Boo says the Donkey

(Canyon: I was not scared. Was NOT.)

It was a beautiful day for a ride. I was the only one who could get away and I decided to work on something that Jewell described on her blog - it's now a private blog, so I'm copying a bit of her comments on it instead of linking.

Basically she described a method of round penning that involved, among other things, round penning without any type of ropes - anywhere.

I think the change is the fact that the horse is at Liberty. You are working with them with no halter or lunge line. To get them to respect you without halter or lead you must change you personal power.

So I said, what the heck, let's give it a shot.

Into the round pen we go. Naked.

Calm down folks. Canyon was naked, not me. After all, you can see the round pen from the highway. :) And I was wearing considerable personal power.

Well, after a few minutes I learned one thing. Canyon has apparently considered himself naked all along.

Nice to know. Actually I think its one of two things : a sign that we've got the round pen thing down, or we don't and I can't tell.

We left the naked round pen session. Then after a few turns around the arena I decided to head out on our "test the boundaries" walk. He did great until Boo.

We had stopped to talk to Sharon (who owns the stables) who had just driven up and turned our back to Boo, the donkey who lives at the next farm. Apparently behind my back (and canyon's, more importantly), Boo charged the fence.

Um, did I mention I was only on a bareback pad in hopes of improving my seat?

And I was only riding in a halter because I'm very fond of my new halter and rein combination.

Suddenly Canyon pranced in place, arching slightly. I thought we were in for a bolt, buck and bad day.

I leaned in, held him slightly and got ready. Then he settled down! He settled down!

"What was that about?"

"It's the donkey," said Sharon. "He charged the fence."

We turned to confront Boo. Canyon gave him the biggest snort I've ever heard and I laughed all the way back to the barn.

So folks, my horse freak out was only a 6. PROGRESS! LOL

I got a few pictures to share. One of Canyon being insulted as his pack mule role.



Here's cute little Hoot



and here's Canyon giving his best "Hey baby, got a cookie?" bit...




Yes. He got his cookie. :)