Sunday, August 12, 2007

Neche comes home

Say hello to Neche, which means "friend" in Objiway.

She arrived yesterday in the late afternoon without any real fanfare. In fact, because we were still working on the sheep pen, we didn't even have the camera handy.

When asked, she backed and then easily turned around in the horse trailer and walked out just as pretty as could be. They guys who delivered her had been riding her off and on the last couple of days, so she's getting over her "shyness".

Since her stall isn't completed yet, she'll be spending a few nights in our round pen. Pretty much the same accommodations she's had for the past 6 weeks or so.

Dusty just knew his "true friend" had arrived. I've got to say though, he was quite disappointed that she's some 40 feet away from him. In a few days, he'll get closer. Just as soon as we're sure they'll get along, we'll put them together in the round pen, as well as side-by-side in their stalls.

After we all joined her for a "group love" and quick rubbing, it was time to settle in and let each get acquainted.

Since this is really Bev's horse, she was the first to play the "Parelli game" of let's get acquainted. To do that, the human approaches to a point where the horse is comfortable (that means doesn't back up). Then the wait begins.

With your back turned, you wait for the horse to relax by cocking an hind foot. When that occurs, you back closer to the horse, just a little at a time. At any time the horse moves back, then you move away and start over.

After about 20 minutes, Bev was able to turn and approach Neche, and within just a few minutes she was able to take control, holding the halter and petting all over.

Cindy repeated the process and took things one step further by attaching a lead rope and asking Neche to follow... no real problems, and it took much less time.

I was last to go, and as you can see, I too, had to start a way's away with her.


I added her lead rope and walked her around the pen, even asking her to change directions.

Once she gets to know us all a little better, we'll begin working on her "ground training". We all agree that while she's saddle broke, and quite ridable, she will benefit from us taking her through the ground training series by Clinton Anderson.

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Posted by Shari Thomas @ 11:55 AM

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Shari -- she is beautiful. I'm so envious of you all having all your animals. Also love the post about your sheep. Glad you got help with the post holes.

Hugs,
Kay

Posted by Blogger Kay-The Rustic Cottage @ August 15, 2007 at 11:56 PM #
 
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