It was a complete disaster, for at least the first 15 minutes. Neither of us knew what we were doing. Vaquero kept thinking we were longeing, and kept turning in to face me. That makes a mess of the 30 foot driving lines, to say the least! I was repeatedly dropping the lines and untangling them from his legs. James was watching, and he became so frustrated watching us, that he snuck off and did his riding with Bullseye well out of range of the disaster unfolding in the round pen.
But then, I uncharacteristically found some patience, the horse started to get the idea, and we were ground driving. We did well going counter-clockwise. I just stuck with that for a while, learning to manage the 30 foot long reins, and giving him subtle adjustments to control the arc of his circle.
But we had to turn at some point; disaster again! He was all over the place, reared once, and just generally refused to turn. But wait, a small lightbulb is beginning to burn dimly over our heads, and we are turning. Yes! I then worked on his stop.
We finished the session lathered. This is the most I've seen him sweat, and I was pretty soaked, too.
We have a lot more to perfect, but I'm getting the idea, and I think he is too. I can't wait for our next session...
3 comments:
Wow! That sounds WILD. We need video of that...
Congrats on finding the patience. It was probably right behind the understanding (which is always under the determination)...
Horses certainly demand you find it...
Cute comment. Have you considered a career as a writer?
Well done!!!
(How refreshing to find a "neighbor" blogging!)
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