Getting fun

Another terrific day.  I worked her a bit in the round pen, got her hooked up no problem, and then went to saddle her.  This was still a bit of a nail biter, which is mostly my fault.  I need to do more approach and retreat, and to retreat when things are going well.  But progress is being made.  The dressage-style girth is not the best to do the first saddling on, since the buckles are down where a new horse is very ticklish.  A hunter girth would work much better, but this is my deepest seat and it's the saddle I'll use for the first ride.

I did all our regular groundwork with the saddle on, including the jump and the barrels, which I pushed together today and made her jump.  She sends better than any horse I have trained to date.  I could stand next to the barrels, with her at a standstill, and just point and over she went.  Two steps, then turn and face me.  I worked today with just the 14' lead and no stick.

Backing is getting good.  I am using Chris Cox's technique with rope only and standing slightly to either side of her head.  I can keep a generous loop in the lead and she takes nice steps back and does not turn away.  She has stuck once or twice and thought of rearing, but I make myself big and she gets the idea.  I don't think she tried nipping at all today.

I introduced her to the tarp today and it went so well!  She was sniffing at it as I dragged it away from her and even stepped on it while I was setting it up.  She looked at it but did not even jump--she stepped on it every time!  I opened it up a bit and she walked or trotted over it very easily.  WOW!  It's never been this easy with a horse.  She never thought about running out or running me over.

She is still more tuned up with the saddle on than without and I need to throw the rope at her some more.  Maybe use the string tomorrow.  If I throw the rope over the saddle it makes a slap on the opposite side and she is still jumping at this.  My poor saddle is covered in dust and dirt from this exercise.

Got along side and leaned over a bunch of times and weighted the stirrup and stood up and leaned over her.  I did this both sides and she did very well.  Should be able to sit on her tomorrow.  My timing was a little better for this and I was careful to retreat when she was standing still.  Oh, it feels great to be next to her and hugging her all over!

Took her outside to finish up and did a little backing and sending in the outdoor arena.  I'm really pleased with everything right now.