Today's session similar to yesterday. I saddled her without any preparation, which worked OK. I did a lot of approach and retreat to get alongside her and overall the saddling went better than last time. With the saddle on I lunged her over a 2' vertical and barrels, and introduced trotting poles. I also backed her through the ground poles. Started her on tying using a ring on the wall.
Practice mounting went well but no further than yesterday. I was standing well on her stirrup from both sides, but then Brian suggested that he hold her while I got on completely. She did not do well with two of us working her--she never settled down. I went back to working her alone but now she was on to me and I did not take it any further. Worked her over the tarp, did more rope and string work, and ended with pick up off the fence. Can't get her to come up to me very far, but she has at least learned to hug the fence to get out of all the sending. Definitely some progress. I also put ropes around each front leg and practiced picking up the front hooves.
I finished in the outdoor arena, where I pushed her harder than last time. The farm is not fenced so it's a little hairy with just a 14' lead line, but my confidence is building. She definitely needs the new environment--she is much more alert and less in tune with me out there. Her backing in the outdoor can provoke a rear, although I think this will go away quickly. I push through it anyway. The first couple of sends got her very excited and pulling hard, but she softened after some reps. I ended with her jumping the barrels in both directions and then leading her back to the barn using a new route. I am doing work sessions of maybe 90 minutes these days, btw, not including barn chores, grooming, etc.
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