My goal for Zoe and I are to be riding W-T-C without round penning first. It's a pretty attainable goal and I don't have a time frame on it because who knows what pace will be right for Zoe? We will move at a pace that is comfortable to us. To date, we have walked and trotted but not without extensive round penning. She has some buck in her right now that I would like to get past so I don't always have to round pen her before getting on. I know that with some time in the saddle, she will be able to get past it. Plus, a few times while being tied, I would ask her to move over by barely touching her side and she freaked out! Flew backwards and acted as if I had stuck needles into her sides. I have no idea why or what triggers that but we will be working on that as well. She's already gotten better at being touched to move over but that's something we need to keep a handle on.
Last summer (when I purchased Zoe), we worked on round penning, ground manners (she's pretty good on the ground), saddling, steering, stopping (AWESOME stop!!!), walking and very little trotting. Unfortunately, I don't have an indoor arena so our training has been put on hold for now. Once the weather breaks and more snow melts, we will have a few refresher sessions and then hopefully be able to pick up where we left off.
Over these cold months, Zoe has become quite accustomed to me and the way I do things so that should help us this spring when training resumes. I'm really excited to get working under saddle again. She is very tuned into her rider, very sensitive to cues and a sensible horse. I know that once finished, she will be an awesome riding horse!
Until next time!
Quote for the day:
Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.
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