Good stuff is happening

Went to Hollis to ride yesterday with Jaye and Pilot. It sure is nice that he likes to get
in the trailer. The rides to different places are fun, no stress at all, that's pretty cool.

We got to the park and unloaded the horses. After they had a leisurely walk around the ring we started to tack up. The carefree horse I loaded was now a little stressed probably wondering
'What Now?!' He had trouble holding up his feet for me, very unbalanced, walked away when
the saddle was going on, and very focused on Pi. I took the saddle and pads off and did some
halter work. This helped a little. Dressed him again but no bridle. More halter work with the
saddle on, lots of stress. He was very focused on Pi and actually reared when he couldn't see him. I hung on, he came down and now I could see confusion along with the stress in his eyes.
Rearing isn't cool, but its better than shut down. That's what horses do when they don't feel
good, I need to help him. I just continued to work with him until he settled enough to ride and looked less confused. This is just going to be something we have to work through until he realizes he is safe.

I bridled him and got on. For about 1/2 an hr he was pretty worried. We walked, some rough trotting, stopping, and practiced old things we both know very well. Then came the sigh. I think it was a breakthrough for him because the rest of the ride was so much better. He relaxed and for the 1st time ever he gave me the nicest trot. I felt his back soften and he finally seemed to enjoy himself. He never shut down, even through the nervous stuff he was with me. He is a pretty amazing horse, Good Stuff!

Thank you Jaye for your coaching, and calm words of encouragement yesterday!