Day 17- Not so sure about ground driving

 

As I've been working out away from the barn this week, Barry has taken over a bit of the work with Blue in my absence. He has spent a few days saddling the horse and doing some lateral work, teaching Blue how to give his head from side to side and soften to the feel of the side pull. This training from the ground will give the horse a foundation for the future and acts as a building block for work later on from the saddle. On Thursday night, Barry did some ground driving work with Blue to begin his education around steering right and left, without having to be on his back. Blue was not at all a fan of this new activity and it took some time before he became comfortable with Barry behind him and the lines touching his sides. This is often the case when horses ground drive for the first time as the process is different from anything they've experienced before but by the end of the session, Blue became more comfortable with the method and settled....it remains to be seen how he takes to it the next time.

 

Blue continues to live outside with Lena but is always happy to come in for some attention and work. The two are such a good match...neither is overly dominant or aggressive over the other and while Blue moves out of the way when Lena decides she wants something, you can tell he does it out of chivalrous respect rather than fear.

 

 

 

Lena with Blue looking on

 

 

Blue is a gentleman through and though and as he gains confidence and develops a personality, those quiet and polite qualities remain, making him always a pleasure to work around. His size, demeanour and good nature will make him a very special companion for someone one day and I look forward to finding the right partner for him who will love, appreciate, protect and give him the life he deserves. Until then, we will do the same and will enjoy his company as he learns and develops.

 

 

 

Blue- Day 17