A Productive Weekend

On Saturday, I was happy to see that the arena had dried up enough to safely free longe My Boy. There is something different about turning him loose to work, as opposed to staying in a circle on a line.

This is how he started out. First gear, little energy. Goodness, he's trying to fake me out, I know.


After he walked for several minutes to warm up, I asked him to shift into second. We got the famous Standardbred pace.

Then, the rodeo action began! He was so happy, tossing his head and kicking up his heels.

And bucking! Yes, a few of those apparently were directed at me!

He loped a lot, too. Last weekend I could barely get him to lope on the longe line. This time, he loped and loped. I could tell he was feeling good.

I love it when he'd stop. Head raised, he'd blow out loud. Maybe like a stallion does? I feel like the whole neighborhood could hear him. I'm sure he was calling to every mare around. It was Valentine's day, after all. Silly boy!

He's so good when I free longe, even though the arena is not a round pen. He works around me like he is in a round pen. When I want him to stop I just turn my body to the side a bit and he immediately whoas, turns, and faces me.

Am I done, Pony Girl?


After he worked up a light sweat, I walked him out then we started working with the rope.


He took to it like a pro. I swung it around as I led him, and gave him a muzzle-to-tail rub down with it. He really could have cared less.


On Sunday, we worked on the 12 foot line. We did circles, quick stops, and quick changes of direction. Almost like rollbacks on a longe line. I think Clinton Anderson calls it something like "longing for respect." My Boy did great and it was fun, kept both of us on our feet and worked some different muscles.

Afterward, we continued the rope work. I flapped that rope all around him, and he mostly ignored me. I attribute this to the use of my Parelli carrot stick, which has a rope string on the end. I rub him down and drag that string all over his body and around his legs every time I bring him out. It has helped him become desensitized to a rope on him.

This time, I brought in a small log. He eyed it warily at first, but then paid it no attention.

I walked him around the arena dragging the log next to me, as well as out behind me and alongside of My Boy.

Oh yep, I felt like it was a productive weekend. The only thing I hoped to do was ride yesterday, but I got delayed three times getting to the Painted Creek, resulting in a late start. So it was not in the cards.

I have my President's Day holiday to share with you too, but I'll save it for next time! If you had today off, I hope you enjoyed it!