Learning Curve part 1

This is a photo of Buck Brannaman doing groundwork at one of his clinics. See how light the horse is. Look at the hind leg stepping forward and under, the bend around his handler, the relaxation. It is a beautiful example of the bend that I want in my groundwork.

We have a long way to go

 

 

I have found that the OTTBs that I have worked with in the past have very good work ethics, but sometimes lack focus and Tex seems to fall into this. He isn't being rude or ignoring me, he just doesn't realize that he needs to watch me and be with me mentally. He can go through the motions but not be engaged. My goal for these first few days is to teach him to look to me and wait for direction.

 

By the end of our work on this first day he was dramatically better. He adores attention and very quickly figured out that he would get lots of patting if he came in, relaxed and waited.

 

 

I wish that I could show extraordinary photos of us cantering nicely down the lane, but I have long ago learned that we must crawl before we walk, and for me it works best to have the horse trust me before I start asking for things that are outside of his comfort zone. I know that Tex has been ridden, I am working to make a long term difference in his understanding of riding. I want him to know how to relax and be patient and wait. so I must learn to relax, be patient and wait too.