First week Done and Dusted

Been a good week here at Bar None with Beau! He's fitting in much better than I was predicting. First time out with the whole herd he had one moment with Slick and since then They have decided to split the herd. Slick gets Hailey, River and Annie, Beau gets Felix, Nova, and Havi. I look out and Slick is down at the bottom with his posse, and Beau under the trees with his. So interesting to watch herd dynamics. My herd is pretty used to changes, but they can also be warry of new comers!  

We've had good rides this week. For ease of handling I put my English saddle on him and he looks fabulous.  I used the leather side pull hackamore and he seems very responsive to it. 

After some play in the arena and playyard, where he climbed over most of the obstacles without hesitation, we went for a walk out the back gate. 

He was very interested and forward. We got to the back side of the loop and he thought perhaps we were a little far from the herd and pasture. He got a little anxious but was still listening and responding. As we turned the corner to head for home, his sense of direction kicked in and his walk picked up! As I got to the gate I asked him to walk past, then we turned around and went to the gate, which I opened from his back with out much work. 

Yesterday Laurie came over with her horse Buddha and we went for a walk up the street to our 100 acre woods. Beau asked to go first and we were about to leave Bu in the dust, but then a little concern, not spook and he'd let Bu catch up, pass him, then come along, then decide he could go first again! Down hill is a work in progress. They need fitness and some skill to go easily downhill with using their hind end. Beau still wants to rush and "fall" downhill. Some in hand work will help that and fitness! 

We had some great trots and even a canter. I have a video but it won't seem to upload here ! 

Looking forward to our second week!