This pretty mare came in yesterday for training - I've got 4-6 months with her, maybe more if it's going well and the owner thinks it'll be beneficial to see how far she comes. She's a 10 year old Oldenburg mare who has never really been started, so it will be very interesting to see how she comes along. Right now she's very soft everywhere, a stark contrast to Kat who remains absurdly well-muscled
I treat the first backing as a desensitizing exercise like anything else and like to get that out of the way as soon as I can. Today we did some lunging, lots of "this is how we stop like a polite horse with manners," and I hopped on her to scratch her all over and give her pats.
We'll continue with ground manner bootcamp and start introducing a bridle some time this week, ending each session with me just sitting on her and patting her lots. I want my presence to be absolutely no big deal, whether I'm on the ground alongside her or on her back.
She is lovely! Has a kind eye :)
ReplyDeleteI think so. She's a sweetie
Deleteooh exciting! that's not a tiny horse either!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely not - excited to see how she really moves under saddle
DeleteWhat a lovely looking mare! I love how you are taking time to establish ground manners and do ground work before you get to riding.
ReplyDeleteI do what I can to make sure she's well-prepared.
DeleteSuper cute
ReplyDeleteIsn't she?! :D
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