Day 33 thru 45 (Lots of hard work)

Wendy:
Murphy and I have worked on a lot of things since the last addition to the blog. We finally got a week and a half of dry weather and it has really helped Steve and I get some much needed time on our horses. I’ve worked on Trailer loading, picking up Murphy’s feet, standing tied lessons, a lot of desensitizing, lunging, and more. Murphy is doing well, he is becoming more confident, and he’s gone from trying to kill the plastic to accepting it pretty well. I decided that if he couldn’t deal with the plastic then he probably wouldn’t deal with me on his back too well, so even though that has really slowed us down, I continued to work at it until he was accepting of it. I would say starting out our hardest tasks have been the plastic and the lunging. Now I can’t pick out anything that he is having much difficulty with. He is a lot more trusting of me and relaxed around the barn. He’s not spooking and bolting constantly like before.

I noticed this week that as I taught Murphy to load in a two horse trailer, I was able to stand up on the fender well and load him from both sides. Two weeks ago if anyone climbed up on his round pen to watch him being worked he would come unglued. I would like more time to work him so I can get caught up to where I would like to be, but so far it’s just hard to find extra time. I will keep going and maybe I can get some spare time. We have a vet appointment tomorrow morning to pull the coggins and wolf teeth. Should be interesting to say the least.

Day 13 (Round Pen)

Wendy:
Today I started with round pen work and was able to catch him fairly quickly, but I did up the pressure more today. I am getting the idea that to make better progress I am going to have to push to get where I want to go. He is happy to play some cat and mouse with me and that needs to change. I feel like today was our worst day so far, it seemed that we lost ground in some areas that were good and gained ground in other areas. He’s been really pushy about not wanting me on that right side. I was so exhausted from working in the heat all day with the other horses and so I asked Steve to step in and help me finish on a good note. We did end the lesson on a good note and will look for improvement later.

Day 3 (Progress)

Wendy:
Second day in the round pen. My guy remembered everything from the day before so I was able to progress rather quickly to the next step. One big thing I noticed today is that he let me in a lot closer today than yesterday. Although this is a competition and I definitely want to win, I am focusing on trying to do what’s best for him, mentally and physically. As hot as it is I am having to go slower and give lots of breaks which is fine by me. I’m still out of shape from having my son, Tristan, so this heat is kicking my tail. I did rub him for the first time on his head. I really need to come up with a name for this guy. I know he doesn’t really care, but it will be fun. He is cute and curious so it needs to fit him and his personality. I’ll be thinking about what to name him…

Day 2 (HOT!)

Wendy:
Today was the first day I worked my Makeover mustang. It was hot today!!!! In the 90’s and very humid due to all the rain. We started round pen work to try to make a connection and I am happy to say he did wonderful. He is pretty fearful but at the same time curious. I’ve noticed he has a real kind eye, and seems very smart (and he takes cute pictures too!).