Out Of My Space Bud

All of the horses seemed to be enjoying the fresh snow today and Whisper was no exception. He decided he was not going to be caught and enlisted Doc to rocket around their rather extensive pasture. I followed them over hill and dale for awhile but it was too slippery to really work at keeping them moving until they decided it was easier to be caught. Doc would come up to me for scratches before chasing off with Whisper again. Spice simply stood and watched. I’m sure she was thinking the same thing I was –‘ silly boys!’ I finally went to get the big guns – a handful of alfalfa – and offered it to Spice. It took Whisper about 1 minute to decide he wanted some too and he cozied up to me. Doc got his mouthful and we were off to the arena to work.

There was too much snow on the ground to really do much although I was surprised that the footing supported lungeing at a trot. I guess if they can tear around the rocky pasture trotting in the arena should be doable.

We mainly worked on the four types of backing ala Clinton Anderson. Gotta say, his methods certainly work. Whisper now moves quickly out of my space with the slightest pressure and doesn’t return unless invited. We’ll continue with refreshers but I think it’s back to moving over poles and getting him ready to be ridden. I have no real timetable but that day is definitely getting closer. Next training session is Monday. Hopefully the snow will be gone and the footing good enough to raise the poles off the ground a bit.