Training Day 2

We started the day walking around outside, trotting a bit, practicing WHOA... My horse struck at me, so we practiced the "back" signal, but he is pretty much turned off of that thanks to Bi-otch's little stunt yesterday.  So...  We went inside the arena, worked with a big ball, a barrel, a step stool, and lots of other things.  My boy did great. He only stepped on my boot twice!  (OUCH!) 

What did we acomplish today??

1.  built a lot of trust today
2.  He took his de-worming meds like a champion
3.  Continued spacial awareness
4.  intro to stepping up onto things (a wooden bridge)
5.  Playing with his tail
but here is the big one:
6. I stood on a step stool and layed over his back.  He just stood there like a lamb!

Its hard to believe how far he has come in 2 days!  From ground zero to a solid start.  Its great.

As for me?  I'm doing all right.  I keep myself busy.  I'm looking forward to the rodeo this weekend.  I'm looking forward to the look on certain peoples faces when my horse can cut in no time at all.  I'm still hurting.  Bad.  You know its bad when music even hurts to listen to.  That never happens to me.  I get that sinking feeling deep deep inside.  But my horse helps.  He depends on me, and I depend on him.  We really are great together. 

Training Day 1

Today was a very eventfull day.  Besides arguing the crap out of the Progressive insurance claims representative (who won't pay me to cover damages on my truck) I had a decent day working with my new horse.  Considering we started at 7 am and he was completely green (Im talking no experience with a lead rope, brush, water on his feet, NOTHING) we ended the day having accomplished the following:

1.  respectfully walking on a lead roap (no crowding)
2.  Haunch turns from ground level
3.  Moving away from pressure
4.  Familiarity with brushes, combs and water
5.  Comfortable in cross ties
6.  a solid WHOA!! 
7.  Follow the leader walking and trotting
8.  A full circle around me, while I'm standing still
9.  backing up off of hand signals
10.  Squaring up front feet
11.  moving away from pressure on hind legs
12.  playing with a large exercise ball (He had the thing bouncing off his head, shoulders and side with no trouble) 

And lots more.....

But then a lady came in and tried to tell me what to do with MY horse and she grabbed him, shanked him and backed him up with force, no hand signals, and my gelding flipped his lid and regressed a TON.  So... I hope tomorrow will be a decent recovery day of the above mentioned skills??

Stay tuned for his training updates to come!  He is a beautiful, talented beauty!

As for my heart, its lonely and really down in the dumps.  The horse helps, but not enough.  :(