He has become this beautiful horse overnight almost!
So last Friday I went to see him and saddled him for the first time in a LONG LONG time. He has been a little fussy walking on a leadline, but I will say, he was giving me 110% of his attention on Friday.
I set up ground poles for him to walk over. I made patterns out of them and we did a flat walk over them with me on the ground leading him. He did amazing, never pulling on the lead rope, doing as I asked, and pretty much followed what I said.
I worked on the word "over" with him while pushing his on his side to let him move his hindquarters away from me. The purpose to that, in my mind, is so in the saddle he will associate me pushing my leg on him with moving his but over. He did very well with that. We worked on "back" as well, which he is getting very good at.
I then saddled and we worked again on the pattern on the ground. i do need to carry the crop with me as he does NOT want to move out when asked. He has a gorgeous rack, and I am currently working to develop that. Since I do not wear spurs because I do not feel I am experienced enough to do so, the trainer had to get out a lunge whip and "help" him forward. Which, once coerced into the gait, he stayed in it.
He had a slight sweat when we were done and I was very proud of him. I really do love this damn horse and I look forward to putting more work in him.
We have also been working on his mouthing problem. I admit I have caused some of this, but now it's over. He comes at me with his lips and he gets yelled at, or if needed, smacked. He is learning very quickly that I don't play like that and that is a good thing. I also got a sign for his stall that basically says don't feed treats.
I also have to say, my trainer likes him. :) Now don't get me wrong, she thinks he is a bumbling idiot. But, she has told me many times that my horse hasn't a mean bone in his body and trusts her grandkids to work around him. That says a lot. You shoulda seen when her gkid wanted to pick his hooves and the gkid was just bumbling around with it. The kid started whining and saying: but he might kick and his hooves are heavy. She looked at him and said "that horse is being more patient than my horses with you, get it done already". haha
She even pointed out that when I was afraid that he would bolt out of the barn, she said my horse had no bolt in him. He just wants to please. And after she pointed that out, I realized she was right. THIS is why I love this damn horse.
Aw Memphis, don't quit being awesome.
