Maria and Maddie

Maria came over to the barn in the evening for a quick session.  I was very pleased with how Maddie did with Maria.  I caught Maddie and let Maria groom her while I did chores and got my gear together.  Maddie was nervous whenever I walked out of sight by got used to Maria handling her soon.

We saddled her up, although it was difficult for Maddie to have two of us next to her so Maria walked away and I did the saddling solo.  Without working her at all I got the bucket out and showed Maria how I can stand over her and pet her, make noises with the saddle, etc.  Maria stepped up on the bucket and started rubbing her, and then I gave her a leg up and she was completely on top of Maddie!  We did this maybe 3-4 times, trying to have Maria slide off before Maddie moved off.  I finished by leaning over her myself and then taking the saddle off.

Maria tried taking the lead rope off and had the same problem that Ericka had--Maddie got defensive and struck out at the buckle.  Kind of strange to see this problem developing.  I showed Maria and the barn help how to stand at her shoulder and bend her nose in before reaching for the buckle.  I can't even provoke this issue anymore, so I don't know exactly how to fix it other than repetition without the reaction.  I have also played with putting an ordinary halter on and off her head a bunch of times, btw.  She is doing well with this exercise.