Despite the 18 degree weather we had this morning, it is quite warm inside the barn and in the indoor, so Fader got to work today. I have been having some problems with her moving forward so I decided to work her on the lunge today. She has learned how to lunge *so* quickly...she is so smart! Already knows voice commands and is quite a lady. We w/t/c both directions first just to loosen her up and get her attention on me. She started out a little unsure but with encouragement began to move out a little bit and stretch down. After putting the side reins on, we w/t both ways...she was unsure about going forward but once she learned that resistance equaled tight reins and relaxation equaled floppy reins, she gave in. A little more resistant to give tracking left, which actually mirrors her under saddle. Tracking left she will usually bulge her outside shoulder and get "stuck"...tracking right she tends to overflex and loses her shoulder to the inside. After the side reins, she got to trot around for a few minutes without them on...to reinforce that forward and relaxed are key. Very good lesson and she was so great.

Would like to take a minute to talk about how incredibly patient this mare is. She follows me through whatever I point her at. On Wednesday, we decided to explore the farm a little bit...she walked through the mud and several gates to a pond, which she crossed, and then through the outdoor arena where horses were in turnout...never batted an eye. She is just so sane and so smart. I've never met a horse like her...she's like a person sometimes.

Today was her first day of turnout with other horses at the new barn! Her turnout buddies are Dahli, a black/white Paint mare, and Flash, a gray TB mare. I kept an eye on them for several minutes to make sure they wouldn't get into a fight...naturally, I was being overprotective because Fader simply found the nearest bit of hay and started munching. :-D

Tomorrow is a big day for Fader. Amanda, the Executive Director for CANTER KY, will be coming out to take pictures and put together an ad for her to be listed. Amanda is wonderful. She listed Aldebutante and has been nothing but great and rewarding to work with. We are very excited for Fader to be listed and hopefully this will generate more interest in her!

On a less happy note, Donovan is still looking for a home. His situation is desperate and he must be moved as soon as possible! If you can provide a home for this big guy or know someone who can, please contact us!

'Til next time--
--Ryan