2/13/05
Thistle gets a rider

Thistle's been out to the kennels a couple of times now for roading.
We've done some ground driving and he tolerates the bit and lunging.
Today we used the side reins again (didn't make him happy) and I
sat up on him to get him ready for the idea of being a riding horse.


 
Without the side reins he carries himself nicely.
 
They don't bother him much when he's walking.
Trotting around he'd keep testing if the boundaries (side reins) were there.
 
They're loose enough that they loop even with his head up fairly high.
He'd drop behind the bit to see if that was better....
 
Then back to where we wanted him.
If I forgot to require forward, then he'd throw little trantrums. I'd much rather this happen now than when I'm on his back asking him to soften.
 
So, right after throwing a fit (that got him nowhere), back to work.
With obedience, I can ask for a bit more forward.
 
He's so smart. Our other mini battle was getting him to halt without turning and facing me. If he turned I'd reposition and drive him on and ask for the whoa again. Finally he did it and I praised him. Changed direction on the lunge and the next time I asked for a halt he did it perfectly.
I have to be sure to train him right the first time....
This we'd done once before. I think I could have done this alone if I'd wanted. He was aware, but not too concerned.
 
This wasn't very comfortable, but he could see me on both sides and I could touch him where my legs would go.
Almost settled in the saddle. He didn't try to scoot, but definitely was concerned.
 
Telling him what a good horse is is and rubbing his belly with my legs. I don't think he was that concerned, considering he was resting his back leg and not poised to run.
Once he relaxed and settled into the attention I hopped back off.
Right now he's not as wide as Thuy, but it looks like my leg will fit on him nicely.