"Easy There Unsteady Betty!"

It has been hard adapting to being outside all the time instead of going into the nice cozy insulated, heated indoor arena. It's definitely not fun when it is cold and windy.

I started Ava's day with some grain, carrots, and even tried a couple bananas (which she despised!). I then haltered her and headed down the long path to the working arena. On our way down there she was breathing surprisingly hard and would stop frequently. Once we got to the arena I started by walking her around it, threw the rope over her a little and once I thought she was calm enough I let her lunge a bit. She was horrible in the beginning. Tossing her head, rearing, pulling, slight bucks, and excessive speed. I stayed as calm as possible and gave her the benefit of the doubt but when she got a little too forceful with her nonsense I got after her, hard. I don't mind some goofiness but when it becomes too excessive I have no tolerance for it. After that her mood was better, not completely, but better. I made her move her feet a lot, making sure I wasn't being too agressive, almost trying to make a game out of it. After she calmed dramatically I actually got her to calmly canter on the lunge (good girl!!). I then finished with some desensitization.

After getting back to the pasture I began to teach Ava how to come. It definitely worked after she was rewarded with a little bit of grain. She still did great though.

I also found a western Wintec saddle at the tack store and brought it over to the new place to try on Ava. It looked great on her and hopefully we can ride in it soon.

Still missing The Ranch but trying to make the best of what we have at the new place.