Third Week is the Charm

Hello all!

Week Three is down and Louie is again finishing with straight A's!

Unfortunately I don't have any video's for this week. :( My camera man (aka my mom) has been out of town all week.

I began this week in hopes to spend more and more time on Louie's back, as well as teach him to line drive outside. Our rides increased every day by 5 minuets. (give or take) With his lack of muscle and being on the thinner side of things, I don't want to push it too far and end up with an injury. Although walking for 10 min's at the beginning of the week seemed difficult, by Friday walking for 30 minuets was a piece of cake! It's always encouraging to see his improvements already. I was able to line drive him outside one day and he seemed to love working outdoors. (even I get bored within our arena walls so I'm just as glad to get out!) We don't have an outdoor arena but plenty of great spaces to work. That day after line driving him outside we went for our ride and towards the end I decided, What the heck. If he will stand long enough for me to manage to get the gate open, lets go for a ride outside! Sure enough, the smart little man he is, he stood perfectly while I pushed the gate off of the hook and out he went. He was as happy as a clam to walk wherever he pleased, ears forward and happy to go! I was trilled with his levelheadedness (if that wasn't a word, it is now ;)) about everything outside and his willingness to go.

We continued working over our obstacles but this week he did them under saddle. The tarp was no big deal and I had him drag the bag of can's from his back.

I was very pleased with Louie's progress this week. Looking forward, Little Louie is going to take a trip over to another barn this week. It will  be interesting to see how he does with that. I don't foresee any problems but, you never know! I again want to build on his bending and walking,and giving to the bit. I'm sure we will venture out of the ring more this week and possibly introduce a few steps of trot.

Hope everyone has a great week!

Love,
 Louie....................... and that person that give's me carrots :)