The biggest project may start soon

[Bruce]

Got some serious bucking going on there, how is your right shoulder? So how come it isn't easy like in the old westerns? Rope a wild horse, throw a saddle on it, jump on, hold on for a few minutes and voila, a friendly rideable horse is yours?

 

[secuono]

I follow her, so it's not bothering me any. I do need a longer rope to be flanking her with...Just glad she still listens to the lead and voice, instead of just spazing out wildly.

 

[secuono]

And more proof that previous saddle didn't fit!
https://www.horsetalk.co.nz/2019/02/25/muscle-atrophy-definition-saddle/

 

[Bruce]

That looks like it was mighty uncomfortable!

 

[secuono]

Had a surprisingly good session with Flugi this morning!
Lots of scritches and pats in between. Thought she would be wirey, since it's been awhile, but she managed to remember where we left off!
Used the lead clipped onto the cinch first, jingling & tossing it on, pulling off, letting it flop to the ground on the opposite side and pulling it back up. Lastly tightening it and loosening it a few times.
Then got the saddle and tossed it on, she didn't wince or move off. So, pulled it off and tossed it back on a few times. Once I confirmed that she was okay-ish with that, I let the cinch slide off the opposite side. Flinched and turned to look, but stayed put. Went over to flop cinch around and let it slide down a few more times before I removed saddle and tossed it back on again.
This time, she let the cinch fall and I grabbed it and lightly cinched up the saddle. Led her around a little before repeating it from the start by removing the saddle.
She did fine the second time the saddle went on, cinch slid, cinched up, led and then I dropped the lead to remove the saddle and halter to let her go. She stood still for it, so she got some good scritches before I left to get them hay. Even following me some to beg for more scritches.

 

[secuono]

Tossed hay onto the ground and closed the gate for a little "free will" work.
Waited for Flugi to start eating with the others before approaching with the lead.
She walked off, I followed. Eventually, she came back to the hay.
Still scooting away when it touched her, but after 3 passes, she decided to stay put.
Tossed the lead on, around, over her. Then looped it over her rump repeatedly until she stopped tucking her bum under herself. Switched to the other side to repeat.
After that, picked up the saddle, approached w/o much issue. Swung it around some and then tossed it on a few times. She didn't leave, just rocked back to look at what I was doing.

 

[Bruce]

She's doing great!

 

[secuono]

Another good "free will" session with Flugi this morning!
Didn't even close the gate this time. She walked off just once at the start.
Will add flapping and cinch sliding off next time.
Hopefully, in a couple more sessions, I'll be able to cinch it up without anything but food keeping her still, lol.
Will try to remember to get it on video next time.

 

[secuono]

Nearly 90F!
Messed with the cinch this time & one time mock "tightened" it.

 

[Bruce]

Nearly 90F!
Messed with the cinch this time & one time mock "tightened" it.

Is she in the "usual" time range of training to this sort of thing?