Brrrrrr

Today is the first day I've been able to get away to see Rockie since Monday. On Tuesday, I was hit with some sort of nasty cold/flu bug, and I've spent most of my time since under a blanket on the couch. But today, I just couldn't take it anymore... so I bundled up in about a bazillion layers and went out to the barn, kleenex in tow. Even though it was really, really cold out. And windy, too.  Rockie was happy to see me... especially since I brought cookies. Little cow ;) 

After grooming her up a bit, we went out to the pasture to play around with some ground work. We did a little longing, worked on getting her to move off my body pressure, and then played around with some of the obstacles that Sue has built. 

The pedestal:

I know it might seem like I've put Rockie on a pedestal, but sheesh. 

The teeter-totter: 

In yet another dog life/horse life crossover moment. 

After we'd messed around a sufficient amount, I took her back to the barn to play dress up before we rode. Naturally.  

First, up was my Nunn Finer Figure 8 bridle. I've been itching to try this on her since I first saw her picture. I forgot it the last time I came out, but made sure to grab it today. And it didn't disappoint!

Future English pony in the making? I think yes. 

She looked so cute in it that I decided to ride in the Nunn Finer today. And she went great in it!  She seemed  to really appreciate the bit stability that the figure 8 noseband provided.  As usual, I worked a lot on helping Rockie be soft, supple, and round... instead of the hollow backed, forehand-heavy, nose-out way of going she's used to ;)  Using the random sagebrush plants that are currently growing in the pasture, I concocted an exercise of circles and serpentines which really seemed to help her loosen up and become more comfortable with lifting her back and forehand. What a good girl she is <3.  For those of you who are reading this blog.... I would LOVE any recommendations for exercises, books, videos etc that you think might benefit us. 

To me, there's "Nunn Finer" than this little mare :P

We practiced some stretchy walk and trot, did a little canter, and called it good for our ride for the day. Miss Pony Mare was decidedly lazier than the other few times I've ridden her so far... I'm anticipating spurs in our future.... once I gain a bit more strength in my lower leg and core. But overall, she was a very good girl. 

Pony wubbins <3

It was starting to get dark by the time our ride ended (ugh, winter!), but I still wanted to play around with more clicker training before I left. Rockie was great! By the end of the session, she was reliably doing a nose touch/bump to the cone on the ground, in a variety of locations. The article I referenced about how to teach this "trick" said that it could take weeks or months to get to this stage. Rockie is proficient and more than ready to move on to bigger/more difficult skills in just two sessions! Smart mare!

I am so thankful that we found each other <3. I can't believe we've "clicked" so quickly and completely. I can't wait to see what the future holds for us :)