Reagan's Ground Work

24 minutes
Reagan - ground work
0.14 miles

I knew it was going to be dark soon, but I wanted to work on Reagan standing still at the mounting area.  I saddled her up (and stole back my old saddle pad which Bill "borrowed" almost a year ago) but left her in a halter for flexing work.  She gave her head quickly, quietly, and consistently from both sides so I switched her to the bitless bridle.

We spent the next 15 minutes having her stand while I climbed in the saddle, then flexed her neck to each side.  Sometimes we flexed twice, sometimes three times, sometimes only once, but each time I settled in to the saddle she flexed before I asked her to move off.  I'll reinforce the lesson on Thursday and Friday just to make sure it's cemented and then let her new owner know what we've done.

So, um, this happened ...

Thursday, August 14th  60 minute ride  80°
Rode with Bill & Majesty

Yeah, I stood up on Morgan's back for the first time

Easy Morgie girl ... almost up ...smile for the camera

Went for a ride with Bill and Majesty. Morgan had "zig-zag-itis" so rather than fight to keep her in a straight line, I decided to ask her to swerve in and out of bushes, dart through brush, turn tight circles around mesquite trees, and hop over small washes in the desert.  Then when she had the opportunity to go straight, she didn't try to move off in any other trajectory.

We got home and Bill yelled "Hey Amber, watch this ..." and he proceeded to put both knees in the saddle and raise his arm above his head.  So, naturally, I had to one up him by standing up, then sliding back into the saddle. Bill asked if I could do that again. Ayup. Morgan stood stock still while he dismounted, turned on his camera, and took a picture (with flash).  Even if it's not a flattering picture, it was still good enough to mark the attempt. You're a fabulous mare Morgan!

Whole lot of nothing

Tuesday, August 12th  30 minute training  75°
Solo

Had flash flood warnings all day ... the rain made for some interesting cloud formations and sunsets ... here's a few of the pics on my way through the valley to the house

Morgan waiting patiently for the tacking process to begin

We saddled up with the intention to play with cones, but as soon as I swung in to the saddle we noticed a horse coming down the driveway. A neighbor stopped by to say hello, so we hung around chatting for a bit.  Gave us an opportunity to work on just standing still, so I count that as training.  

Rode out one driveway and in the other, untacked and called it a night.

Morgan's "I want my snacks now" look

Heard from a neighbor earlier in the day that there is a mountain lion in the dunes we normally ride near the house. Until the lion is caught or removed, I won't be riding alone in the dunes.

February 23, 2013 - Morg

Worked with Morgan on standing still

November 12, 2012 - Morgan - 2 Hours

Ditched work early and ran home to join in another trail ride.  Rode Morgan because she needs experience with others.  Bill borrowed Seven.

This time Morg led the pack with Jackie (on Cash) following.  We had to stop three times to let the others catch up.  Morg does not like to stand still. *sigh* 

 We skipped the backing up obstacle, but did the others.  There was one rather large sand dune that everyone wanted to try, so Morg and I charged the hill.  Made it about 1/4 of the way before we turned back.  Need a breast collar to try something that vertical.  One other horse made it up.  Bill and Seven got 1/2 way up before Seven bogged down.

Morgan and I took off to run while they were playing with the hill.  Came back and this time got in the back of the pack.  Morg spent the rest of the ride basically shoving Seven along, but she walked.  We didn't do well at the "gate" obstacle, but we did better than the time before.  I did manage to get the "gate" closed.

While waiting for the others to go through the gate, I tried to keep Morg standing still.  I noticed her cheek strap was bulging and reached forward to adjust it.  She started spinning in circles as soon as my hand closed on the strap.  Had to let go and sit back in the saddle. 

Then we battled about standing still.  When she finally stood, I hopped off and adjusted the strap.  She really fought me and I am ashamed to say I lost patience and gave her a smack to the cheek to get her attention. 

I got back in the saddle and rode her in last place the rest of the time.  Twice she's acted out in the same spot.  I suppose she's anxious to get home, but really, we need to work on standing still and stopping again.  She doesn't stop like she used to anymore.  She also wouldn't load - even with a flag or the butt rope.  I think she was mad at me.  I was upset with her too.

Guess I'll be riding Mochie in Saturday's trail ride. Dang it.