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!
No comments:
Post a Comment