We've come a LONG way! (Rocket and Scarlet update)

[SkyWarrior]

Today, we finished up a ride that in March I never thought would happen this year. We went up to the intersection on state lands which included some very rocky and steep terrain. Our two rescue mares took it in stride. We had a couple of minor balks, but otherwise it was very positive.

Then, we got back and I vaccinated them. I was so nervous about doing it because the times when I saw a vet vaccinate them, they jumped and got all weird. I've vaccinated animals before, but not horses, so when I slid the needle in the muscle for the IM shot, I was stunned when both horses just stood there and let me vaccinate them. My husband even called it a "non-event."

I'm delighted with these horses. I knew they needed to get used to us and whatnot, but now it feels like there's actual trust there. They're not perfect, but I am very happy with them.

 

[Bunnylady]

Doesn't that feel good!

If memory serves, you were really concerned about the one horse being rather barn/ring sour a few months ago, so I can imagine you are really pleased. Congrats on making so much progress!

 

[SkyWarrior]

Doesn't that feel good!

If memory serves, you were really concerned about the one horse being rather barn/ring sour a few months ago, so I can imagine you are really pleased. Congrats on making so much progress!

Thanks!

Rocket is the horse that bolted under me up a 20 foot hill and then accidentally pitched me off March 30th. (Still working through those nerve issues, but I am much better). We got to the point where ever 10 yards was a fight to go forward. She balked and tried to head back to the barn; I doubled her constantly. It got to the point where we were going in circles up the hill.

I never let her win. Never. No matter how long it took. A half-hour's ride took an afternoon. Then, we decided to change up the riding with a loop that was short and something clicked in those two brains. Several tries on the loop from both directions worked. Then we took them up the road that Rocket pitched me on. She started asking me at points where to turn around, but she ASKED and didn't turn. We drove them to different trails and they did really good on them.

I've gotten Rocket to go into tight spaces to pick things up and then backed her out. We've taken really scary single tracks by forest gates off what can only be considered 50 ft drops. She took it in stride.

Her cohort, Scarlet, is starting to learn to lead. She's 80% on leg commands, which she knew none of when we got her. She loves the bit, where before the owner had used a hackamore. She still occasionally does a little buck/crow hop when you insist she should do something she doesn't want to do (like go forward). That is dwindling rapidly.

Next year, we think we might be able to ride them into the wilderness. That would be cool.