First, I'd like to thank everyone who responded with advice on my fidgety
horse. The consensus seemed to be the same....no hobbles--which I was
leery of anyway--and basically doing more of what I've already been doing, which
is lots of ground work, lunging, dressage, and patience patience patience.
It was very reassuring to know I'm on the right track since this is my first new
horse in 13 year (my horses tend to be "lifers"). Yesterday he stood quite
nicely while I saddled him up, so I rewarded him with treats, pets, and just a
little easy ring work (too many snowmobilers on the trail for a trial ride due
to the holiday). I'm happy with the little successes, and they keep
happening almost daily. My main theme this winter is building trust...he's
a very sweet horse and seems anxious to do what's right. I'm really
excited about him!
As for the thread on the Chevy add...I have a bumper sticker that says
"Real Women Drive Trucks!" When I bought my Dodge 1-ton diesle dually 14
years ago I went to one dealer who told me "a girl doesn't need that big of a
truck!" I told him he'd just lost a sale and walked out.
The dealer I ended up buying from was a horseman himself and was very
helpful. But when I drove it anywhere, I'd often be asked if I was driving
my boyfriend's truck! Hard to believe that was only 14 years ago!
