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Norco Extreme Mustang
Trail Challenge |
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April 14, 2010-Corralitos (continued) The mustang boys take their first big
field trip: to the Corralitos Corral. A long trailer ride at nearly
3 hours, a new place, and horses they've never seen before. Lots of
new things, but a few things that remained the same: consistency can
provide a very nice sense of comfort and security. Krista and Dave worked
with Comet and Polaris in the same slow and gentle manner they always
use. Same saddle, bridle, even the same bean bag! |
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Polaris Accepts a Rider It's slow, slow going with Polaris: he's still pretty suspicious about this whole human thing, in spite of how much preparation Dave has given him. |
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Dave hops up and down
a few times, and Polaris is calm about it.
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Dave swings up .. ..
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and up .. .. ..
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and over .. .. ..
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Settles in.
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They take a break.
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Dave wisely stops while
Polaris is still feeling good about this work.
This really is about the pace Dave has been working with Polaris. Watching from a distance, a person might think it's going too slow. From Polaris' point of view, that it's going at all might be too fast for his liking. You have to wonder sometimes if he's the sort who wants to be ridden! But Dave is laying a fantastic foundation. Even if he doesn't get to be the one to see Polaris transform into a wonderful citizen, riding horse and partner, chances are that someone else will. |
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Then they start all
over again, still on the left side. Dave will work on the other side,
when the good side gets sound.
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They take another break, and that's enough for today. |
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| Polaris is Saddled | ||
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Dave swaps out Polaris'
bosal for a nylon web halter. Dave anticipates that Polaris will experience
some upset with saddling, and if he does, this halter will be a little
softer on his face than a rope halter.
Dave wants Polaris to feel good about being saddled; he doesn't want to punish Polaris for not being able to be saddled. |
Dave's as calm as can be, even though Polaris isn't. This needs to happen now for Polaris, because of the time frame of the competition.
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It looks like Polaris has his mind right for this, and he holds on just as long as he can.
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Then, Polaris' fears overpower him and he has to leave, scaring himself even more when he looses his saddle pad.
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Dave maintains a calm presence, with some help from ever quiet Comet, which goes a long ways towards building Polaris' confidence.
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Polaris has his saddle pad back on, as Dave asks him to lower his head. Emotionally, a lowered head resembles the grazing position: a good time in horse life. Physically, it's thought that lowering the head actually releases endorphins, calming the horse. |
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Comet adds a calming
presence and support for Polaris, as Dave adjusts the halter.
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As Dave checks to be
certain that the rear cinch is snug and tethered to the front, Comet
gives his approval. You have to wonder if Comet is just curious, or
if he really is supporting his pal.
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Snug up the cinch one
last time, and that's it for today. Polaris is quiet and has a good
saddling experience behind him.
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Polaris Doesn't Lie Down-but
he does pick up a foot and stays quiet while he does it. He's also becoming more confident as he learns to trust that Dave isn't going to let him down in more and more situations. Which is the whole point of this exercise. Dave doesn't intend for Polaris to lie down: he isn't going to make it into a battle. He wants Polaris to learn that Dave isn't going to do anything that will hurt him. It's one of the many exercises in trust that they'll practice on this very short journey. Just another shared experience. |
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Dave has a line to
the halter, and a soft cotton rope around Polaris' belly and up to his
foot.
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Polaris seems to understand
that everything is OK, as he quietly lifts that foot.
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Until it isn't.
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Dave moves with Polaris
as he steps to the side.
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Then moves back with
him.
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They quickly find quiet
again.
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Polaris quieted quickly,
and stays quiet as Dave picks up that foot again.
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Dave asks him to give
his head as he rocks back just a little.
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Polaris has dropped
his head, and rocked back every so slightly on his haunches. This is
a great try, and enough for today.
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| April 20, 2010 Comet Goes on A Big Adventure | ||
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Oh No, the Flex Pen
gate needs to be opened.
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I know, let's just
ask Comet!
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Oh course, Comet can
open it.
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Out for a little spin
around the ranch
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| Krista@FromStartToFoundation.com |
831-588-6214
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1425
San Marcos Rd. Paso Robles, CA 93446
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