>>>> On October 1, I am wimping out and taking him to a trainer for 30 days of riding. I know it's not much, but I don't mind a green horse, but I want someone who won't tense up putting the first rides on. Someone who is relaxed, then when I take over after 30 days, I will be relaxed. But at least I did back him first, and 3 times at that. Being the first was always my dream, and I did fulfill that!
I was the first to back Gracie about 10-11 years ago...and a few weeks later, I was the first to eat her dust when she got attacked by a Killer Horsefly and I reacted wrong, making it worse. I had been determined to start her myself, but with the hours I was working, it wasn't fair to either of us. I then let Shirley take her for a month or two, and then we resumed at home. There's no shame in that. We each have to find our own way. If I were working as many hours as I was back then, I would have to have a lot more help than I do. We're lucky now. Not only do we have the lists, but we have tons of choices in videos we can buy, all the RFD-TV shows, and we can take our own videos so easily. I still value my "real" local horse community, but this "cyber community" is pretty cool too! Thirty-days is no time at all for doing the full "starting" of a horse, but since you've done so much already and are prepared to do more, that could be a good bit of time to get him going. We do what we have to do to keep a good relationship with our horses, and to keep us and them safe. There are many paths to that goal. Enjoy! Karen Thomas, NC
