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12/01/2004: "Time For An Update! – Originally Posted August 09, 2004"

Since my last post, I’ve ridden Indy six more times. Three times for 15 minutes and four times for 20 minutes. I only used the bit for the second ride before trying the sidepull. Wow! What a difference! Even Mike could tell how much happier and more relaxed he was with the sidepull.

I’m not sure what the problem is with the bit. He just doesn’t want the thing in his mouth – period. He seems to particularly hate it banging on his teeth, but he makes so much fuss I can’t even take it OUT without hitting his teeth, much less putting it in. Since I don’t consider a horse’s training complete without his accepting the bit, I fully intend to take this issue up again – later. I’ve ordered a Happy Mouth double-jointed full cheek snaffle for him in hopes the apple scent and the softness will encourage him to at least take it in his mouth. It may well be too thick for him to be comfortable riding, but if it just helps him stop worrying at the mere SIGHT of a bit, it will have been more than worth it’s purchase price.

Anyway… Even though I know the bit would give him a clearer signal, he’s doing very well with the sidepull. In fact, on our last ride, I definitely got the feeling from him that he was relaxing and really “getting it.” All we’re doing is John Lyons by the numbers – number one being just softening and giving his head to very light pressure. He’s getting quite good at this and knowing exactly what we’re trying to do and doing it is a great confidence builder for us both. He’s not bored with this repetition – he’s reassured. By the time he DOES get bored with it, we can confidentially move on to the next step.

I have the new Wintec saddle, but I haven’t been able to ride it yet because I ordered the girth from another place, and it hasn’t come yet. Anyway, THAT experience will no doubt require a post of its own!