Day 34

Trailer Loading day 6:

We are coming along nicely!  Today we worked on getting in and backing out of the trailer over and over again.  He is so soft now, all I have to do is direct him in, and he goes.  And when I want him to back out, I gently lift his tail, and add a little tiny wiggle to the lead rope, and out he comes, slowly but steadily.

Since that was going so well, we also worked on closing the back gate.  I started by opening and closing it for short moments, and gradually increasing the time.  He didn't mind that at all, so then I closed the gate and held it closed until he started to back up.  I let his rear touch the gate, and as soon as he moved forward from the pressure, I opened it and backed him out.

In between trailer loading sessions, we worked on all of our Parelli games, and even went for a short walk around the neighborhood.  We played the squeeze game over a few obstacles since that seems to be a sticky point for him.  By the end of our walk, I was directing him over logs, ditches, and yes, trailer ramps!  :)

Gail says it's time to put him in the trailer, close the door, and go for a ride around the block.  So that is what we will do tomorrow!  <<Yikes!>>

Here are some feet shots for the hoof junkies  :)


Left Front



Left hind

Sorry the feet are so dirty - this wasn't easy!

:)

Jackie