Farah & the view~ |
Scott's horsemanship skills are far advanced from my own. He's spent several weeks of intense study with Dennis Reis & is a graduate of his Universal Horsemanship program. Scott judges Colt Starting Challenges & as such, he's had the advantage of watching some of the best trainers at work. I've been impressed with the level of training both Scott's senior horse & his young mare demonstrate. Leaving Farah there would save me hauling the trailer back & forth - I was happy to accept!
Scott with Farah~ |
Wednesday morning when I arrived, Farah was grazing & Scott was watching. Soon - she was haltered & all Scott's work with her was done in-hand. He found out in short order, that she'd had some Parnelli type work somewhere in her first years. She knew some tricks - he recognized from that particular program. She has been more reactive for a while now - Scott's goal was to remove the re-activeness & replace it with calm response. It was amazing how just small movements of his body were enough to set Farah off. She would not just walk on the lounge line & it took a while for Scott to desensitize her to the stick.
I too - needed a lot of coaching on my lack of technique with the lounge line. I have a habit of backing up. When Rico took over as my coach - he let me know instantly he would take advantage of that hole in my training! :-) I also rode Rico - Wow! What fun! He's big & he's so well trained! He soon adjusted himself to me & we did a very nice trot!
Justin & Farah |
Today, Scott told me he had worked both Farah & Rico at liberty in the arena! I was open mouthed! Their horses are not shod, just booted for trail. Farah on the other hand - had four new steel shoes! Scott said that she actually followed Rico's lead & only once did Rico have to remind her to stay back! :-) We rode as a group today with Arlene on Rico, Scott & Gem & Karen on Sherman - Farah's least favorite. :-) Sherman did try to make friendly advances & finally Farah accepted them without pinned ears! She was as low-key as I've ever ridden her. Karen even loped Sherman past as we were walking the perimeter & Farah did not react!
I'd scheduled a ride for tomorrow, so brought her home today - it's been quiet without her! Not since Khari left for Saudi Arabia in June of 2012, Post~ has the Homestead been without a horse! Now, my ride has been cancelled - so we may go up tomorrow - to see if anything is left of our trails~
I think a Clinic would,be fun with Scott. I sure could use some training / tuning up!
ReplyDeleteI don't know that Scott has ever done a clinic! :-)
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