Today was the first day I got to work with some colts.
We woke up this morning to the ground muddy again, but not a cloud in sight. Calico, Melissa, and I got in the white pick-up and started down the driveway, but we didn't make it out of reverse before we got stuck. So we decided to walk down to the calving barn to feed our calves. On that lovely walk, I got some really bad blisters on my heels and they just continued to get worse throughout the day.
Jenn told us to just watch the Buck Brannaman Groundwork DVD while we waited for them to come get us. We almost got through the entire video before Zach arrived in the Ranger. He took us all down to the barn where we stayed the rest of the day.
Last week, two colts were brought in and a six year old was there to babysit them. When we arrived at the barn, Ty was working with the six year old, George, on groundwork. We observed him as Zach gave feedback and helped him out. George had had about thirty rides on him, about twenty-five with Ty, but there's always room for improvement. Ty worked on changing eyes and driving him. He even worked on moving his hind end with just his body position.
Calico then brought in her colt of the two, Cash, and started working with him. She worked on moving the hind end, and leading him around. Then I got to work with him. Cash and I did a lot of learning together and I definitely have areas where I can improve. I need to work more on making my presence known and becoming more confident with the colts.
We then had some sandwiches for lunch and got right back to work. Ty brought in his colt, ChaChing, and let Melissa work with him. She worked on many of the same exercises, but focused more on moving the hind end. Calico and I each had our turns with ChaChing.
After that we brought in Dino, Chachi, Gumpy, Avie, and we fed Banjo. I worked on groundwork with Gumpy for quite a while. I worked on moving his hind end for the most part. I had a bit of trouble at first, but with Jenn's advice, we worked it out. We also worked on back circles, backing in general, and moving the front end across. I also worked on leading him around and getting in time with his feet to having him reach to the side. After working with Gumpy for a while, I got on Chachi and rode him around. I worked on one rein stops and bringing his front end around. I also worked on getting him to move out a little better and I am slowly but surely getting better at guiding him with my feet. I'm also getting better at making plans and keeping my eyes up instead of looking down at him. We ended the afternoon on a good note with a few nice loping strides.
Melissa and I have now fed our calves, although one did not want any, and had leftovers for dinner. Now it's time to relax a little bit before bed as the storm clouds roll in and the wind picks up. So here's to what was a great first day working with colts for the first time.
We woke up this morning to the ground muddy again, but not a cloud in sight. Calico, Melissa, and I got in the white pick-up and started down the driveway, but we didn't make it out of reverse before we got stuck. So we decided to walk down to the calving barn to feed our calves. On that lovely walk, I got some really bad blisters on my heels and they just continued to get worse throughout the day.
Jenn told us to just watch the Buck Brannaman Groundwork DVD while we waited for them to come get us. We almost got through the entire video before Zach arrived in the Ranger. He took us all down to the barn where we stayed the rest of the day.
Last week, two colts were brought in and a six year old was there to babysit them. When we arrived at the barn, Ty was working with the six year old, George, on groundwork. We observed him as Zach gave feedback and helped him out. George had had about thirty rides on him, about twenty-five with Ty, but there's always room for improvement. Ty worked on changing eyes and driving him. He even worked on moving his hind end with just his body position.
Calico then brought in her colt of the two, Cash, and started working with him. She worked on moving the hind end, and leading him around. Then I got to work with him. Cash and I did a lot of learning together and I definitely have areas where I can improve. I need to work more on making my presence known and becoming more confident with the colts.
We then had some sandwiches for lunch and got right back to work. Ty brought in his colt, ChaChing, and let Melissa work with him. She worked on many of the same exercises, but focused more on moving the hind end. Calico and I each had our turns with ChaChing.
After that we brought in Dino, Chachi, Gumpy, Avie, and we fed Banjo. I worked on groundwork with Gumpy for quite a while. I worked on moving his hind end for the most part. I had a bit of trouble at first, but with Jenn's advice, we worked it out. We also worked on back circles, backing in general, and moving the front end across. I also worked on leading him around and getting in time with his feet to having him reach to the side. After working with Gumpy for a while, I got on Chachi and rode him around. I worked on one rein stops and bringing his front end around. I also worked on getting him to move out a little better and I am slowly but surely getting better at guiding him with my feet. I'm also getting better at making plans and keeping my eyes up instead of looking down at him. We ended the afternoon on a good note with a few nice loping strides.
Melissa and I have now fed our calves, although one did not want any, and had leftovers for dinner. Now it's time to relax a little bit before bed as the storm clouds roll in and the wind picks up. So here's to what was a great first day working with colts for the first time.