lollielala
19th Dec 2004, 02:19 AM
I just wanted to update you all on Rico's progress. Today was the best day I've had in several weeks. I've been working every day with my horse for a week and a half now, lunging him, backing him and rewarding him when he did the right things, etc. Today I decided to ride him so I walked out to the pasture, called him and he walked right up to the fence and actually put his head over and let me pet him. I was telling him what a good boy he was and he kept pricking his ears up, I was so happy. I opened the gate and walked right up to him (something I didn't used to be able to do without feed) and hooked his lead rope to the halter and lead him out. I walked up to the barn and tied him, he stood there so patiently, just licking and chewing. I brushed him down and picked his feet and everything, and put the saddle on him. He didn't move or try to back away. I let him stand there for a minute with just the saddle on his back, then I did the girth up a little at a time, not getting it too tight all at once. I lunged him for about 5 minutes with the saddle, left and right. I brought out the bridle and he took his bits, no problem. I didn't put a tie-down on him, I now think they do more harm than good anyways. I hopped on and started riding, and :eek: NO PROBLEMS!! He didn't toss his head, he didn't take off cantering unexpectedly, and he didn't try to turn around and go back to the barn. He seemed so happy. He held his head up high and walked like I'd never seen him walk. I moved him into a trot and it was as smooth as ever. Less bouncing and I felt like I was on a cloud. I wanted to canter, so I gave him a light tap with my feet and it was so amazing. I can't even describe what I was feeling. I was just amazed because this wasn't even the same horse he was 2 weeks ago. He was more calm and collective. Everything was just.. wow. I now know what it's like to have a bond with your horse. When I slightly pulled back on the reins to bring him down to a walk, he didn't throw his head.. he did exactly what I asked of him. I had asked my friend, who's been riding for about 10 years, to come with me and she had seen how he previously acted, and she was surprised. She said "I wish you could've actually seen him in that canter, it was beautiful. He was switching leads and it looked like he was skipping. You have made alot of progress with him." I just beamed.. I was so happy. And to think, I was ready to give up and quit. I just didn't believe, and that was the problem. When I started believing, it started happening. I owe a huge thank you to everyone here on New Rider who's replied to my posts, it if weren't for you I would have given up. Thank you for giving me the courage and confidence to continue. You're part of the reason I didn't quit. Merry Christmas to all and have a Happy New Year!! :D