While I'm waiting for you to grow...

[em_eye_are]

For the past few months I've been religiously working with Lyric in all the ways one can work with a 2 year old. I still have a few minor things I'm working on, but I'm really running out of things to do while I wait for her to grow. She probably could start wearing a saddle occasionally to get her use to it (I'm not really anticipating much of a

Comments

[paopaotang]

nothing constructive to add but she is a gorgeous horse! :)

[em_eye_are]

Thanks! :)

[wastedrock]

I also have nothing constructive, because there are some many comments I'm sure everything I'd think of has been covered but,
Wow she's really filling out, and DAMN her color! She's a crazy color changing equine :p

[miladyelizabeth]

The only other thing I could think of is to work on walking her over ground poles and obstacles, to get her thinking about where to put her feet. It sounds like you're doing a really nice job with her.

I really like the name Lyric, too. :)

[em_eye_are]

Ah, yes! I KNEW I was forgetting something; ground poles and obstacles are a wonderful idea, thank you.

And thanks regarding her name, too. Her registered name is one of my favorite songs, so I figured "Lyric" would be a fitting name, eh?

[vanraf]

wow, I can't believe the color change she's gone through since you got her!

I don't see any problem saddling her and working her on the lunge line, as well as adding a bridle (underneath a lunging cavesson or halter - wouldn't attach the line to the bit yet.

I'd also agree with starting long lining - I never learned how to long line my youngsters but have always wanted to try.

My only other suggestion is to make sure she's used to having boots/wraps on her legs while working - you never know whether you might decide to use splints or something else down the road, why not?

oo, what about poles? trot poles, canter poles, etc... don't know if you've gone that direction but it couldn't hurt.

Hopefully some others chime in here, I'll be interested in seeing what they have to say!

[em_eye_are]

I knew she was a roan when I bought her, because her AQHA papers said so, but if they hadn't, I probably wouldn't have believed them... I kinda wish she would have stayed the light rose color with dark legs, but she's still a pretty girl!

She's had polo wraps on once before. She picked her legs up at first, but then worked as normal after a few minutes. Still wouldn't hurt to keep putting them on, though.

Poles will definitely be in her future; I kind of forgot about them - thanks!

Ground Drive!

[chiere]

Start ground driving her. Tack her up, complete with bridal and bit, get a friend to help, attach the long reins to the bit and through the stirrups, (I tie them under the belly so they don't swing,) and put your friend at the front with a lead rope. At first, the friend will lead her as she gets used to having you behind her. Gently, at each lesson, you will add contact to her mouth, and directional tugs, until the friend is following her as you drive from behind. Practice whoa and back up as well. Eventually, you don't need the friend!

You can do this for a year or more if you want; go for long walks driving her while you walk from behind. It's great! We did this with my fillies, and it worked great. When it came time to ride Gwyn, she already knew what to do and how to give. It's been a completely stress free experience!

It's fun, it works their minds, they learn trust, and they aren't ridden too early.

Re: Ground Drive!

[em_eye_are]

Perfect idea. Why did ground driving slip my mind? Thanks!

[bella_cheval]

Wow, she's changed colors!!

Good luck, and sounds like you're starting her out well.

[em_eye_are]

She IS the horse of a different color - every few months she changes!

And, thank you!