It was 59 degrees at 3 pm today so out to ride Katz. My first indication that I am making progress and that he may actually like/trust me more is that I was able to touch and brush around his left ear without any worries. The ears, particularly his left have been touchy but does not seem to be physical in that when we are just hanging out in his stall, I can rub all over his face and neck. When the halter goes on and it is obvious we are going to do something, no touching near the ears. Could be that he was ear twitched or something similar in the past. He is tall at 17 hh so I could see people having problems putting his bridle on thus maybe this form of leverage was used ( not something I agree with but his past job was to run, nothing else). Lucky for me I am tall, so even when he raises his head, I can still reach! So we have been working on that, touching of the ears. Today, he could have cared less that I was brushing his ears. Bridle now.. he did not even raise his head when it went on. He takes the bit just fine but does not like the headpiece over his ears. But today, slid over his ears with no problem.
Out to round pen. We walked together then I tucked up the reins and let him trot around. Last few times, I have not put the lunge rope on. He will go in the direction I point and just keep going around until I ask him to change direction. His new thing is to keep an eye on me and the second he thinks we are done, he comes trotting in to me. He also follows me around so pretty neat, no rope or reins needed. Makes me believe that he thinks I am okay.
Lowered my stirrups, put the reins back normal and we walked one lap around. Then one stop next to block, he stood, we walked around one more time. I then brought him to the block, asked him to stand, I stepped on the block... no moving, deep breath on my part, foot in stirrup.....no moving! I mounted, he did not move, just stood but did turn his head to my right, looking for a treat. Again, I am fine with this, particularly because bending to the right is also a new thing for him. Here we are, standing and he bending to the right. I reached down and hand him a treat and praise him. He is also very in tune with voice and LOVES to hear 'good boy' . He responds very well to voice, but treats are an extra plus. So off we walk, did some trot but it was a shorter ride. We mounted without any drama today, that is perfect for today's session.
This blog is dedicated to Off The Track Thoroughbreds. I will warn those that visit this blog that these are my ramblings, my personal experiences with my OTTBs and my future plans or dreams that involve OTTBs. Nothing here is meant to be a 'solution' or professional advice in regards to the training of these wonderful horses, for I am just an amateur.