gave him the lighter cart to hopefully make the experience more fun for him. Once he was settled, Rosemary was hooked up. She of course was ready to roll.
I cringed slightly as I realized the horses had the wrong color harnesses on for the cart they each had. Rosemary had the black harness with the russet accented cart and Comrade had the russet harness with the black accented cart. Good thing we were just driving around the neighborhood. But beyond the fashion error, the horses had no problem driving with each other. While in the arena, they led and followed, passed going the same direction and passed going opposite directions.
When they both showed no signs of worry we headed out of the ring and onto the road. This would be the true test and where Comrade normally has his dodo moments. We started out with Rosemary in front, so that Comrade could see her. I think both were glad to be out of the deep sand of the arena. Soon it was apparent they were okay driving in company and we could enjoy the lovely fall day. I hopped out to try and get a nice shot of them both. Unfortunately, Rosemary kicked in her big walk and out distanced Comrade so they were a bit too far apart.
The day was so nice we just continued down the road with them and let them trot. Comrade took the lead and I was able to get some video. He was not as sure being in front, but he still did really well. As we turned to head back to the barn, Comrade again followed. Heading home can be his problem time. I kept watch on both horses and kept an eye out for vehicles approaching. Comrade actually seemed more responsive and willing with Rosemary driving with him. It really makes me want to see how he does in a pair situation. I did have a "Oh Shit" moment when I looked back as we were trotting to see an SUV on Comrade's ass. I don't know what the driver was thinking, but all I could imagine was Comrade spooking and running into Rosemary. So not good. It worked out okay though. I told Mom there was a vehicle and she slowed. Peggy worried about how close the vehicle was, swerved to the side sharply. Both horses took it in stride while the idiot driver moved by. Then to further test the horses, we came up on a horse and rider. Our social butterflies of horses though they should be able to go and see the new horse. They had to tell them both to get back to work and focus.
Overall it was a complete success. Maybe I can get Rosemary out to some driving events next year. Plus I can't wait till we have all three driving so I can join in too. Roscoe is still coming to terms with the thing that will be behind him. I think we are just going to have to bite the bullet and hook him up to get him over the questioning. But that will have to wait until after our trip to Florida. Hopefully my ponies are not to wild and wooly by time we come back. I definitely see some clipping in my future.
Yesterday we set up some cones in the turn out to act as driving gates. The trees were also gates. Rosemary had to warm up and get use to driving up and down the hill, but soon she was cruising. It was a blast. Mom went first, then me and finally Peggy, who had eye surgery and should not be doing stuff like this, could not resist and took a turn. The hardest part was staying on the seat. We need a footrest for our short legs. I guess there is a reason the drivers are buckled in during the marathon part of a CDE. Here are the videos of some of our drives.
Rosemary just got better as we went along. I think she really enjoyed the challenge. For Eventers, this is kind of the stadium equivalent in driving. Too bad Combined Driving is soooo expensive, I could really get into it.
5 more days for the CPEAP Contest. There are 4 entries, how about a few more... Plus question #3 is turning out to be tricky so keep in mind the words Student and Twice.'
Five years ago Peggy started Comrade driving, but it kind of was pushed behind riding. With the loss of Addie it makes getting him driving more important. So this weekend was his refresher. It went surprisingly well. Saturday we did ground driving. Comrade moved like he was walking through molasses. Peggy had to push his butt a few times to get him moving. Even though he was slow, he listened. He used his head and remembered his long ago lessons. Comrade is really maneuverable and sensitive. After Peggy played with him, I took the reins. He walked and trotted like he had done it all recently and his connection with my hands was soft. Very cool pony!
Peggy decided that we would ground drive him again Sunday morning and hitch him in the evening. While I was feeding my guys, she went and took down the barrier. When I went to help her, I found she had set up some stuff. There were two sets of two poles, jump blocks spaced a horse's width, a tarp and muck buckets. Not only was Comrade getting driven, he was getting challenged. Rosemary was full of it, so I volunteered her to test drive the course. Once she settled her drama mama ways and went to work, she tackled it wonderfully. The tarp made her hesitate, but she did go over. Then it was Comrade's turn. No problem there either. Where Rosemary went through the buckets, he went over them. Very true to each Cob. We did decide Comrade needed a whip to help encourage him to move forward. After him Dottie and Roscoe took turns. Dottie volunteered to be photographed.
