Day one of Training

October 26th,

This was Mayfly's first day at home. It took me 15-20 minutes to catch her. I ended up using grain to entice her (the other two in the pen got a snack as well of course). She was hesitant at first to let me tough her, but she got better as time went on and after I separated the two geldings out. She wanted only her face touched. At first, after haltered, she wanted to walk on top of me. We quickly established that she is to stay out of my personal space unless invited in. She is the type of horse that gets comfort from being on top of her human... not ok.

We started working on direct and drive. At first she was explosive when asked for anything, but by the end she would walk off calmly when asked. We worked mostly to the left due to running out of time and wanting to end on a positive note. Did it twice to the right and she wasn't bad, but always wanted to creep into my space. Improved in that note but needs more work.

October 28th,

First day of work in the roundpen for Mayfly. She was much easier to catch. Tried to back away from sight of the halter, but stood once the rope was around her neck. She stood pretty well on the shoeing pad for grooming. Lifted all 4 feet. Tried to paw a bit while tied, but was corrected. Went to small round pen and did great through gates. Worked on direct and drive. Still wanted to drift on top of me, but got better. Working on back up on cue. At halt she wants to creep up on me. Flagged her and she did fine with flag touching her all over her left side. Started on right. Was more confused/worried about flag flapping further away. Overall impressed.

Future goals: Flag work off fence, above
                      Chink work
                      Backing off
                      Bridle

October 31st,

Today Mayfly was easy to catch. Pulled back once on tie area, then stood well. Groomed all over including down legs. Got a temperature on her (showing signs of an upper respiratory infection) and she was normal. In grassy area, worked on direct and drive. Very good. Anticipated a bit. Used rope to sack her out. Was worried at first about rope noise away from her. Great by end. Wiped her nose with a tissue. She was upset about it at first, but ok with it by the end.

Future Goals: Rope around legs
                       Flag away from body
                       Backing off
                       Bridle

Standing Tied like a good girl!