Post by dalesponyrider on May 30, 2009 18:40:33 GMT -1
I actually started Penley's training yesterday at two days old! I was picking D's feet out in the field and seeing as Penley was stood next to me I just picked his front foot up! He was fine about it and I left it at that.
Today was a bit more intensive/serious. We had our first leading training. I caught D and then handed the lead rope to Joe. Teresa was our instructor shouting very welcome instructions from the side lines and reminding us of the all the training we have received! I caught Penley and cradled him between my arms. We then started leading them both from the back paddocks, up the grassy lane to the front paddock. D was a star! She remained calm even when Penley got a bit distressed. She just stopped, put her nose on him while I was still holding him, and reassured him that it was all ok. She did this a few times and I was choked up. She could so easily have taken exception to me upsetting her foalie but she trusted me completely and did her best to calm Penley. He was very strong and his back end was on springs! Bounce, bounce, bounce!
Eventually got them to the front paddock where Penley met traffic for the first time. He took everything in his stride and D just got her head down and grazed.
On the way back I took up Jo Ashby's suggestion and used my Dad's old jumper to lead Penley with. It worked a treat and made life a lot more comfortable for us both. I didn't have to bend over so much and Penley had the pressure spread out over his chest a bit more. He was still very bouncy though!
Teresa took some photos so I'm hoping she will post them for you.
All in all a very successful day! I just hope Penley will actually still be friends with me tomorrow!
Today was a bit more intensive/serious. We had our first leading training. I caught D and then handed the lead rope to Joe. Teresa was our instructor shouting very welcome instructions from the side lines and reminding us of the all the training we have received! I caught Penley and cradled him between my arms. We then started leading them both from the back paddocks, up the grassy lane to the front paddock. D was a star! She remained calm even when Penley got a bit distressed. She just stopped, put her nose on him while I was still holding him, and reassured him that it was all ok. She did this a few times and I was choked up. She could so easily have taken exception to me upsetting her foalie but she trusted me completely and did her best to calm Penley. He was very strong and his back end was on springs! Bounce, bounce, bounce!
Eventually got them to the front paddock where Penley met traffic for the first time. He took everything in his stride and D just got her head down and grazed.
On the way back I took up Jo Ashby's suggestion and used my Dad's old jumper to lead Penley with. It worked a treat and made life a lot more comfortable for us both. I didn't have to bend over so much and Penley had the pressure spread out over his chest a bit more. He was still very bouncy though!
Teresa took some photos so I'm hoping she will post them for you.
All in all a very successful day! I just hope Penley will actually still be friends with me tomorrow!
D is!!! 
Having her help as you train her little boy is beyond measure! 
)
