1/1/04
Lunging Skye

The family got together for New Years, but I took some time out
and worked with Skye. It was windy, the guinea hens were
in one tree, and the kids were in the other, still, she was great.
Saddling and bridling aren't an issue, although she does chomp
on the bit in the beginning. She's stretching down some with the side reins,
but doesn't understand yet that that is what I want.


 



 
She's easy-going enough that father can do whatever he wants with her.
 

Amanda likes the horses, but she's not so sure about petting them without a fence in between.
Posing for the camera.
 
First we lunged without the side reins.
I have to push her a little to get her to work in the trot.
 
She's pretty willing to reach under herself.
If I leave her alone, I see the draft knee action come out (hopefully that will mean a smooth ride - it does with my other Belgian cross).
 
We get the canter on the lunge, but I haven't worked it much.
Other direction. She does the transition easier than my other draft crosses, but I'm sure it will be different when she has to also balance a person.
 
Here is with the side reins.
She gets a lot of praise when she does this, but she still doesn't understand.
She's not hollow, but she's not reaching down at the trot, either.
I like when I can see the top muscles of her neck working.
She thrives on attention.
With no one available to hold her, I just did some bouncing over the saddle. Unconcerned, she contemplated grazing...
She looks like she'll be a comfy bareback horse...