The borning life

Well friends, (LOL, like anyone is reading this, lol) Henry bolted on the trainer the other day. Actually about 2 weeks ago. It was very scary, well it was for me from the ground but the trainer handled it beautifully! Unfortunately the weather has been so bad that we, meaning her, hasn't had a chance to give it another go until yesterday.

If I can back up a bit I can tell you that he was handling every thing so well, but just wasn't sure about what we were asking of him. He will go anywhere you would like as long as he can get there via reverse or sideways. On that particular day, I'm afraid that he got so confused that he decided to bolt in order to gain some control over what was happening. Like I said before, scary!

Yesterday he was a statue, which is fine I suppose. He took a few baby steps sideways, and the lesson was over. I'd been really working on giving cues to him from the ground, that that hopefully from the saddle it's not so scary for him. From the ground he is a big puppy dog and digests all the new info so fast. From the saddle though it's a whole new world, and if there isn't someone on the ground for him to follow he is very unsure. luckily he isn't an EMM horse, cause we really need to take our time on this!

The one super thing that did happen between those to days was that the Vet was out to float his teeth. Henry stood like a champ and offered nothing in way of protest to the vet. I was so thrilled!! He is such a great guy, and I am thankful everyday that I got tricked into buying him! :)

A bad horse day

I guess they are allowed to have bad days too. Maybe he had a headache, or the extra annoying wind was bothering him. Maybe he had a belly ache. Or maybe, oh who knows.

Whatever it was, he bolted. He bolted with the trainer on him. Scary. It was like a rocket. Out of nowhere, off he went, fast. Thank God it wasn't me. THANK YOU GOD!!!

Anyway, the trainer got off and worked him on the ground again for a few minutes before leaving. Now I'm sitting here wondering if she plans on coming back.

After seeking the advice of horsey friends I have a better understanding of what might have been taking place. See, I wasn't listening to him. I wasn't in tune. He pulled a stunt with me in the morning that should have clicked with me that he was having an off day. I should have listened to him. I just thought it was fun to reuse those wild horse handling skills. Silly me thought it was a game. Obviously he was trying to tell me something.

Not today Mom, just not Today.

I also learned that he likely bolted because he didn't understand what was being asked of him. I hope that I didn't create that situation when I rode last week. I was the only one that did get him to go forward though, and we made a beautiful circle on the paddock rail. All of that could have been for not though as soon after that I was on the ground with a freaked out horse over in the corner hanging his head.

All in all I love this learning experience. I love my horse and don't think that this is something that will impact us sharing trail time down the road in late Spring. It just means we need to regroup and take a few steps backwards. And most of all I need to listen!

We did it!!!

I knew God created Half time for something!!! I managed to get my Hub and his friend to witness the big event during half time of the first football game of the day. I was more nervous that I expected to be, but I knew that he was ready, and I knew that I needed to work through my issues. It was amazing!

I tell ya, being up there was like being on top of the world! Through all our trials and tribulations in this journey we did it! We DID IT!! It's such a fantastic feeling.

Henry was perfect! Minus one semi nervous moment. He recovered quickly and was so calm like he had been ridden a million times before. If I wasn't smiling so wide right now I'd probably start crying! It is so nice to be at this point together! We make a great team!

Stay tuned for more riding time as this is sure to become more interesting. His treeless saddle will be here soon and then there isn't one single reason I won't be out there everyday!!

This is the best thing since birthing my kids. seriously!

He Did it!!!

Henry had his first official ride today. He was such a perfect gentleman! I knew that he was beyond ready to be ridden but it took a little tiny ultimatum to get his trainer to see things my way!!

I am still planning on riding, or sitting, on Sunday and am more excited than ever now.

I am just so proud of this guy!!!

Muuuuuuuuuuddddd

Mud sucks. My back is pissed. After all my efforts yesterday, I woke today to find more effin mud. Wasted efforts, and now no clue what to do. Pea gravel, or hog fuel I assume, but I don't understand how that stuff works. If the ground is saturated how does the gravel help? Seems it would just get misplaced or float away.

At least the shelter stays dry. That's a huge relief!

What?

What? You need pics of Henry? Well, humf, if I must then here you go.

My horse is cuter than your horse!! :) See, isn't he the handsomest Horse in the world?
This is him saying "Dinner Please" Yes, he uses manners!

And to prove he's the best in the west. My horse let me pull his tooth out. What will your horse let YOU do??

Seriously, the tooth pulling thing had me smiling for a week. If that's not a horse trusting you than I don't know what is!!!

Catching up on Henry

Well, it's been way to long since I created this space for bragging about Henry. I can't tell you how much I am in love with this horse. I think I might need a support group. :)

Since I brought Henry home in June things have gone way up and way down. We have definately been on a roller coaster together. Currently we are making HUGE progress with the help of a nearly certified Josh Lyons trainer named Dana. (Josh is John's son btw) I found her purely by luck, actually she kind of found me, and she has proved to be just what the Mustang ordered. We have skipped the whole round penning aspect as Henry HATES it and knows the game way to well. Instead we have been raising and lowering his emotions by various methods. It's an interesting approach, but I'll tell you what.....He's a "In my Pocket" horse now. No spook or Wild Mustang flee/fear anymore.

Together we worked on feet, and got the front hooves trimmed. He stood like a perfect gentleman until the farrier got close to the back. I was not disappointed though as I didn't even expect to get the front done. The farrier comes back on the 10th so our goal is to have him ready for the back by then.

I think that what impresses me the most is how hard Henry tries to please me. He gives it his best shot no matter what I ask of him. Sure we still have a long way to go in our Journey but when Dana asked how my riding skills were and then suggested a refresher course I knew that we were making huge strides in right direction.

I am in no hurry to ride him, I am content to have a buddy on the ground for now. I can't wait for the day when we have family trail rides, and clinic outings. This guy surely has my heart forever!!