As in, it took Robin less than one minute to halter Sham. He is back to feeling quite comfortable with us, and it is really starting to show. We took both Sham and Steen to the outdoor arena. It was the first time I’d set foot in it, and I believe the same was true… Read more »
ground-work
Farewell to Cal
Today Cal left our barn and embarked on the grand adventure of being possessed by a young girl who is utterly beside herself with the happiness of first time horse-ownership. We said good-bye today as her new owner held her lead-rope and asked about her favorite treats. I, for one, am happy that Cal is… Read more »
Feeling Better
Today Robin and I went to the barn with more or less the same plan as yesterday: she catches Sham and continues to work with him while I grab Steen and do an easy ride. But things didn’t quite go as planned. Some things were better, others not so much. We knew Cal was being… Read more »
Saturday Swap!
Guest blogger Robin here, posting on the Sham blog for the first time. Today Brian and I decided to switch horses. Since “The Game” can take quite some time and only one person can effectively play, when we are at the barn together one person ends up playing and the other ends up watching. Watching… Read more »
More Sham Antics
Well, the Sham saga continues. On Tuesday I did not go to the barn. I had to work work work. Brian did go to the barn, however, and Sham would not let himself be caught. After an hour of trying, Brian gave up. On Wednesday I went out to see what sort of luck I… Read more »
A Long Monday at the Barn
Yesterday morning I headed to the barn. My first barn-task was to hold Doc, my friend Gay’s horse, for the farrier because Gay took a tumble while dismounting on Sunday and broke her collarbone. Big time bummer. We got Doc’s feet done without incident and I brought Steen indoors. I thought he might need a… Read more »
Back to Riding
Exactly one week after Sham got his teeth done I decided to see how he liked the bit, and if things went well I hoped for a nice ride, too. He continues to be great coming out of the pasture. He is already in the habit of pooping and then coming up to me. He… Read more »
After the Dentist
While I was up in Wisconsin for the Birkebeiner, Robin graciously took care of Sham for the vet visit (I really have an amazing wife). He was mostly good for the appointment, but still I worried that he would hold onto a few bad memories when I went out to see him next. Afterall, I’ve… Read more »
Friends
Yesterday Brian and I went again to the barn in the afternoon and I gave my well-behaved Steen the day off. Brian and I once again focused on Sham and building positive experiences that involve us and going indoors. Yesterday, we had a great one. Sham left his afternoon snack to meet us at the… Read more »
Continual Progress
Today was the fourth day in a row that I have worked with Sham. In those four days I’ve seen some excellent behavior, some running away, some discomfort, some attempts to please, and now some definite, happy submission to me, the boss. Again Sham came to me in the pasture. He was much friendlier than… Read more »