Pole tunnel
Pole tunnel
jump spaces
tarp
buckets
In the evening we cleared the arena to drive Comrade. Roscoe thought the cart was way to strange to go near, silly boy has no clue. Comrade had no problem with it except when he was actually hitched. Then he totally whined about the weight and having to go through the sand. This time Peggy had the whip to encourage him. He was a bit of a drunk driver, but he made his turns without worrying about the having to push against the shafts. Roscoe watched in amazement seeing Comrade between the shafts of the weird contraption he himself did not want to go near. Peggy kept the session short and ended on a good note. Pretty darn good for his third time hitched in his life.
This was one busy weekend. My farrier came early Saturday to do Dottie and DaVinci. Then Peggy and I took DaVinci and Rosemary out for a trail ride. We took them down to the creek and let them walk around in it. Rosemary had to make sure it did not eat DaVinci before she took the chance of walking in it. Neither minded the dog bounding about splashing water everywhere. On the way back we had to do some trailblazing through some overgrown portions of a lesser used trail. The ponies were game though and trekked right on.
Then originally we were going to take out Dottie and Winston, but Peggy decided to just watch. So instead I tacked up Winston and Comrade. I started out with Winston, who was a little spooky, and then went to Comrade. Peggy ended up warming him up for me. Once Winston settled I let him be done and took up the reins on Comrade. I knew from Peggy moving him around that he was in a lazy mood. With no whip, I went with transitions to get him moving. Trot to canter to walk to trot to canter to halt. Then when he was quick with those, I went from walk to canter. Comrade did really well. I helped by picking the same spots for the transitions. Considering all his time off I thought he had some smooth transitions.
Finally I ended the day with putting the western saddle on Roscoe for the first time. He of course did not care to the point he tried to take a nap. I came back to his stall to find the saddle almost sideways and him covered in sawdust. Silly boy. I spun him around to see how he was. Roscoe seemed a bit lazy after his time out with Comrade. That was perfect for what I had planned for the next day.
Sunday was warmer and my Mom was off work. So the plan was to work Roscoe round penning to get him thinking work. Then I would get on. First we had to put up a barrier so that we could use a smaller part of the arena. So up went a row of jumps with a row of cavaletti height poles in front. Toss a few cones and voila, a barrier.
Mom and Larry started doing the free lunging for respect with him. Having him change direction and quicken his pace. Most of the time Roscoe behaved, but he still had moments where he resisted. They had to find the fine line of working him enough to gain respect, but not too much to wear him out. Roscoe for all his rebellious times was awesome. At one point he let out a big breath causing the saddle to slip to his side. Mom told him "whoa" and he stopped right away. The saddle continued to slip under his belly. He stood right there like he did not even notice. Larry undid the saddle and let him move without it before putting it back on for the ride.
I took a few deep breaths before I got on. This was a big step for me. I seriously thought I would be paying the breeder's daughter to start him for us. She probably could get the initial steps done quicker and better, but we will try it slow with me. When I got on, I flexed him side to side. Once I was moving that would be my "emergency break." I would essentially be a passenger. Roscoe actually takes his cues from Mom on the ground. More and more I will start asking him to listen to me, but this is a nice way to transition him from groundwork to saddle work. My actions support what Mom is asking him to do.
Roscoe went right to work with no issues carrying me. He definitely has his Mama's big walk and it is starting to look like he has her work ethic.
After changing directions and checking the brakes, we asked him to trot. It was an "AWE" moment. All that movement we have seen in him since the day he was born, I was finally feeling first hand. Roscoe actually had rhythmand push. Plus he felt like he had carried someone before. His self awareness was surprising.
I guess all the ground driving and work Mom has done has really helped. Rosemary did not feel this put together at 3 and she had already been started. Roscoe also reached for the contact. I could have trotted him longer, but he was tired and we needed to end on a good note. After going both ways he halted and I got off. That was so cool. When he was born 3yrs seemed like such a long time, but it went so fast.
And the full video
Now the plan is to ride him the next two days and keep working on his canter from the ground. I am not ready to push him there while on his back. Today we did push him more trot wise. I cued him more with Mom adding the gas. At one point he moved forward on my cues, then stopped and looked at Mom like "Uh oh was I suppose to do that." We dealt with mare distractions and I posted on him for the first time. He still felt as good as he did the day before. What a super pony!
