#12

August 8

I fed my Instructor's horses while she went to a meeting this evening. I went out and played with Missy a bit too. I didn't want to try the saddle by myself, so I just put the surcingle on and we did our usual session activities. Missy did really well today. I love how she is always listening to me and she just waits for me to give her a command before springing to it energetically. She loves to figure things out and she is such a smart little girl! It also amazes me how she can be on two different leads when loping. I never knew that a horse can be on the right lead in front and on the left lead in the back all at the same time! What is even more amazing is that she will correct it herself. Whether she does that by slowing to a trot and then trying the lope again or by a flying lead change (all by her onesies!), she still corrects it herself! I really enjoy my sessions with Missy. She is just so much fun to play with! Anyways, after we got back to the cross ties and I un-tacked her, I took the saddle blanket and pad from the tack room and just kind of kept swinging them up on her back until she accepted it with her head lowered and a soft look in her eye. Then I brought out the saddle and did the same thing until she didn't mind it. Then I flapped the stirrups and cinches. Missy took that very well and it was only a short time until she was relaxed while I flapped the stuff around. The flysheet isn't as much of a problem any more either, which is really nice. I am just so proud of our progress! And you know what! It can only get better!!!