Well I had a lesson with Tracey Duncan (a 2 star Parelli Professional) today and Benny was very lively. We started off doing some nice weaves around the cones, circles and figures of 8. He seemed fairly tuned in but did get a bit excited in trot. I need to up my energy to match his and run when he runs off, keeping up with him in zone 5 until he stops then I need to stop too and wait. If he looks at me I turn away until he becomes inquisitive and he either moves forward again or comes to see what I am doing.
After saddling him we worked on the squeeze over the barrels at which point he was super excited and took off bucking and leaping in the air, unfortunately his saddle slipped at this point which set him off even more! Once all sorted we tried again until he was doing it calmly.
When he ran off I ran behind him and stopped when he stopped, slowed my breathing and relaxed until he relaxed. Then I use my energy and a big breath out to move him forward again, still walking in zone 5. Then traveling circles until he was back by the barrels.
At one point during the session a horse and trap went down the road, he was loose at the time (having just got away from me on a circle). He was standing looking down the road to see what was happening – I breathed slower and relaxed, as the trap got nearer Benny looked at me and approached as if I was his safety zone – a huge breakthrough for us both. I stood by him as the horse trotted by stroking him and then got him to lower his head on a cue. At this point the other 2 horses in the field decided it was scary too and galloped around the field next to the arena, Benny took no notice and stayed with me.
We then went on to do some nice sideways by the fence and then tried the sideways towards me. He got a bit confused at first but Tracey showed me to direct his quarter towards me and he soon was coming nicely to a cue.
Once he was calm and connected to me I hopped on board to do some one rein riding, I am getting better at changing the rope over and changing direction. Did follow the rail with Benny nice and calm and listening, he stopped on a breath except on one occasion when I had to do a one rein stop.
Very please with Benny and my progress, got lots to work on now the weather is better.
Positive Horsemanship. 