Guinness' first time in the pen....So proud!

Got this guy this spring. He had only been trail ridden previously, by beginners. Put him with this trainer, wanting reining basics on him just to give him great basic skills, and to have fun with. The trainer specializes in softness and bringing them along slowly. (Too slowly sometimes...lol) So, we have not pushed him to get him into the pen at all, until whis week, when we switched to a shank, and moved a little faster.

This is just a small local show, so small they don't even score by numbers...lol. Really should have been DQ'd for 2 handing the left spin, but frankly-for his first show-he was good, he had a positive experience and we had fun. What more can we ask for?

Well its not bad for a horse that hasnt been doing it, his stops need work and his lead changes, he didnt switch when going to the other circle. His spin is just him almost walking in a small circle but I did see a cross over so that means he's getting it, just gotta take that and keep him doin it. But overall theres nothing more important than having fun and im glad you had that, I love the lil local shows! Their always the funnest :]

I agree! The small open shows can be the most fun. Congrats on the first show. Just something I noticed in his stops and turns- he doesn't look to be carrying his weight on his hindquarters during those maneuvers. I realize he's green and this is new to him. Just a tip-if you bridle him up/collect him up (prior to the stop) and get him to tuck that nose in and break at the pole, his back will round up and you'll get a much better stop. It is tough for them to do a sliding stop if their back is "hollowed out" so to speak. Congrats again on your first show. He looks to be a nice horse.

Thanks! Yup-lots to work on for sure, and I know I have my work cut out for me in the winter.
He just got his first ever lead change this week...just once to the right, so we are just beginning at that. His spins are actually better at home, but he can really only get a few steps correct, then he starts moving his hind end, and loses his pivot on his inside foot. We are also just starting to really collect him, and have yet to refine his fast-slow lope transition. His stop will be pretty simple until spring, since I really have no place with an appropriate surface, and I won't put sliders on him until then anyway. Slowly building the foundation, then we will go from there. As I said, I am learning that building a painfully slow foundation in a good thing, correct first, speed second. I have seen too many young ones that are pushed hard to get them to the pen, and then have holes in their training found later. I also disagree with pushing too hard all at once until they build up the structure to support it. I want a horse who will stay sound, not one who will have a fleeting career.
That said, reining gives him such a good foundation for whatever I do....at least I know he will stop when I say Whoa!
I envision so many circles I will be dizzy by spring.....
He has already changed so much, both attitude and looks-what an improvement over the horse I bought!

Good to hear! Sounds like you guys are on the right track. Everyone has to start somewhere, that's what I always remind myself of when I'm working with my 3 year old. Lol. Good job and keep up the good work!!

Thanks Heartland! I am really enjoying western after 40+ yrs of english......he and I will learn together....probably not the best, but we will grow together. Finding it really difficult to transition from the "security" of direct rein.....

Great job!! Can't wait to see how he progresses through the shows. Make sure you continue to post videos as you go...

Oh-I will, but no more shows until spring most likely, then we will see if he is ready for the "real" world of having sliders and going in NRHA greens. He will for sure at least go with his friends for the experience! I am really pleased with his progress, even tho it is slow at times, we are trying to do it right. Hopefully when I move him back to VA for the winter next month I won't screw him up!
Thanks for the support-I am finding that in general the reining folks are all really nice, helpful and supportive! I love that!
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Welcome to the western world!!

Sure is a welcome change for me....just wish there was western closer to home....Nothern Va is pretty dressage/hunter saturated. Heck-I looked at the VRHA sire the other day-all the trainers are in North Carolina....oh-and one in MD-about 90 min away.....