Saturday Slight

There are no remote learning options when horses receive their schooling. 

Agreed, social distancing is a must, especially when the potential of a good, swift kick, suggesting, "Stay out of my space," looms if horses get too close to each other. 

And, when the horses are in the classroom, their masks come off in favor of training items like a head stall and snaffle bit.

After staying away for more than a week so he and his teacher could develop a relationship, this doting mom visited CB's classroom yesterday.  

He has gone to school at Tibbs Arabians where my sister Barbara is his instructor.  

The two have developed a bond where she speaks quietly to him, issuing commands and holding a whip in her hand. 

Don't get the wrong idea:  the whip is not meant to inflict punishment.  

Rather it functions as a visual tool, to cue the equine student as he learns various gaits, going both ways in a circle.  

Since he's been at Barbara and Laurie's barn, CB has learned to stand tied, he is slowly learning to open his mouth for the bit and he's also spending time in the arena on a lunge line, going in circles at the walk, trot and canter and, of course, whoa. 

Barbara also uses the handle end of the whip to teach him to pivot.  One basic rule with horses:  they respond to pressure, moving away from it. 

Besides his arena schooling, CB is getting more accustomed to being hosed off after a work-out and covered with fly spray (necessary during these dry, hot days). 

Finally, like all horse learn (with very little practice) there's a treat at the end. 

I am very pleased to see his progress, even though Barbara refers to him as a "geek."  And, I agree.

Like any training, most of us are pretty geeky during the early stages.  And, for a horse to learn how to get those legs moving at the right speed and the correct gear and to pay attention while doing so, that's a lot on the brain. 

CB is a bit like his mom; he likes to know what's going on around him. 

Barbara says next week, she'll add training reins and sircingle as training tools, which will train him to set his head and to quick gawking like a geek at every little distraction.

I really enjoyed my experience as CB's mom, and I'm looking forward to dropping in occasionally in the future. 

CB's training with Barbara will proceed right up to someone getting on him and riding him for the first time.  We'll make the decision on who that will be when the time comes.

I have already eliminated one possibility---myself!

Definitely a fun experience watching "in-school" learning.

Thanks, Barbara.  I think CB has a good teacher. 

Not much else new this morning except it's a Saturday and looking like a pretty leisurely day, 'cept for some writing projects. 

Happy Saturday.  Enjoy the pictures and your day.  

It's taking CB a little time to decide he "likes" being sprayed with insect repellent, but Barbara sez he's getting better.

Mask back on after workout.

 I've never once heard CB complain about his liberties when that mask comes on and keeps the flies out of his eyes. 

That's CB's temporary home while he goes to school at Tibbs Arabians. 

Doggies were having a great time hanging out with me as I strolled around the place inspecting the flowers yesterday afternoon.  

Of course, there have to be antics from the young' uns.