Saturday Lesson

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Cherie came back for lessons again and Takoda strutted his stuff for her. He showed her that he's becoming a pro at longeing to the left at a walk. Cherie raised the bar for him and we trotted him to the left for some time today, which he actually began doing nicely after awhile. Cherie taught me how to come in to him to tap him on the rump with the longe whip to get him to trot when he does not heed the voice command. I feel like we do a dance when we're doing this. In toward him, then back to my spot, and in toward him and back to my spot - and try not to move! lol The worst part about it was that my hands cramped terribly from holding the longe line (the slack end) and the whip, and using that same hand to tap his rump. Definitely not a position my hands are used to! Thankfully Takoda was quite forgiving when I had to re-position my hands or re-wrap the longe line overlapping to avoid a loop that could take my hand off if he decided to spook and take off.

Longeing to the right was really humorous. Poor Takoda thought his humans had really lost their minds! Understandably, he became quite confused with me on his right side, and wanted to keep turning in toward me as if to tell me I had it ALL wrong! Cherie said to "throw a party" when he makes even the slightest attempt to obey" which we did. One sideways glance at us with his big, gentle, brown eye told me that he thought we were really off our rockers. At least I know I will be getting my exercise this week working him on the longe, in to get him to go, back out to my spot, repeat as necessary!

In other news, Takoda has become quite the dominant gelding in the field. Beauty has battle wounds (bites) all over her hind end mostly from Takoda, but even a generous nip from Tonka. Takoda nips at everyone (horse) he can, every chance he gets. New fencing put up to separate them should help. In addition to Laramie's twice daily medications and Beauty's new medication to treat her melanoma's, we're now doing a nightly wound check and treatment! Kids!!!