Day 1 of actually sitting in the saddle on Oscars back was what I consider a HUGE success. Trust was built and appreciated on both sides. The first time Oscar was in my care, he was truly a solid citizen. He had just come out of several months of training with Andrea and the training was perfection and I had no issues with Oscar whatsoever. He was adopted out quickly. I was quite disappointed to hear that he returned to SAFE with several issues, to include bucking under saddle. I have been considering whether this was a direction I really wanted to go, bringing him back from rehab, taking on possible training issues, considering I am no longer a spring chicken and just cant risk spraining a finger, much less anything else, really not a wise move for me. But...I cant forget how good he was the first time around. Okay, I said to myself, just see how it goes, see how he behaves. He definitely exhibited some ground manners that I did not remember first time around. They are no more. He exhibited some kicking out on the lunge line that I didnt remember. They are no more so it seems. He has settled in. We have had bridle issues, nothing seems to fit. Finally found something that isnt perfect, but fits reasonably well, just need to punch in a few more holes here and there, but itll do. Anyway, tonight was the first night I lunged with the bridle. I was thinking to myself, will you get on tonight? You dont have to, its perfectly fine to continue his training on the lunge. Okay, I said, just see how it goes, youve got him all tacked up if this goes well. Its dark out, I said to myself, I wonder how hell behave? Let me say, first off, he performed the halt, walk, trot and canter via voice commands...every time. No bucking or kicking out. I decided to just put my weight in the stirrup and see how he behaved. Didnt flinch. I did it again. Stood straight up in the saddle. Nothing. Thats it, I decided, Im getting on. Im feeling good vibes. Well just walk. I got on and the stirrups were WAY too short. That could have been a disaster if he decided to ditch me. I got off, lengthened the stirrups. Still a solid citizen. Got back on, took off walking, he was attentive. I cant stand it, I thought, you have to trot. Just see how he behaves. Youve got this. We trotted. Not a lot, but we went around, we reacquainted ourselves with each other, and it was a good thing. I forgot what a smooth trot he has...and kind of a big trot for a little horse. Oscar waited for my direction, listened attentively, no head shaking, no threatening anything, nothing. I truly consider it a win of a first day back in the saddle. We are off to a good start. Another thing of note, just a little something I have noticed, is how kind he is to dogs. My new dog, Ebony, challenged him one day out in the pasture. She is new around here and didnt know what she was up against. After all, she was eating horse poop, probably his poop, and it was hers. She told Oscar to back away and I thought for sure he was going to strike her. I didnt know how he would behave and she was very vulnerable out in the middle of the pasture without knowing it. Didnt happen. We also cross through Oscars pasture every day to walk down to the barn. He always greets us and NEVER chases the dogs. Tonight in the arena, Ebony sat down in the middle of our lunge circle, Oscar was heading straight for her, she didnt know what to do, so she froze, he stopped and went around. Kind horse. Just a fact. Its all about love and good treatment and I do believe hell give you the world. Thanks for reading my novel.
Posted on: Thu, 15 Jan 2015 03:34:45 +0000
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