Desi is SPOILED

Well one of the big drawbacks to having an evergreen 8yr old is that by 8 they are VERY set in their ways. She is smart but she is also a mare with an opinion.

Last night my plan was to do some groundwork with her. I brought her out of the paddock, through the evil barn and to the hitching post. She did SO well. She remembered all of our coversations from the day before and was super soft.

**Yes I do actually occassionally brush my horses!**

Since things were going so well I tacked her up. She stood quietly while I threw my saddle on her and got everything situated. From what I understand she has only been ridden in barrel saddles so mine was a big difference for her.

We headed out to the arena to get some good work in. Tracking left she was SUPER soft, she remembered all her lessons about bending and was very attentive. Tracking right she is more resistant. She gets soft but not until she has done some ugly moves. lol She wants to brace against the line and push her neck and shoulder at me.

Once she was good and soft on both sides I went and got a bridle. She was being so good and attentive. She was a little nervous about taking the bit but didn't fight. So I took it off and put it back on 2-3 times. Then we worked on bending on the ground. I wanted to get a feel for how soft her mouth was or wasn't. She is very soft on her left side and still a little resistant on her right. So I got situated and went to step up. I treated her like a greenie. I hip-popped and leaned over her, rubbed her, bent her neck and just as I was getting ready to step over she took off bucking. I hopped back and ALMOST landed on my feet. HAHA Got up and went to get her. Had another bending conversation and got back on.

Then we started bending under saddle. We went right and left over and over again. I would give her the chance to go forward and if she started to sull up we would bend and bend and bend. We ended after she would walk past the gate 20ft or so in both directions calmly. She is going to need a lot more saddle work than I anticipated but she is smart and willing so that is promising.

I will have to brag a little........she looks DAMN good in that saddle!!