Day 1

Update on how well the first day of getting them ready to canter through poles went.
Toffy was very good. I did a little desensitizing before I got on. I did lateral and poll flexing and backing up for the first tenish minutes. We walked around a little bit and when I felt she was comfortable I asked her to trot. Took a little urging, but she did do it. She was a little spooked about going towards the barn doors, but it was manageable. I had Aleythia lead her beside them and got her to lead Toffy trotting once. I trotted once more by myself and ended with some more flexing.
Aleythia worked with Dash. She brought her rain jacket for that exact purpose. It makes a noise similar to the plastic bag, but makes less of it. She shook it, rubbed Dash with it, we played catch, over her back, neck, and in front of her. We tossed it at her, and made it land on her head too. She was pretty good. I think we'll have to remind her of it again tomorrow, but it won't take as long. Tomorrow we'll try a plastic bag.
Coffie was good too. I started out with the same thing I did with Toffy. Quick desensitizing before I got on and flexing and backing up when I did get on. Walked around for a little bit and trotted a little while after. I think she's going to make a great trail horse. She wasn't afraid of all the strange objects in the barn. We ended with flexing and backing up.
Frosty was the horse we didn't do what we had planned with. She wouldn't stand still at her post. Aleythia tacked her up, untied her, said woah, and walked away. That commensed the next 45 minutes of getting her to stay there and not follow, or move after we left. It's kina frustrating, cause we taught her how to ground tie and now she's awful at it.

I asked Terry about getting something heavy to tie to Dash's saddle that would move around and at first he suggested oats, but then ammended it a little later with dirt. He has a small pile of dirt that we could put in a couple sacks and tie to each side of her saddle. When it gets a little warmer out we'll take her outside and have her work in that and get used to it. I'm also thinking that eventually we should tie buckets to her saddle and get her used to that too. It'll wait until later though.

Have I ever told you about Terry feeding the fillies in the trailer? Well he does. He started that a little while ago and they just walk in all by themselves like pros, bosses, old nags, ect.. Whatever one you want to use.

I think I'm going to go check out my goals list and see what I can cross out.