So, yesterday was an AMAZING day in the Adventures of Gunner world! I tell ya, every time I'm with my boy, I love him more, and more! He's just the best horse in the world. Yeah, he has his quirks, and he's a little on the nutty side, but he is SO MUCH FUN! Plus he is just the sweetest thing ever.
Yesterday started out with a little bit of craziness... We usually send three of the horses out to eat grass, with only their haters on, those being Trixie, Tieva, and JD. We also bring Geena, Serenity, and Gunner out in hand. (I of course take the Gun Man.) Generally we send the free grazers out first, and then we get the in hand grazers afterwards. Well... Yesterday I was left to catch the three in hand grazers, and Gunner, all by myself! Let me tell you, it was an adventure! First off, Gunner has figured out what the back door to the arena means, which isn't totally a bad thing, but it was yesterday! I ended up chasing him away from it for several minutes! When he got in my space, I made his feet move! At one point he actually stood in like... bull-fighter stance, nostrils flaring, and everything! I was almost certain he was going to lash out at me, and I was standing probably a foot away from him, if that. Instead of jumping away, I simply said, "Gunner." In a very stern, but quiet voice. Instead of lashing out, he lowered his head down close to my hands, his eyes grew soft, his stance was not as aggressive, and he sighed, as if he knew I was going to win anyways. It was actually adorable, and it made me want to cry. I just stroked between his ears, and then we headed off again to get JD. Of course, Gunner was close behind me, even though this time I didn't want him to be, Nonetheless, I ended up having to drive Gunner away again, before I just lead JD to the barn, and Gunner galloped up behind us, and through the paddock like he was totally wild! It was actually so beautiful.
So we went out, and spent some quality time together while he munched on some grass, and I chatted with one of the students who was pretty adorable asking me every possible question about Gunner! Of course, when it was time to go in, Mr. Gunner did not want to leave his grass, and he resisted moving, so I did a hind-end disengagement, and we went on our way.
At the Barn Days of Summer (BDS) we ride for one hour in the morning, then one hour in the afternoon. I went to get my boy for the morning session, and he came with me quite willingly! When I go to get him he even sets his head in the halter for me! Grooming went amazingly, and he even stood completely still for fly spray! When he first arrived he moved all about when being fly sprayed, and I've got him down to just shifting slightly, and not really dancing around whatsoever! We tacked up western, and headed out for the class! Okay, I had been slightly nervous at first, because he freaked out on Harley on Sunday, but yesterday he was AMAZING! We participated in class as if we were students, and he is a master at red-light-green-light. The good thing about our relationship, is that I can see tiny signs he gives when he is about to get a little crazy. So, we ended up having to dismount about fifteen minutes early, which still made for forty-five minutes of riding! After dismounting I walked him in-hand, and we finished off on an excellent note!
For the afternoon session I worked him in-hand, and then did some desensitizing in the round pen. The round pen work went quite well, and by the end of it I was able to rub a hula hoop over his whole body, including neck. It was also good to have him in the arena while there was a lot of commotion, but he could stay calm, and not get too excited.
After BDS was done for the day, I was able to hang out at the farm for a few hours, and Gunner, and I worked again! I took him into the arena this time, and Holly set some poles up for us, which really were supposed to just be for him to walk or trot over. Come to find out, jumps really excite him! He would walk up to the poles, and then trot, and jump over the second, then canter as soon as he was over! It was so much fun! I was able to control him after the "jumps", though it took a bit of effort! We did that a few times, and then I ended up having to walk him out when I felt him get a little too excited. He was pawing quite a bit yesterday, and Holly noticed how one time when I simply said his name sternly, he stopped, and continued on walking. It's good to know I don't only ride him, but he also listens to me. After our ride I untacked him, and ended up just sitting on him bareback. He is super chill with me now, and we just relaxed while Holly, and my friend Jessica finished their ride. It was an awesome ride, even though we had a couple of crazy moments! I just love him so stinkin much!
Here is a great photo Jessica took of us last night.
Today's adventures wi be up soon, but more than likely not until tomorrow!
Thanks for reading!
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