Cherie came for another lesson and after the week I'd had with Takoda being horribly full of himself and fully taking advantage of my lack of confidence, I must say I am SO pleased with how the lesson went.
We started by grooming him, and he was disciplined "no nonsense style" every time he picked up a leg. After 10-15 minutes of this he finally seemed to get it that I was serious and started to show more respect and obedience. By the end of his grooming he not only looked fabulous *smile* (thanks Cherie!) but he was also ready to get down to work and not try any funny business. Cherie had me pick up the pace on the walk during walk/halt and he and I both enjoyed that more. He longed to the left beautifully at the walk and then we taught him to longe a the trot. It took him a bit to figure that he could actually trot, but by the end he not only looked great, but was also beginning to "whoa" on the longe without turning in!
He looked a bit painful at the trot, and I knew those front shoes have to come off and he needs a trim. His hooves in front were getting very long and the way he pranced, he looked very tender.
He was rewarded for really good behavior with lots of affection and a couple of treats. And I am rewarded by already seeing a difference in his respect towards me in just one day!
As this is a day late, the farrier managed to make it out today. He pulled the front shoes, decided to keep him barefoot, and trimmed all four feet up. His front left was quite a bit longer than the others - I don't know if that's a race track thing (they do race to the left) or if it was just a goofy job done by his last farrier, but either way they are nice and even. I will watch for tenderness on those feet the next few days. Tonight at feeding he did not look tender on them at all! And I must say yesterday's lesson paid off big time for both the farrier and for blanketing him for this winter weather we're getting. He was outstanding for both!
No comments:
Post a Comment