Goal Checkup

I can't believe we're almost at the end of February. When I set our new goals for this year, I thought the wait to March (and getting back in the saddle) would be interminably long. I could say the dark and terrible weather made lack of saddle time more tolerable, but what's helped the most is how well Spicy is doing under the new program.

where cookies??

My horse went from fearful, tight, and anxious to downright dead quiet. Seriously, sometimes I joke that I didn't do ground work I gave him a lobotomy. I've had to start carrying a lunge whip for long lining!! 

after his first chiropractor adjustment

We had one incident with the long lines where he got spooked (in a totally legitimate manner, it wasn't him being a nut). Unfortunately he spun towards me, tangling the lines completely around his legs. He took off so I let go, figuring trying to hang onto the lines at this point would do more harm than good. We don't have a ring where we're at right now, so he ran back to his field all snorty. Not only did he let me catch him, but we continued on like nothing had happened. His ability to come back down after having a fright was non existent before, but now he self regulates like a champ.

the 'neigh'-bors

Recently I've been stepping up the long line work a bit more, including cantering and demanding more from the trot. Last night he started to stretch beautifully over his topline, something he's never done. I also started introducing a bit more saddle time. While I still want to long line him a couple times a week, we're at the point where I can do some walk-trot work under tack. So far, everything I've taught him on the ground seems to be translating.

My favorite part is he's really starting to enjoy our 'play time'. He comes when I call if he's not already waiting at the gate for me. I'm so grateful I can call this horse my partner.