6/29/09

Vet cleared Gus for no more wrapping or soaking of his abscess. Said it looks great! Also said he needs shoes or boots, and to decide within a week if we were going to resume riding. No more leaving him barefoot.

Took Gus for his first long trail walk. Mostly delayed due to my physical limitations with my ankle. He LOVED it! He had to "go behind" me on the single tracks. I even climbed up on a bench and practiced our mounting block work in the woods. He was so good! He even went through moss, sticks, fallen branches and trees - he did just fabulous!! Only downfall is his excessive pooping - probably from the excitement. He was so eager to get down the trail. It was a beautiful hot day. He did well with other passing horses, dogs, joggers, bikes and kids in bike trailers and the huge van with the loud generator blocking most of the sidewalk on the way back. He's such a sensible boy We went up a huge hill, down a huge hill, stopped to graze at the soccer fields. I was quite sore afterwards and had to go home and put my ankle up, but it was worth it!

6/30/09

Another trail walk
I've been putting him on the lunge line, wear my gloves and put his rhythm beads on him. TThe lunge line give me more play in leading him while he's behind me or if he gets startled and decides to step away. This time we had a biker approach from behind on the single track trail. Didn't faze him a bit, he moved over nicely to let her pass. Oncoming joggers with a dog, who cares. Barn mate riding up behind us, no big deal. Barn mate riding off the other way, no big deal. On single track he walks behind me very well. He loves to stop and graze If he comes up behind me too close I just wave my hands and keep walking and he backs off.

He was walking faster as we approached the trail head and could hear the traffic. I made him stop, back up, move to the side, move to the other side, and we changed directions and walked the other way for a few minutes. When we turned around to head towards home he was much calmer and more composed.

Use your talents, that's what they are intended for.....
Gus's Training Log