Lead Changes and Turnbacks

I rode Chance today. We worked a little on lead changes and turnbacks. I practiced collecting him with one hand so that I can throw a rope and keep his head down at a fast pace. We didn't do too much because Debbie's trainer was there and working on some cool stuff with one of the fillies and had obstacles all over the arena. The turnbacks started out good, but then Chance got bored with them. I think I'm going to start riding him with spurs. Debbie told me that she usually rides him with spurs. I'm just always too lazy to put them on (it that ironic?). My legs have been getting a good workout. The lead changes are going well too. This is only the second time I've worked with him on it and he's learning fast.
There were a lot of distractions today. Debbie's house got crushed by a tree in the storm last month so she was getting a new one put up. On the neighboring lot men were pulling down dead limbs. It was very noisy, but Chance did well with so much going on.
Because of time, I didn't work Brandy for very long. I did lunge her without a saddle on. I was amazed as I watched her eyes get more and more calm and her head began to drop. A fly on the wall never know that the slightest unexpected movement or loud noise would make her halt, send her sidestepping or bolting across the arena. It was a successful lessen. I like those...a lot.

Lessen #1, 2009

Welcome to Brandy's Blog! I decided to give Brandy her own "news room"... but she has to share it with Chance. There's just not enough room for the both of us on The Cowgirl's Typewriter.
Brandy and I started our lessens again today. I saddled her and then lunged her. She did pretty well considering it's been almost two months since I'v worked her. She didn't quite like trotting with the saddle on, but there was NO bolting. I also introduced her, officially, to my camera and we took some fun pictures together. She was so good as that big black thing stared at her and then made a clicking noise and rubbed on my vest when I moved making another funny noise! (I feel kinda like a mom talking to her baby right now). But seriously, she did good.


Me and Brandy


Brandy on the lunge line


Brandy with her saddle.