Erika & Me

This morning Erika and I went for a walk with Apple. When we returned she asked if we could go see Gwin. I was glad to get a little more time away with her alone. And I was glad to see my baby and try some of the ground work stuff I've been learning from my Clinton Anderson DVDs from Aunt Judy.

It was SO hot! In the 80s. 

I worked Gwin without a lead in the round pen with Erika and me in the center. I wanted to work on teaching Gwin to turn in and face me when I stop her movement. She (and I) had been struggling with this easy thing, and I had a new plan up my sleeve (from Clinton, of course). AND IT WORKED!

I made her move her feet, asked her to stop and turn in... when she didn't turn in (which I KNOW she knows how to do from her past) I would drive her back around some more. Then ask and drive at her refusal to turn in. We did this for about 20 minutes, and right about the time my sweaty body was ready to collapse in a pile, she DID IT! I let her (and myself) rest for as long as she would keep her feet still. Remarkably, my horse, who never stands still unless she's eating or stuck somewhere, stood for about FIVE minutes on her own. When she began to move I drove her in the opposite direction.

I feared that this would take another 20 minutes to establish on a new side, but she surprised me and moved in to face me IMMEDIATELY when I asked her to stop the very first time!!! SO proud. And pleased as punch to have actually gotten somewhere with her today. 

I'm so grateful to have a friend who takes an interest in my favorite thing, even though she certainly doesn't have to, and I'm pretty sure she's really not all that into horses herself. :) It means so much to me to have someone from my life to share this with sometimes.