Saro Update *photos*

I finally remembered to take my camera with me to get some shots of Saro crossing the creek. For those who don't know she is 3 yo and started on trails this summer. The first time, she flat refused so we had to pony her across with another horse. Its her 4-5th time now so its getting pretty easy for her, plus the water is very low.
Here are some shots of my brave girl I'll throw in a couple of her just getting a drink and having a splash.

She wants to play in the puddles. Lol

Aw how cute! My horse wants to lay down in the creeks when we cross them so you always gotta watch out haha!

That is just so cute! She's such a brave girl!

I may encounter this problem soon. Can you give any tips on how to train?

Well done Saro! She is such a good, brave girl. Looks like things are moving along nicely for you two. :)

Jdaeus -

I had a mare many years ago that was a teensy bit stubborn. She would decide she didn't want to cross the creek she had crossed a dozen times before, or some other train "obstacle." Her biggest nemises was the underpass that goes under I-40 near our house. She would cross the overpass without a second thought - even with big semi trucks running underneath making the bridge vibrate - the horns honking didn't bother her either, or I would have become a hood ornament in a hurry! Back to the overpass thing. As far as I know, there was only one other creature on earth that was more stubborn than that mare - and that was me!

I never forced her to go anywhere, but I would not let her go anywhere but the direction I wanted her to. If I urged her toward the underpass and she spun back around, I just turned her right back around until we faced the underpass again. It took us nearly an hour before she let out this HUGE sigh (I give UP!) and walked calmly (for the most part) under the highway. We had a few more "go rounds" from time to time there - or at some other location - but I always won out.

One time, she refused to cross a stupid patch in the pavement! Other horses were passing us right and left, but she just stood there looking like it was some eighth wonder of the world and she was not going near it. We were heading for the line up area for a parade and were on a bit of a schedule. I was glad she gave in relatively quickly, that time! She really looked pretty stoopid lifting her feet way high like she was a cat wading through a water puddle!

Good job! My horses like water a little too much! I take two of mine swimming through lakes bareback but if you have to take them through water with the saddles and fully clothed you better watch out!

The best way to start is by ponying them when they are young. Unfortunatley we live on a busy road with semi's wizzing by and no fences on our journey to our trails. Not a safe trip for a young horse on a rope
I didn't do any major forcing with her, the first time we went to the creek I just let her see it and get as close as she could. The next time I remembered to take a lead rope
Its best if you can go with a good older trail horse. My husband was on his mare Fras. I got off Saro while he lead her with the rope down to the creek I drove her from behind. She didn't fight at all just walked next to Fras and crossed the creek. We did that several times without a rider and then I got back on and crossed several more times. That's it

Awwww good for Saro!! What a cutie!! I love your horse!!!