Training takes on a new direction

With her 2nd birthday passing, it's time to up the ante on training.

Starting with the basics of desensitizing.

followed by some free lunging

In both directions of course.

 The beginning of figure 8's.

Going well.

Reward for a job well done!

More basics, backing up.

Lunging on the lead.

A whole new perspective for Kaylee, and not to sure what to make of it.

She figured it out quickly that he hasn't steered her wrong yet

so she put her trust in it.

Handling the boot on the back rubbing gently.

Ok you got my attention!

I was impressed, this is the first time Kaylee has gone through

this training. She didn't jump or get squirmy.

She merely to a step forward so we took it as a good win and called it a day.

The lesson for us today, Kaylee is ready to begin the backing process. Linda and I

Will start with putting a bareback saddle on her (first attempt went off without a hitch).

After a few walks with just the saddle we will add the stirrups.

Linda is nervous (which for those who know her would expect nothing less), I

on the other hand am excited to see the time and effort of 

everyone who has touched Kaylee's life come to fruition.

A day at the barn

Today was a day for a walk and a bath.

 

Linda discussing the plan with Kaylee, She actually looks like she's listening.

She loves the clover.

Mommy Love!

Can you believe the tail? A far cry from dreads of old.

Back with her BF Charlie!

We love to see the mane fly

Training continues with Linda building confidence

Linda has been working with a trainer, not so much with a focus on Kaylee.

But a focus on herself, to feel more confident when she is working with Kaylee.

It's paying off, Kaylee is getting softer.

She senses the stop much better.

when she stalls, a quick tug moves her along

Backing up like a pro

It was a very successful training session for both Linda and Kaylee

Overdue update- Part 3

9 months ago she could barely

get her nose over this gate.

She's not so little anymore!

She still likes to get up close and personal.

(aka begging for a treat)

Overdue update- part 2

Kaylee is very curious about her surroundings.

Especially when her Mom is riding

another horse.

Kaylee loves running, she will be grazing
one moment and the next she is just takes off.

Which will get Tell running, but he doesn't 

have a prayer of keeping up with her.

She gets a good jump on Charlie,

but the big Thoroughbred over takes her

within 100 yd.

No matter what she always stands proud

after a good run!

An overdue update-part 1

It's been quite awhile since I've updated,

So here is an array of pics from Aug 2010- Sept 2010.

In August we continued round pen work.

Kaylee is now grazing full time.

With no belly issues!

Romping in the fields with her 

buddy Charlie is a daily occurrence.

Kaylee is part of the herd and loving

every minute of it.

Kaylee's growing and we visit an old friend

A similar pose as the blog header,

Shows her progress quite well.

Over the past month Kaylee has had a growth spurt.

We have used a tape to estimate her current height 13.2 hands.

Mommy has a mint for her.

The "baby face" is gone.

Kaylee is filling out quite nicely.

The muscle tone is getting there.

Getting the head out the stall is a little easier now.

While Linda and I were out looking at new

houses, we ran across and old friend.

Kaylee's old stall mate Lucky!

He has certainly grown, he is estimated to 

currently be 15 hands.

He seemed to remember me and came right over to greet me.

He was as affectionate as always until his older paddock

mate ran him off for getting the attention.