Wow! I had a great training session with Charmer today! I started out with some groundwork in the round pen, having him follow my change of direction and speed. He seems to like that time and is even getting a little more playful. When I was leading him back down to the tie-ups he was getting excited, so I turned him back on himself in slowly traveling circles and got to where I wanted without him getting excited.
Another rider out there said I am getting a lot done with my
horse, that my patience is paying off. I would agree with him after today.
I tacked Charmer up easily, though he was alert and looking
around. Then I rode him to the main area. I had it to myself today because the other
riders were all at the roping arena. I did various sized circles at walk, trot,
and canter. Charmer is really listening to me when I am riding and I can tell
he is responding to my cues much quicker.
I think the groundwork puts us more on an even field, but he
still knows I am the “alpha” and I am feeling that transfer to in the saddle as
well.
His rollbacks (a technique used in sorted the cows) were
amazing today! Not only did he stop quickly and pivot on his hind legs, but he
quickly picked up the canter in the second direction. He had an excitement in
his movements today and I couldn’t help, but smile on some of those cues he
followed so exactly.
Sorting cows here we come!
