March 31, 2005

It was suppose to rain in the PM and I didn't get out to the barn in the AM so I thought I'd missed my chance to work with the horses. The sky was cloudy all day and the air got damper so all thoughts of trailering to the Horse Park were gone. However, I did go out to groom and once there wound up being able to work with all 3.
Felice: Worked again on her picking up her feet -- used the PNH method of phases on her chestnuts and hocks. She got pretty good with her front -- walked off when I was asking for her back feet. I persisted though and she did give them to me. We still need to work on this -- also time to drive her again.
Kukie -- Tried to get him to follow me again by leading with his chin. He would go up the the swale but not over. So I got the halter and lead -- he left me the first time I tried to put it on -- also tried to bit the halter -- but actually put his nose in himself the second time. I tried sending him across the swale and after a little reluctance he went. We did this approx. 4 times then back to the barn to groom. He stood ground tied for that and then I saddled him and did some driving, leading and a little circling. Took him over to the tree stump to mount. The first time he walked away. I did some hq yields and tried again. After 2-3 times he let me mount. I did a PPL since I haven't ridden him for some time. He walked along fairly well. Then did some follow the rail. He did try and trot once but come right back when I lifted the lead. I need to remember not to pull when I am trying to ask him back to the rail. When I dismounted he nickered as usually.
M - Had to go get her from the pasture but she did let me lead her with her chin. She kept moving off while I was grooming her but I just brought her back to where we were. She stood while I went and got the halter and lead. Didn't saddle her today. Did some leading, stopping, backing and a little driving. Then asked for the circle game. Started with walk, then trot and then canter. She still gets excited when I ask for canter. She kept stopping and trying to come in to me. We will continue to work on her and I staying calm when we do this. Will try doing it for 7 days (5 more left!!)