August 3, 2011

Finally got back to the round pen today. It has been too darn hot to even think about working a horse in the round pen. Have gone out and just rubbed on them out in the pastures but nothing formal. Sorted Sweetie and Julie off and started to work with them a bit. For the picture freaks, it was hot, dusty, and I had no one to take pictures so you will just have to take my word for it that I worked them. LOL Sweetie normally is my star pupil but she had it in her head today she didn't want to be caught. She made many trips around the round pen before she figured out the only way she was getting a break was to let me catch her and halter her. She was bleeding soap by the time the light went on in her head but I finally got her caught and started leading her around. She still lead very well and responds to very light pressure except backing up. We worked on that for a while and finally she started to figure out what I was asking for. Just kept bumping her lead until she got the message. Sweetie also has a habit of wanting to get too close when I stop her. She will actually take a step towards me. We worked on lounging and get her to stand still when I asked her to whoa. She picks things up very quickly. Almost makes me think I know what I am doing. LOL

After having problems with Sweetie I was a little concerned with Julie. Julie was a little behind Sweetie when things  got busy and too hot to work so I expected a lot of difficulty from her. Aside from throw her head when I went to halter her, she did very well. We started out reviewing leading and she lead  on a light lead. She is a little shaky on back too but she is getting better. I started lounging her and she is picking that up fairly. She stops and stands in place well. Just needs to be handled more.

I know both fillies need to be desensitized more so the next session will start that. Need to sack them out as well as using a flag on them to get them accustomed to things moving around them. I went to flip a rope over Sweetie's head like I have done numerous times before and she got a little excited. Still respected the lead but she was wanting to take off. We will have to work on that. Want to get these two ready to start saddling in a little while. I think both have a lot of potential just hope I can bring it out.