Update on our Equines

Training horses during the week, limits the time we have available to spend with each one. We have found it better to work them each a little every day than take turns on who we work which days. So, on Saturday we set aside the whole morning and part of the afternoon to work with each horse for as long as they each need.

With Soot we spent time to enjoy working on techniques while he pulls the tire. The single tire might be heavy for us to carry, but easy for him to pull even as it fills with dirt. He can sure pull it with ease. We still aren't riding him, till April 2021, but we'd like his legs to continue to bulk up and get stronger. Another stride forward with him is his improvement while being led. He listens and walks slower when we ask him to walk slower, We have even worked in the round pen to have him back up next to us when we back up. He's not completely consistent with that yet, but we think he's understanding the idea.

With Shine, we finally had the availability to ride in the arena. During the week, we don't always have an arena that is available to work in. Saturday we mounted up and headed into the arena. With Shine, I am working on him having the correct body curve. While going right (center to the left), he much more easily keeps his head toward the center while staying on the railing or following the line I have asked him to stay on. Am I asking him to go that way more often because it's easier? To the left (center to the right), he tends to turn away from the railing so he keeps the opposite body curve. I feel we are improving though. We rode in the roping arena too, and I worked at the far end by the shoots. At first he wasn't listening to me, startling at an open gate at that end. After a few repetitions, he was listening and keeping the correct body curve when I asked him to go to that end from either direction. Because the arena was empty, I also got to ride him at a fast canter, that was super enjoyable for both of us.

With Serita, she is still only 7 months old, so we are working mostly on teaching her to lead and let her energy out when we get to the round pen. We are also trying to get her food portions right as right now she is a little overweight. When we get her down to the correct weight we are sure she will have all the energy she needs. And did I mention she isn't afraid of anything? From the lunge crop to a loud plastic shavings bag. She is fine with anything around her back and legs.