I have moved Benny and Kit to a yard with a sandschool but have to stable them at the moment. They have a little turn out area they can go to kick up their heels but it is not ideal. At least they are dry now and I can begin to get them clean and get some weight on Kit. Benny was a bit anxious on first arrival, yesterday I took him for a walk inhand to explore the place. He stopped and looked and sniffed at everything – I bridged and treated for the touching of objects – jumps in the sandschool were a bit strange (with ducks as fillers). In the afternoon another visit to the school and all was calm he offered sideways over a pole so I accepted – he likes doing that. I led him round and he followed my hand as a target. We did a few traveling circles like that – he made no attempt to leave. Today I will take my saddle and if he feels calm I will ride him in the school. I am reading Stephanie Burns book “Move Closer, Stay Longer” just what I need. Walk him round until we are both relaxed, breathing and connected. He is much less reactive than Kit ever was – so it is my brain that needs rewiring.
Update – Benny was good, mainly walked with a little trot. There was another cob ( his next door neighbour) in the arena going round at great speed and jumping. He didn’t worry, 2 little spooks at pigeons and flapping fence tape. We stood in the corner whilst the other horse jumped – it was a little lively. The horse cantered past both ways Benny just stood and watched. Hope to increase the time and speed over the next few days. I bridged and treated him for standing still and for relaxation. He even stood still when the yard dog barked at him.
Positive Horsemanship. 