More Show Practice

This evening I met Dawn and Jennifer for a little "Mezza Practice". We let her run first in the big outdoor arena. She decided it felt pretty good--and we ended up stalking her in there!

We did some in-hand work with the rope halter, then switched to the flat "show" halter with the chain to pretend for halter and showmanship. Jennifer and Dawn set up a cone and we practiced our showmanship course. What fun. A little bit different than the round pen--and the other horses were being fed. Good distractions. The head was up a bit on the trot--she hates the chain beneath her chin!

The turns on the hinds are staying straighter though. Very dusty and good!

Mezza work continues

Today Mezza and I skipped around and practiced on a number of different things. I'd wanted to get her back in the long lines, and for that I still want the round pen until she's more comfortable in them.

So, we started by practicing our stalking, turns, and in-hand in the round pen, then walked down and tacked up indoors, where she is relaxed while tied, as long as she has a companion. I need to practice walking away around the corner. I don't leave her alone yet.

After grooming, saddling and putting on her front boots (more for practice than needed protection) we headed into the indoor arena and walked and trotted close circles over poles, then worked on more desensitization with the rope hitting the saddle before switching out the halter for the side pull and longing over the poles using a longer line at walk and trot. That is coming along nicely.

We finished up with that and headed all the way back up to the round pen, where we spent time desensitizing her butt and legs to me flopping the ropes around before sending her out on the long lines. She is getting the feel and doesn't mind them, and is picking up the turning!  I'm so proud of her!!