Soldier - 6/5/12

Fairly light work out today.  The Johnstons came by and watched me ride him and I just showed them the basics of what he knew.  I believe that Soldier is right where he needs to be, if he were a two year old.  Where he at mentally, I feel he is exactly where a two year old should be in his education.  That said, he's six.  So, for the next couple of weeks I will be pushing a little harder than I have to this point.  He is broke to death to the saddle, just doesn't have a clue what to do with his body once a rider is involved.  Stay tuned....

Soldier - 5/31/12

Rode Soldier today and to say we had a bad day would be an understatement!  We both struggled with our activity today.  Although, it is important to understand that sometimes a bad day leads to a breakthrough. 

I changed him from a hackamore to a sidepull.  A sidepull has more of the same action as a snaffle bit (more direct rein than indirect rein), and that is our ultimate goal.  To back up a few days, the first time I attempted to get a bit in his mouth, ol' Soldier blew up, so rather than have a fight...I used what he would tolerate. 

Today I worked him on releasing to pressure.  I would ask him to bend his neck and as soon as he "gave" to the pressure, I would release the pressure.  This was most of the ride today.  Soldier has a lot of resistance because he doesn't trust me yet and is in a constant state of protecting himself.  Time and patience will break down those barriers.  Take the time it takes now....it won't take as much time later.