Louie Week 4 Equine Comeback Challenge

Hello all!

Little Louie is moving on and learning more and more each week. This week Louie took his first off site adventure to Wild Side Ranch, home of Minteer Training. I work for Dave Minteer and he has taught me everything I know. I am beyond blessed to be able to learn from such a wealth of knowledge as Dave is. So of course, I had to bring the Little Louie over to get Dave's opinion on him. I was so impressed with Louie's relaxed manner away from home. He could care less about the different arena and his new surroundings. The arena at Wild Side is a coverall and is much louder than our arena at home. Even with the wind flapping the coverall (you can hear it in the video) he remained a cool customer. We did some ground work and hopped on. The video shows our first few steps of trot and the beginning stages of lateral work, side-passing off of each leg.

The week progressed and I was able to work Louie outside under saddle. I was very impressed that he took in his surroundings but was happy to walk forward where I asked. He showed me his first "spook" which was nothing more than an abrupt stop. A few minutes working past the scary object and on we went. I couldn't be happier that he is so willing to work through things and not lock up in a this-is-scary-I'm-going-to-check-my-brain-out attitude. I'm sure you have all been in that position and know there is nothing more frustrating. 

This week we also rounded August 14 which means we are only 2 months away from the Pennsylvania National Horse Show. (Check out the link for more information on the finals!) I here the words 2 months and my hands get clammy thinking of all the work we have to do before PA. I then think about how far this little horse has come in only 4 weeks. Four weeks ago he didn't know what a saddle or a rider even was. He was ruling his own life in his pasture having a grand ol' time with his buddy Neil. (Neil is another Equine Comeback Challenge horse. you can find his progress here:https://www.facebook.com/Neilscomebackchallenge) So despite the work we have yet to accomplish, I am blessed with a willing partner and a desire to give Louie the best start on life in my power.

We look forward to updating you again soon!

Love............. Louie