Friday August 23rd, 2009

The drag line

Today I led Wonder to the riding ring on a 14-foot line allowing him the freedom and opportunity to act as if there were no line on him. He led remarkably well, eagerly following me down the short path to the riding ring. Once we were inside, safe from anything the line could catch on I dropped it and offered him the opportunity to explore the ring. With almost no hesitation, he went trotting off, ears up, investigating the new space. Allowing Wonder to drag a line not only gives me a chance to see how he responds to pressure without attaching myself to the other end, it gives him the opportunity to get used to something dragging across the ground as well as get used to the rope touching his legs which will help with desensitizing later on. Eventually, I would be reassured to know that if I accidentally drop a lunge line or a lead rope or if he somehow gets caught up, he will stop and wait—not, panic and bolt. Once again, I was impressed with this little foal's where-with-all and the work Lucky Horse Volunteers must have put in to him. The rope didn't faze him at all. Whether at a walk, trot, or canter, he ignored the rope... pausing for just a moment if he stepped on it, then calmly problem solving, taking the pressure off and continuing. Way to go Wonder!