2007-2010 January 4th

 January 4, 2007

Intended to ride Phoenix bareback in his pasture today but almost fell off when he attempted to bolt from the wind in the trees.  Got off and led him down to the bottom, walked him back and forth 'til he was desensitized.  He responded very well and didn't try to run over me.  He swung his hindquarters away every time he was startled.

January 4, 2009

Mucking and grooming, then we tried to get some groundwork in before the freezing rain started.  Phoenix: desensitized to rope, yield the hindquarters, desensitized to stick and string, 4 backing methods, yield the forequarters, circle driving, slap & walk exercise and flexing.  Onyx: desens to rope, yield the hindquarters, desen to stick, lunging for respect - stage 1 until he settled down and got his cues straight, then resumed backing.  I taught him yield the forequarters for the first time out in the open, then did the slap the ground exercise, then flexing.  They both did well considering it's been awhile - I was amazed at Phee with the circle driving!