Smokey's First Day

I started Smokey under saddle today with the assistance of my little helper, Cayenne. Cayenne is the leopard pictured after we loped around in the dirty snow/rain slop today! Smokey is very easy going and willing so far. She’s a bit pushy on the ground but really does understand how to give to pressure. I brought her in out of the rain and brushed her before turning her into the round corral. She trotted around calling to Cayenne, her new best friend. After she settled down, I went out and put my favorite rope halter on her so she could feel what I was asking better than in her web halter. I did some basic groundwork and she was responsive. I introduced the pad and saddle to her with no problems. I have no idea if she’s ever been saddled before but she did wonderfully. I did some more yielding exercises, flapping the stirrups, etc and she didn’t bobble.

I warmed Cayenne up while letting Smokey trot around in the round pen with the saddle on. Cayenne was feeling fresh so I did lots of trotting and loping before attempting to pony Smokey. After fifteen minutes or so, I rode into the round pen and gathered Smokey up. She was unsure at first and thought she should boss Cayenne around. I let her know that the pony horse is always the boss! She accepted her place immediately, got the concept of ponying and we headed outside. Smokey seems unfamiliar with brush, logs, rocks, banks, etc so I let her have extra rope to satisfy her curiosity. She was not fearful at all, she just wanted to stop and sniff everything new. We took a short jaunt around and about and then I put Smokey back in the round pen.

I did some more groundwork, stepped up and down in the stirrups several times, and finally got on Smokey. She was unsure the first time I stepped up in the stirrup but didn’t spook or get very tense. I did lots of petting on her and she relaxed quickly. I got on and off a few times and let her move around when she wanted. She was quite giving with her nose and I was able to steer her easily with the rope halter. She was not concerned about me being on her back. For all I know, someone has been up there already. She is a High Sign Nugget though so she may not have had any work at all! My Smarty and Cayenne have been the easiest for me to start so it must be a bloodline trait!

Until I teach Cayenne to use the camera, we won't be seeing any photos of me riding Smokey!