Rode at Piper Ridge

Jaye and Pilot picked us up today and we went to Piper Ridge to work on some of the stuff we
learned from Libby. The first thing I did was to work Chance in the round pen. He was a little distracted and despite the warm weather had no trouble kicking up his heals. It wasn't all extra energy, I don't think he was feeling all that good about what he thought might happen today. So after tacking him up I brought him back to the round pen to help him feel okay about the saddle. He did some crow hopping at first but settled pretty quickly. He was feeling better so I
felt okay about bringing him into the ring.

I did a little rope work with him and very soon felt okay about getting on. Although I have to admit I had butterflies. I had not had the opportunity to put what I learned into practice yet, I was going on faith that this would work and that I would be able to prevent a wreck instead of waiting for one to happen. The entire time we rode Chance was pretty focused on Pilot. I can lead him anywhere alone or with a horse, being on his back is totally different. He becomes very anxious and worries about everything. My hopes for this day where not only to prevent a wreck but to help Chance learn to trust me.

After a short time I started to feel more and more confident. He was looking at everything on the outside of the ring, I just continued to do what Libby taught me. I knew it was working because we were both starting to feel better.

We had a great moment when Jaye and Pilot left the ring. Chance was tense and I could feel the anxiety coming from him. I just kept him busy, lets go look at this barrel, lets go check on Pilot, lets do some S turns, lets go check on Pilot, we were able to get a little further away each time . The great moment was the last time we walked away, he dropped his head, sighed and I felt him with me. His mind was with me not Pilot. For the 1st time we were a team and I was able to help my horse feel okay.