My family was finally able to stop by the barn to meet Quest last week and they really liked her. I didn't ride since we had errands to run but was able to groom and free lunge- smart mareface was on her best behavior. I was fortunately able to sneak in a ride yesterday on New Year's Eve before heading off to make/have dinner with my family first and then immediately run off to a party with local friends. It was the perfect way to end the year of the horse.
Sounds like Quest is coming along nicely! I have the same challenges with Be B on the trails (she is half Arab too), including the jigging. They are so fast and athletic it can be a real challenge when they think there are scary monsters out to get them. I find B. responds quite well to voice commands and praise when her anxiety is up so I now just chatter to her the whole time. It has the side benefit of keeping me from holding my breath which I do when I am nervous, which is always lately. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThat's an important thing to keep in mind! Quest also benefits a lot from verbal praise on the trail though when she gets in full gear jig mode, her brain is stuck in that rut for awhile ugh. I think a big part is being more conscientious about working on bringing the anxiety down before it gets to that point
Deleteawesome that your family got to meet the ponykins!! and glad she was good for it!! love the pics too :)
ReplyDeleteThey have very slowly been warming up to the fact. And thanks, yay for video stills lol
Delete