We capped off Sunday by fulfilling one of my goals for this year, driving Rosemary solo. Since the ring still had the barrier up, Peggy drove her down the driveway (a big downhill) and around the corner to come in the arena from the other side. Other than protesting the new gravel on the road, she went right to work. Mom moved the two ends of the barrier closest to the fence to allow the cart to fit through. Peggy then burned some energy off Rosemary by letting her cruise around the arena. On some of the turns the cart slid. Peggy laughed and said that was okay. Then she handed the reins to me and jumped out. It was my turn.
I forgot the pictures, but here is the video
I have to say, I felt good. The contact and my position just clicked. I was not overly worried about my wheel location or the gates. Rosemary and I just went for it with fun results. I did not ask for the pace Peggy got out of her, but we did cruise around and change directions. When I finished, Mom drove her back to the barn. Such a good day. We are so lucky to own the horses we have. I am doing more than I ever expected to do and that is all due to owning the Cobs.
Stay tuned, I will have a giveaway soon. Will probably involve trivia questions and sharing on your blogs, but I think the prize is worth the work.
As I was working my last day at work before vacation, my mom calls and tells me she has gotten the mower stuck in the corner field. This field gets so wet you can hear the water running under the surface. I had told her to cut off the end that gets boggy, but she forgot. She tried mats and bags to try to get it out, but no luck.
The Mower, a step down from a sub compact tractor
Since I was stuck at work, I called reinforcements. Peggy and Larry went to help. After looking at the situation Larry deemed they needed horsepower, ie Rosemary. Mom went and got her ready. Then she about dragged Mom out to the field ready to work.
Mom stayed at her head, Peggy directed the mower and Larry managed the traces. Larry also encouraged Rosemary. She loves Larry and will do anything to please him. When they were set, they asked her to push. Pony girl was like "WHOA." Then Mom said it was like the draft pulls, she dropped her butt and pushed into her breast collar. She worked hard especially since she was ankle deep herself, but that girl pulled the mower out of the bog.
The Work Pony
Larry figures the mower weighs about 600lbs. Rosemary weighs about 920lbs. Is she not a SUPER PONY? The best part is we don't have to ask Dad for help. He would have blown a gasket.
Rosemary went off bucking and running, like saying "Hell yeah, Did you see what I did?"
I really wish I could have seen her in action. That pony keeps surprising us. I love that she did something so hard just because they asked her to. Made her Cob brain think, but that was a bonus for her. She is beautiful and practical. I almost wish I was a breeder so I could make more of her :)
Winter decided to remind us that it is not over yet with another snow storm. This one had less snow, but more ice. After a two hour drive, we found a car off the driveway blocking the way. I got out to see what the situation was and to start working on the horses. Eventually, Mom was able to make it up the hill to park. We left the horses inside since rain came before the snow. They all were hungry, but settled. I gave them some hay to tide them over and started on the stalls.
I cleaned DaVinci and Roscoe's stall into our little spreader and Mom had pitched to doorways to pick up later. The snow prevents us from being able to use our tractor to pull the spreader, so normally we would have this sitting until the snow clears. I started thinking about rigging something for me to drag the manure out to the big cornfields to dump. We have a bucket of the wheelbarrow Winston broke when he fell last year. As we talked about how to use it, we contemplated having Rosemary drag it for us. The wheels began to turn.
Peggy gave us a single tree awhile ago that can be used in situations like this. So we ran a rope through the holes in the wheelbarrow and tied to the metal loop on the single tree. I would have loved to have a solid clip to use, but we did not have one at hand. Her traces attach to the tree on the ends. To test it out we just put hay in the wheelbarrow to put out in the fields. Mom put on her blinkers and breast collar, the only pieces of harness needed. Then we used a lunging surcingle to hold on a quarter sheet. It was freaking cold so that was a necessity. A halter completed the set up. We attached the traces and began to asked her to move.
Spur of the moment, after a night inside, not having driven in ages, Rosemary took to the task like she had done it before.
Short video of the first run: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=759712034040568
The traces hit her legs, the wheelbarrow made noises, but she listened so well. Heck the hardest part was keeping up with her. She powered through the snow. Her Amish workhorse roots were definitely shining. She was so happy to do the work. Success!
