3/27/04 Skye starting training
 So, this is the fourth time I've been up on Skye. The
first time was back in December, being led a few steps
by my trainer. The second time my father led us around.
Last weekend I had him unhook the lead, but she didn't want
to leave his side. Today, she understood the forward cue, and
calmly stepped off every time I asked her to.
I was almost in the English saddle this ride, but the Western makes me
feel I can deal with anything she might do. I don't really trust until the 10th
or so ride, and then it still depends on the horse.
 

It was a nasty day, weather-wise. It rained before I rode, and was very stormy, with a lot of wind. Not much bothers Skye...

 

I worked to be very still to help her balance, and I could feel her hesitation every time I leaned forward enough to scratch her shoulder and tell her she was doing good.

She was happiest talking to Father.

 

I knew she understood foward when she listened and walked away from Father.

The ground driving work definitely paid off. It's so nice to have her flex nicely for the turns. No head throwing like the first few attempts from the ground...

 

Hard to believe it's her second time off the lead.

A few times she had impulsion at the walk. I didn't ask for much, but when it felt forward and swingy I tried to verbally praise her in hopes that she'd keep it up. So far I'm doing nothing with the bridle but turns and halts. She's holding the bit quietly, so we're just focusing on forward.

 

She looked at the rock border, and just took it in stride.

So relaxed.

 

What a great attitude.

Praise is such a big motivator...