This week, Newt continued his rides in the arena Newt had his first rides in the arena. We start with pre-ride groundwork as I make sure his mind is on me before swinging a leg over. Once in the saddle, we work on Flexing & a bit of Yielding the HQs before I ask him to move off for One Rein Stops at all gaits, where we're also working on his gas pedal & brake. With Cruising, we're working to establish his cruise control. When I put him at a trot, I expect him to stay at a trot on a loose rein & same at the lope. He's had some tight moments at the trot again, predominantly when he lets his focus wander to the dogs moving through the weeds outside of the arena. Once he brings his focus back, he does much better. Because of this, I've introduced a bit more steering through figure eights as a way to redirect his mind in a controlled manner while his feet continue to move. Right now, he's also a bit magnetized to the side of the arena closest to the trailer & his pen mates, especially with the scary shredder, mower, & rake outside the fence on the far end. Overall, things are going well. No big red flags, just little baby-isms that will improve as his confidence continues to grow.
Next week, we'll continue in the arena, working on One Rein Stops, Cruising, and Follow the Fence.
- Lexy Nuesch
Next week's update will be posted on Friday.
I do my best to get these updates posted in a timely manner, but it's not uncommon for me to be outside until after dark, depending on the weather, my schedule, & who gets worked when, so updates will sometimes be posted quite late in the evening. Don't be alarmed if you don't see your update right away. In rare cases, I may have to push them until the next morning, but I'll reach out & let you know if so.
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