LESSON NUMBER 3

Well, it has been over a week since our last 'training' session, but I think if anything, the time has allowed what has been learned to sink in.

When I led Lutallic up to the arena today, I had the 22' lead with me as well (I didn't really have much of a plan in mind!), so I wanted to drop that at the round yard entrance for use after walking on the arena. Tallic spotted the short-arses in the paddock across the road at this moment, and he got a little excited, quite tall and started to trot - BUT instead of being strong and dragging me along etc like he did previously, a very light correction worked, and he walked up to the arena like a grown-up! (oh yeah, and he 'tacked-up' like a grown up too!!)
It's so exciting to discover that he has taken-in what we worked on last week and he's really bonding and looking to me for the leadership. So much better than a few months ago when I was working him in the round yard and he spotted the 'oxygen thieves' and I had so much trouble getting his attention and getting him to respond. He was so storng that day, and wouldn't stop unless he was facing what he was interested in (the ponies), much like when I was trying to walk him up to the arena last Monday. (He had preciously been inclinded to run to the end of the lead and need to be pulled around so he didn't run off.)

We started today where we left off from last week's lessons. We walked on the arena changing direction and pace regularly (to stop him from getting bored and losing focus,; they're basically transisitions) and moved on to including some trotting soon after begininning (I yet again had a very small time frame in which to work, so it was great to be able to get on with it all so quickly). I think I only had one scary moment when trotting where he moved his rear end in toward me, but he yeilded away quite well, much lighter aids than required on previous occassions.

Did have one or two scares from the noisey dogs next door where Tallic jumped and did a little run off, but he faced-up readily and I just soothed him and continued. At one point his protective boot slipped a bit and he was kicking out and trying to escape it, but I was really pleased to find that a soothing rub and re-assurance got his mind off it and we could keep going.

At some times I ran a little with Lutallic (for some trot work), and other times I had him circle me. He came back to a walk with voice command and a lift of the hand, and same to halt (I've been saying 'whoa'). He really is a very clever little horse and is looking for recognition. I think at first he thought he was going to get carrot treats (like he did at the end of the other arena session), but he certainly seemed happy with his rubs and kind words.

I am absolutely rapt with how he went today. The only problem is, I think I'm falling in love with the little fellow! Damn it!! That wasn't supposed to happen. He's great. He's smart, he tries and he remembers. Wow. And it doesn't hurt that he happens to be so pretty!!

I'm going shopping tomorrow, so we won't do anything for a couple of days, but I suppose I'll just keep going slow and steady with his training. It's working so far.

And, I've got to say, I'm really glad that my good friends Louise and Christine have managed to give me the tiny shoves necessary to get me out there playing with Tal. Thank you both! You were both right, I am loving it.