We took off her harness pieces and put a cooler on over the quarter sheet to keep her warm while we finished stalls and fed the horses. To help with the next load we put trace extenders, little pieces with buckles, on the single tree. This way when we need to detach from Rosemary it is easy as unbuckling the traces. With three stalls loaded in the wheelbarrow, I pulled it out of the barn beyond where the vehicles were parked while Mom got her dressed. Then we had to wait for the snow blower to go away. She cocked a leg, waiting to go.
This time went just as smoothly as the first. We made to the cornfield, unbuckled her and I dumped the load. We let her go back without pulling. I took that job. The funny thing was that she was better behaved when she was hooked. The night spent inside showed itself on the walk back to the barn, silly girl.
I love that we can utilize her training for practical purposes and she is so satisfied with the work.
So much happened this weekend that I will do a couple posts to cover it all. We have been cursed with high humidity and storms off and on for the last week. Mom finally got a Sunday off, so we were determined to harness Rosemary for her first drive since, geez, I think last summer. New harness and a much smaller sarcoid means she is ready.
The horses were inside and Mom was putting the driving bit that came with the harness on the headstall to try. Rosemary's petite head forced us to poke some more holes into the cheek pieces. We will probably have to cut some of the ends off so they will fit in the fancy channel which hides the sides. Mom was about to start grooming her when the skies opened and it started pouring. Damn weather!!
Fortunately like a lot of summer storms it passed quickly. Now the question was whether or not the footing was be okay? Mom decided to try it. She put Rosemary in the center aisle for grooming and harnessing. Rosemary has gotten good at standing for this part.
Good Pony
Hey! Where did she go? I am ready to go.
Fancy headstall with driving bit
Before trying to hook her to the cart, Mom ground drove her to make sure Rosemary could deal with the bit. Previously we have used a 3 piece loose ring just like we ride her in. This bit is a ported bar with a curb strap. Once before during training Rosemary did not really like this kind of bit before so we definitely wanted to check. The reins we put at the softest setting, to the rings which means the curb is not engaged. Rosemary ground drove like a champ even with a big flat bed for of stuff being unloaded right by the barn. Mom said go get the cart.
Hooking her to the cart took a bit of time. One, Rosemary wants to get to driving and does not stand as well and two figuring out the new harness arrangement. Finally she was ready. We walked her out and Mom mounted. That pony clicked right into work mode. She loves to drive. A couple laps around the arena at walk and trot were all she needed to go for a stroll.
Warm up laps
I hitch a ride
We set off down the road which is lined by corn fields. Rosemary avoided puddles, they might eat her and tried to drift close to the corn. Fast food drive through attempt. Overall she listened and adjusted really well. The maturity we have seen under saddle was apparent in harness too. She trotted up the hills, sat back on the downhills and almost always turned when asked. At one point she tried to run into the corn. Nope sorry girl, back your butt up and turn. I am always amazed at how the figure out how to push the cart on tight turns. Then is was a trot up the big hill, and onward down the road. Mom drove her up another hill and one rabbit bounds away. Then I looked down to see another fuzzy butt take off nearly under Rosemary's feet. Pony girl just kept going.
This side of the field has long grass which helped to keep Rosemary honest. It was here that I took the reins. I did better about keeping my hands together and using more subtle signals. Rosemary needs very little to know what you want her to do. Unlike riding, all you have is your hands and a whip. Kind of a heady experience to drive.
After I played with some turns we headed back to the arena for a final lap. Long grass and humidity make for a tough work out. As we went down a little hill, Rosemary walked then stopped. She picked her head way up and would not move beyond a step or so. I knew something was wrong. I passed the reins to Mom and went to look. Sure enough Rosemary had her tongue over the bit. This type of bit can cause this to happen. She stood still as I tried to help get her tongue back were it should be. I love that her reaction was to stop. Better that than to react with speed. Once that was fixed, she walked on for me no problem.
The last turn, she decided to take advantage of my inexperience and pulled toward the barn. Again I gave the reins to Mom, checked her mouth, no issue. I told Mom to make her complete the turn. With me standing between her and the barn she decided it was easier to do as we asked.
So despite the rain, we had a great Sunday drive. You would never know she has not driven for such a long time. Her steering, bending and straightness have all improved. She was so good, Mom said "I actually had fun." When you can just enjoy the drive and not worry so much about what she is doing, the experience becomes more than training.
