Well, started with Kathryn's Arab gelding today. I just let him kinda calm down a bit yesterday and the wind was terrible (40+mph with almost 60mph gusts). It is more bearable today (20-30) so I started with him. He took the bridle well, a little high headed and backed up a bit when I tried to bit him but nothing terrible. The saddle was a little more difficult, he kept wanting to move forward, so I just kept the inside rein short and let him walk until he stood. I'm not a big fan of tying solid when I saddle unless I have to. He responded well to the cinch, a little sensitive but no offer to hump or buck. He is currently standing with his head tied to one side while I wait for him to supple a bit. I haven't decided yet whether I will ride him today or not, I am here by myself and I will just have to see how he acts when I go back out.
Anyway, just thought I would share that bit of progress and a couple of pictures.
Here, he is resisting the bit just a touch. I tie their head around to teach them to be supple and give to the bit. It is not a solid tie and they can get loose if something happens but it takes a fair amount of pulling. That way it frees up some of my time to work with other horses or do chores while he learns. You have to know exactly how long to leave the rein, too short and he will learn to brace, too long and he won't learn to give.
Here, I knew it was time to tie to the other side cause he was just standing with his head to the side and the rein hanging. When he would move, he would turn in circles without pulling the rein tight.
So, on to the other side. A bit of resistance due to confusion but he figured it out quickly.
I am so glad that I bought that shorter cinch. It is way too small for Dobe but it is nearly too long for him.
Anyway, back out to check on him and do some more work.
Anyway, just thought I would share that bit of progress and a couple of pictures.
Here, he is resisting the bit just a touch. I tie their head around to teach them to be supple and give to the bit. It is not a solid tie and they can get loose if something happens but it takes a fair amount of pulling. That way it frees up some of my time to work with other horses or do chores while he learns. You have to know exactly how long to leave the rein, too short and he will learn to brace, too long and he won't learn to give.
Here, I knew it was time to tie to the other side cause he was just standing with his head to the side and the rein hanging. When he would move, he would turn in circles without pulling the rein tight.
So, on to the other side. A bit of resistance due to confusion but he figured it out quickly.
I am so glad that I bought that shorter cinch. It is way too small for Dobe but it is nearly too long for him.
Anyway, back out to check on him and do some more work.