Training Ripper

Rhoda came today to work with Ripper but first we needed to move another bale in the middle paddock. The other paddocks were checked and the horses grained. Valiant was locked off the field as rain is predicted tonight. The arena was watered while Rhoda brought Ripper inside.  Rhoda is determined to get this 3 year old gelding going undersaddle this year but we will be hauling him out to Middle Grove in 10 days. Today was a good day. Ripper was listening and responding well. He would trot when asked.

 He would canter but let Rhoda know by crow hopping he wasn't happy with the saddle on his back. 

 Basically he would do what was asked but with an attitude. 

 Rhoda stopped, dropped the whip and was doing some relaxing techniques on him but he was so curious about the whip on the ground he had to pick it up and start waving it. He reminds us of a child with attention deficit disorder. 

Mike arrived about then so showed Rhoda what he had been doing with him. He pushed him a lot harder than Rhoda would have and instead of exploding Ripper responded to Mike well.

 Rhoda popped back on him and Ripper was obedient and listened well to Rhoda's cues. 

 The two worked with him until they both felt Ripper was responding well. 

After Mike dismounted, Rhoda wanted to show Mike how Ripper would jog trot and canter but Ripper would not listen to Rhoda, he just wanted to be with Mike. Mike went out of the barn, shut the door and then Ripper was asked to canter and he did. Mike walked over to the big doors and was looking through them watching Ripper canter when Ripper caught sight of Mike and slammed to a stop. He has bonded with him and is just too distracted to work when Mike is in sight.  The saddle was removed and the bridle put on. Ripper was reminded how to back and turn with the bit. He is soft in the mouth and they want to keep him that way. Rhoda finished with some trick training asking Ripper for the bow. He will be ready for the lay down soon. He is smart.  

Rhoda and I quit the outside work for the day and went inside to get a few things done. When she left for home Karin arrived and was pleased to find the arena watered and the lights on. She was able to work all 4 horses in a non dusty arena. She worked with Zalena, Jenis, Indy and Rosalie.  Below are Zalena and Rosalie. 

All mares were great. Karin is well pleased as am I. We are planning on hauling ALL of the mares out to Middle Grove on the 21st of December leaving only the 3 fillies, EasterBonnet, EllaSkye and Envy, and the 2 stallions Evan and Valiant here until we get back from our trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama in January. Mark is going to be staying here to take care of Emma our dog along with the horses so we want things to be easy for him.