Bit!

January 26th

Today was another great day with Mayfly. I really need to start having other people work with and around her, but it is hard in the winter out here... because I mostly work alone. She is coming along in leaps and bounds for the limited amount of work she has been getting. After a week or so off, she was great.

 I had her carry a bit and bridle today instead of just her sidepull. The sidepull doesn't fit well under the snaffle bridle, so I went back to riding her in a rope halter with the bridle over top. I wanted the halter to communicate with her so she could just experience carrying the bit while working. We did do a little bit of turning using the halter, and bridle rein together a little. She seemed to understand how to give to the pressure, but she wasn't happy with the bit in her mouth. Perhaps once she is comfortable with a bit she may need a different set up. Perhaps a narrower in diameter bit.

She was much more forward today. She is starting to understand that when I ask her to go forward, as soon as she goes at the speed I want, I release pressure. Smart mare. Today she was much more consistent trotting and overall just not worried about me up on her back. Perhaps it is because I am not worried about her anymore. She is such a sweet little girl. I can't wait until footing is good enough to lope her.

Next time I will have her carry the bit again and start using it a bit more. I also think she is ready to hit the trail with an experienced horse! I just need to recruit a second rider or person that can sit on a dead broke horse to help me out! I am so glad I got this little mare! She has been a challenge, but come come around wonderfully!