Monday arrived and getting him into the trailer was the first task (I haul to a nearby community arena). I was thrilled with his first experience with "poopmobile" our lovely trailer. A 2 horse straight load that is brown is not exactly the most inviting environment for a 3 year old. But baby Monroe walked right in!! Very good sign for a level headed horse :)
Our first lunge session on Monday went fairly well considering. Definitely a test in patience and I had to keep reminding myself how little training he has had. We just worked on paying attention (this was very hard), and "whoa" and "walk" commands. I was going to try "trot" but he seemed confused with the first two...so next time.
Our next session was today (Wednesday) and I can already see some improvements. He still had a hard time focusing...especially since there were several horses he could see outside the round pen. But, he remembered "whoa" and "walk" and we added "trot." Now we just have to work on accuracy and add the kiss sound (= canter). Sorry no pictures from today...its too hard to do when its just me.
We did have a scary freak out in the "poopmobile" on the way home. I had just pulled up in front of the house and heard him freaking out and banging around in the trailer. I got out and calmed him down just as one of the butt panels on the back of the trailer fell off!! Yeah!! Fell off! I don't know why he panicked so bad...he also bent one of the bars that holds the door locked in place. I think the rubber mat on the ramp may have touched him and startled him. It looked loose when he unloaded. Anyways, I talked to him a little and had him back out, circle and get right back in. I don't want his last memory of the trailer to be a panic attack :) And the sweet boy loaded right back in! He is so trusting of me already. More this weekend...
He sounds like he is a willing student !!! But then again he has a great teacher !!!! Mom xoxo
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