I love the Olympics, but the lack of sleep can really make things difficult. Work was particularly tough today dealing with a difficult audit. Eight hours of counting little pieces of silver Pandora jewelry, not fun. Back at my desk I found that Mom had left a message saying that we would again bring Rosemary to Peggy's without the driving trainer.
So with the rumble of thunder in the background, we hooked up Rosemary. Peggy worked her in the arena for a little while. Then she slid over and had Mom take the reins. I was impressed with how Mom handled the drive. She walked and trotted, when Rosemary deigned to listen.
Mom and Peggy after their drive
Then much to my surprise, they asked if I wanted to try. I did, but I was scared. Peggy stayed with me and Rosemary was more likely to stop then move so that settled my nerves some. The carriage seat is on springs, so no seat aids like in a saddle, My hands were suppose to be as close together as I could get because eventually I should be able to drive one handed. Lots of details to keep track of.
Rosemary knew that I was not completely sure and she would not trot unless I was emphatic. I have to work on keeping track of the wheel positions, Peggy had to remind me not to get too close to the fence. Rosemary felt great and it was amazing to feel how smooth she is between the shafts. We looked a little "drunk," weaving a bit as I learned to handle the reins. This experience was certainly the cherry on top of my day.
my maiden drive
Holy Cow, I am driving
Peggy decided to let her finish with a drive on the road. I got to ride along and Rosemary moved on trotting down the road. She was glad to be out of the deep sand. At the corner, we made a right down a small hill. Rosemary trotted, handling the weight of the cart well. She slowed a few times questioning whether her answers were correct. Peggy slowed her in prep for me getting down, but a big, diesel truck came up from behind. She drove her down onto a grass area, and the truck passed. I hopped down to walk at her head. Rosemary really did not care about the truck or the hills. She seems to only care about the dark pavement, that is weird to her. Peggy trotted her up the hill and down the road back to the arena, halting at a couple points.
I love the experiences owning Rosemary has allowed us to have. The Cobs have won me over.
Well, the trainer canceled and we thought Rosemary would miss another driving session. When my called Peggy to let her know, it turned out that she was able to play. So we brought Rosemary and planned to make an excursion outside the arena.
Mom warmed her up by ground driving her in the arena. Then she ground drove her on the road, while Peggy and I dragged our feet through the gravel. Rosemary wiggled a bit but kept walking. There were garbage cans, mailboxes and a flag, but the only thing she looked at was a darker patch on the road.
Once back in the arena, we set to hooking her to the cart. While we were doing this a bunch of kids came by riding bikes. Rosemary was interested, but stayed still. That all changed when a Bay horse, which she of course thought was Dottie, came walking after the bikes. And as an aside, that horse was a saint. The girl riding bareback had no helmet and no shoes and I do not think she was holding on to anything but the mane as someone else led the horse. Anyway, Rosemary called the other horse answered and she got impatient. Luckily the kids, bikes and horse cleared out so Rosemary could settle.
Peggy started her out in the arena to get her focus back on working. Then she burned some carbon off by letting her trot. When her head was back, we headed out. We went first down this little hill to a dead end in case she got loose it would be into the woods. She handled the hill great managing the weight of the cart while maintaining her stride. You will notice the video is very shaky. Trying to tape and keep up with Rosemary was hard to do.
Peggy had her make the turn and head up the road. Rosemary settled into her ground covering walk and enjoyed the area. Then she went down a bigger hill and made a much tighter turn around to come back up the same hill.
She really has to push against the shafts to make the turn.
Oh and when we got to the top of the hill, a UPS truck came driving by. The driver slowed, but Rosemary did not even bat a eye. Peggy decided it was time to get in. They headed back down the first road to the grass turn around again. This time Peggy let her trot up the hill. Peggy thought about continuing down the road, but decided not to push it since she was being good so she turned into the arena. Rosemary picked up a jaunty trot and cruised around. She came to a nice halt when Peggy asked.
Driving really seems to satisfy Rosemary and she loves all the new aspects. She had not been driven for nearly a month before this exercise and had no major issues.
We decided while sitting around for hours at the Welsh show last month that we, my family and Peggy and Larry, would do a cook out to celebrate a year with Roscoe. So this Saturday, instead of going to the Eastern National Welsh show, we hauled Rosemary and Dottie (yes Roscoe did not get to go to his own party) over to Peggy's for what turned out to be an awesome weekend.
When we arrived, the girls went out in one of Peggy's turn outs. Rosemary delighted in showing Dottie where the trough was and the run in and the boys.
