Xena Becoming a Saddle Horse

 Xena was 3 in August.  She is from Rock Creek/Penticton Reserve. She looks Thoroughbred.  Which is most likely why her mother wasn't with her when she went to the rescue at 2 months old.  Way too young to be without a mother.  Fortunately, she was only there for

a month.  Ziva mothered her and Jane.  Then Lily and Miss July also looked after her when the youngsters moved into the herd (months later).

Xena was beyond wild when she came here.  Loading her to bring her up to Prince George was a disaster.  She wasn't able to be handled so they tried to haze her into the trailer.  Unfortunately it was the back of a slant load so not much to look at for space.  Running a horse into a trailer doesn't work.  Running only works if you are in a horse race.  The rest of the time walking is best for getting a horse to do something.

Last summer we started working with her:  loose schooling which she has had in a herd, then on the lunge as she was running and never walking. (first learned:  run fast).  As of this month (January), she is walking on the lunge.  Lessons in walking were sporadic.  The surcingle on was no issue.  Rider on: not a blink.  Noisy snowsuit: no problem.  Now to find a saddle and bridle for her.  She had a lot of desensitizing training when loose with the herd in the arena.  She accepts all (mainly because only one horse reacted in the herd and she wasn't dominant.

Xena has filled out a lot in the past year.  She is short but stout.  It appears that she has even gained bone on her legs!

Dave and Diamond on Becoming saddle Horses

 Finally, Dave and Diamond are being ridden.  They are wonderful to ride.  Both feel safe.  Of course, they had extensive groundwork prior to this point.  I think horses enjoy being ridden because the rider is sitting quiet on them.  No noise, no flapping plastic etc.

Diamond is very smooth.  She just glides along.  Even though she is only 14.3 hands she feels big.  I have ordered a Ghost saddle as I can get it adjusted wide enough.  She has almost no withers and a very wide, flat back.  She goes in Corinne's Ghost now so there shouldn't be an issue with fit.  I hope

Diamond's tail is swinging as she walks.  She blows her nose on the first lap around the arena.  

Work sessions are short.  The last one was 30 minutes.  The weather has been above or about freezing so we were comfortable.  It is still January but I suspect the temperatures will drop and stay down for a while.

Dave is very smooth.  He doesn't glide as Diamond does.  I feel he has a tightness in his back.  I had Kate Beckett out to massage him and he looked lovely.  His canter on the lunge is beautiful.  He can regulate his pace.  Kate didn't massage him as it appears, once again, he has fixed himself.  Wildies are wonderful horses.

I hop on one horse while Corinna works the other.  She learns fast.,,, hands down, legs on, hands together, sit still etc.  I work on responding to leg aids, reins, contact, some lateral work.  

Their schooling will continue for as long as we can.  They don't really need a break as they are worked twice a week.  I should do something with them on the days Corinne isn't here.  We will see.  My energy level is good but not always great.  And other things take my energy eg farrier.

Videos and photos to be posted in a bit.