Val began his round pen work and worked in harness for the first time while lunging. He is working in the bridle on a regular basis now and got an education in NOT chewing on absolutely EVERYTHING around him, to include the lunge line, the lead rope, the lead shank, the reins etc. He was responsive and beginning to really learn the rules about not stopping to "talk" to the other horses, moving on when asked, and working off his handler's center of balance. He was hooked to the driving lines and lunged with them attached to the bit for the first time. On ground manners and handling, we had some serious "talks" about standing patiently and quietly at a distance while I chained up gates I needed to walk through etc. We went back in the woods again for a "trail walk" again and he handled everything like a champ. He's really starting to come along now and is just coming to a point where we can "roll up our sleeves" and start some real work!
Here are some pics from those sessions:
As for other training done last week, Scooby was worked bareback to again rule out saddle fit/back issues. By riding bareback, I could feel his back bunch up underneath me when traveling to the left, which was obviously a pain response. His framework was the same and his responses to cues was the same. His vet appointment was late last week and x-rays revealed arthritis in the right hock. He also got his feet trimmed, his toes were VERY long and causing interference. His dentist appointment is scheduled for next week, so between teeth, therapy for the arthritis, and trimming Scooby should be a different horse by next week..... we'll see!!
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