Happy Horse = Happy Me

Elvis has been in training with my friend/trainer (Frainer), Rachel, for 3 weeks.  She puts a training ride on Elvis twice a week and I take a lesson once a week.  That can be changed out to more lessons or more rides as needed.  In addition to my lesson I also ride 3 or more times a week.

We've been working on adding some additional gaits to Elvis's movement - as in faster gaits.  We now have a slow AND fast walk as well as a slow AND fast jog.  We also have a smooth transition to a slow lope vs a leap forward.  I'm happy to see the new speeds and to know that his Western Pleasure foundation is still intact.

Elvis is learning to stand quietly tied for long periods of time.  In this picture he has just been called on for starting to paw (via my tossing a handful of dirt his way).  I interpret the look on his face to say that he doesn't want to be in trouble and indeed those handfuls of dirt aren't needed much anymore.

I've asked Rach to expose Elvis to as much as possible so that we will have a safe, versatile future. To date Elvis has been ponied off of and poined other horses.  He's been ridden in a busy crowded arena with people jumping and horses near him bucking and carrying on.  He's going to meet some cows in a few weeks and I hope he will be out on the trails in the near future.

It's been fun watching his spots increase.

Yesterday I noticed he now has more spots underneath his saddle and they are creeping up on his neck.  He even has a white spot coming in around one of his eyes.

I can tell that Elvis likes going to work.  He's much happier when he's ridden often.  He likes having a job.

I find myself getting in better and better shape from riding.  Having someone else riding him has reduced the pressure I felt of having to get up and ride when I don't have time.  It's a good feeling knowing your horse is happy.  Happy Horse = Happy Me!