Training Woes

 Today was disappointing but more on that later. We had a good walk, and stopped to check out Mike's project. So much clay to move.

Ruth arrived just as we finished and shared with mom and us the adventure of going to Lake Michigan with 3 grandchildren camping in a tent, getting rained out then renting a motel for the night. They all had a blast. Sarah arrived with her 3 and 2 extra kids today. I wanted to work with Izzy as Zion was here but Izzy wasn't very well behaved. She bucked with Zion as I was leading her and Sarah was walking along side of Zion. Izzy jumped to the side and somehow knocked my leg out from under me. As I was on the ground the lead rope was burning my hand and I ended up letting go. Izzy bucked and started running and poor Zion was thrown. She wasn't hurt but was shook up. We decided Izzy needed the pack saddle with 40 pounds of salt on each side and a trip on the death trails following the golf cart.

She did well on the trails and finished those without a problem although we got stuck in the mud with the golf cart at one puddle and had to unload all the kids while Sarah and I pushed it out. Izzy was taken to the round pen and then came even more trouble. The pack saddle ripped as she must have gotten too close to the round pen panels, one of the 40 pound bags of salt fell out and the other 40 pound bag of salt pulled the pack saddle to her right side. Izzy started bucking and running and that made everything much worse. I got out of the round pen and it took quite a few rounds before she finally stopped running and bucking. By this time she was exhausted, hot and blowing. She stood while the rest of the pack saddle was unhooked and removed. I spent a long time slowly walking her until her breathing slowed down enough I could safely hose her off to cool her down then more walking and another good hosing. She was taken back out to watch the kids riding Missy and once I knew she was fine I put her away in her paddock. They were having a good time with Missy. I was thrilled to see Zion cantering Missy. Evidently the fall wasn't so traumatic that it put her off horses.

All of the kids got a chance to ride Missy both in the round pen and in the outdoor arena.

Later Zion said she would even get back on Izzy. I think we will stick with saddle packs until we know she won't buck. We picked up Berlica and Mackenson for church tonight as Joan was staying with mom.  Mike Kaisner had the message on 1 Timothy 6 and some of 2 Timothy. Click HERE if you would like to watch that. After church we joined David and Stephanie's family at Culvers for a late supper. There was a big group that came from church so we stayed quite late. Izzy's training went backward today, hopefully we can have a few steps forward tomorrow.