We went about getting the food ready and waiting for Dad and my sister to show up. The dogs provided entertainment. Little Griffyn vs Large Shadow,
Shadow lays down to give Griffyn a chance.
Play stopped when Dad came and he and Larry went to grill the meat. Dog noses followed the meat tray.
Male bonding. Fire, meat conversation
When the food was finally ready, the dogs tried really hard to say they were starving.
Nothing better than a good meal with friends and family. Well maybe driving and riding with friends.
After the meal, while the men talked the ladies headed to hook up Rosemary for Peggy to drive. We used her headstall and Peggy's brown harness. Rosemary was a superstar. She was able to trot and make the turns in the arena. Three weeks ago she could barely trot in the same arena. Peggy had a lot of fun driving.
Shadow and Griffyn decided they wanted a ride.
As Peggy and I were unhooking Rosemary from the cart, we could not figure out why we had to work so hard to push the cart off her. The answer...
We all just laughed.
After a lovely desert of coconut cake, chocolate cake and pudding pie with a wine toast the four girls went for a ride. This would be my sisters first trail ride. Unfortunately she was a bit nervous since earlier in the week Dottie bucked with her college girl. Since it was later, the light was going and the pictures did not come out well. We did a short ride to give my sister a taste. Once we got the right order, Rosemary then Dottie then Comrade followed by Addie, the ride smoothed out. All our ponies were great.
We were all having fun and did not want to leave, so we decided the girls could spend the night and go home on Sunday. Dogs, people I think we were all exhausted.
Sunday dawned another beautiful day. We met Peggy in the morning. The girls survived the night and did not work over Larry too much. He is a sucker for mares.
Again we tacked the ponies and went for a longer trail ride. With out my sister we could go on a more difficult path. Comrade took care of Peggy, Rosemary worked her butt off and Dottie was in heaven. The unplanned overnighter turned out to be a great idea. And we got a better picture.
Left: Mom and Rosemary, Peggy and Comrade, Me and Dottie
DaVinci did scold us for not telling him the girls were staying out all night. He had sleepy eyes today, so I think he was waiting for them to come home.
Tomorrow weather permitting, Dottie's college girl will be trying to ride him. Their first attempt did not go well so she backed off and waited for us to be there. Should be interesting.
Today as we drove to the barn, we did not expect to do much of anything. Rain and thunderstorms were in the forecast. As we got closer to the barn the sun was shining, sort of, through the clouds and Mom decided to work Rosemary in harness a little bit so she would get some practice before tomorrow.
Of course the horses were dirty, muddy messes from the previous rain storms. Mom set to work grooming, Ha ha, Rosemary. I started to bring out the training PVC system and her harness. During all this DaVinci was walking the aisle and eating hay out of the wheelbarrow. I told him he would need to go to his stall. He looked at the harness and decided that he would go to his stall.
As I followed to put up his stall guard, I got an idea.
I put Rosemary's harness on DaVinci, muddy and wet. Then I decided what the heck the lunge line was out, I would just long line him until mom was ready.
Mom saw what I had done and decided to put Rosemary's driving bridle on him too. That adds a whole other level since it has the blinkers. 23 yrs young and he was sporting a harness for the first time.
Is he not cute or what?
And we were off. I started by lunging him so he could get used to the blinkers. A couple times he tried to turn in so he could see me, but overall he was good.
Then I connected the "reins" to his halter, which was under the driving bridle, and had my sister act as the side walker holding the lead line. DaVinci has long lined a fair amount in the past, but the driving harness puts the lines at a higher setting, withers vs belly. This was a first for me too.
If you read my last post you will remember I mentioned the connection I have with DaVinci. Well this showed his trust in me. He listened and understood I was not going to let anything get him while he had on the blinkers.
We were not the straightest pair, but he did so good.
Swishy tail
Nice head shot against the barn. Ears listening to me :)
Then I gave the reins to Mom. She has been working Rosemary, so she put the reins to his bit. He had no problem and went to work stretching and chewing.
oops one more of my turn
He was a Super Star. And after he was a satisfied, happy pony snoozing in his stall while we worked Rosemary. Five years ago when he arrived at 2am from CA, I never would have thought he could wear blinkers and work as well as he did today.
Happy boy
Stay tuned for tomorrow. Rosemary may be hooked to the cart and I will be armed with the camera.
