3/18/07 Working with Miaren at the kennels
Chrissie rode out on Miaren for the first time since he's been back at the kennels.
Of course it was windy, with things banging, but Miaren was calm about everything.
Some of the 'I don't wanna work' came out, but his reaction to her kicking him on was stomping a back foot
and swishing his tail. She didn't have a crop, so I lent some support from the ground with the lunge whip.
That worked to get him moving forward again. Funny, but it seems every youngster I bring along has that
stage of stopping and waiting to see if they have to move forward.
 

Chrissie noticed one of his toes was a little long. He was pretty good for standing while I fiddled with getting the chipped part off.

 

Working Miaren is different than working Niles. He's been as calm and sweet about things, but Niles is only 14.2. Miaren is getting to the point that I can't see over his back. We feel more comfortable with the idea that if Niles acted up we could step off him. If Miaren decided to do something we'd have to work harder to stick with it. Luckily every ride has been a good one, and we're developing trust. That is a slow process with a youngster, though.

A little lunging in both directions to see what he thought of all the wind.

 

No problems with the flapping tape. Even with the wind he wasn't excited.

We've used the Ortho-flex saddle on him a couple of times now. I thought he might have an issue with it. Thankfully, he's shown no concern about it.

 

First a person nearby on the ground.

Then working on their own.

 

He was more sluggish today than usual.

There was more chewing on the bit. We think he needs his teeth worked on.  Hopefully the vet will be by soon.

 

Making a larger circle around the trees.

Still a baby, but growing up.

There were some very nice moments when he was soft and listening.

Then there was the request for trot. A lot of tail swishing and posturing, but...

He gave in with some encouragement.

Bart said watching him trot was really nice. He's used to the draft crosses who make it look like work.

Miaren, even when he's being lazy, looks very light in his trot.

He got used to the posting (last time it bothered him), and they had a circle or two where he was fairly forward.

They stopped to talk for a while, and Miaren felt the ride was over. He walked off, but then stopped and ignored her leg. A little encouragement from me on the ground got him started again. Silly boy.

One final loop around, so that he knew it was our choice to finish, and not his.

The photographer got distracted, and hounds and cats filled up the rest of the roll....