Harnessing Stormy

Cherokee Storm has met with all his challenges so far quietly and respectfully. It's time to bit him up and put on the harness for some ground driving training. Stormy was fitted with another horse's bridle but did get his own brand new bit. Around here, when a horse reaches a certain level of training nicely, then they get their very own NEW bridle.

Stormy stood quietly in the round pen for harnessing up, only moving away from the crouper a couple of times. All the previous work with the tarp has paid off.

We use a driving harness minus the breast plate and tugs instead of a surcingle because it does add the crouper in for added exposure to "stuff" on his body. Many of the horses in training do go on to drive, others progress to training under saddle when they are ready.

Stormy does so well his first time. He is loving his sessions, always cantering up to the gate when it's time to be caught. He's eager to please and learn. His offspring so far also have all been smart and catch on quickly to whatever the task is at the moment. What a great fellow !

Tonight ~ OYY The Doctor of Dreams, aka Sigmund, is up next. It's been quite some time since he has been out for a session. Earlier in the year he was being ridden lightly in the indoor and down the driveway once. Since then, he has been turned out with his other two stud buddies, OYY Finnegan and OYY Salvadore. Sigmund's biggest issue is his wish to be CLOSE to you. He's a big gentle moose who has not figured out personal space yet. He's a big boy and needs to become a little more aware of his body parts.

After his work, he is allowed some free lunging.

We try him over the jump for fun. He's a horse that is never going to be in a rush.

Poor Chip has suffered a minor injury and is on bed rest. I can tell he's missing his lessons and riding. We give him extra grooming time and still practice quiet work in the stall like head and neck bends. When he was off, I called a vet who specializes in lameness. This vet had never seen a Curly before, and was so impressed by Chip's conformation-- loved Chip's shoulder, legs and feet-- really nice horse he said. That was nice to hear. When Chip is ready, he'll be back working and we plan to get him driving.

Back in April, I brought 2 Banty chicks home from the grain store. They have several "chick days" where the store is jam packed with little cheepers of all varieties. Often there are leftovers after customers pick up their order. So now I have Bob and Peep, named on the first day. Now that they have grown enough -- I am pretty sure they are indeed a rooster and a hen. Bob is beginning to crow now... a little shakey still... he leaves off the last few notes of the cockle doodle doo, but he'll get better. Maybe next year they'll hatch a few clutches.

Enjoy your day ~