>>> This is the first time Blessi has exhibited that degree of nervousness >>> during a ground exercise. I would like to ask the group for advice. >>> How could I have done the exercise differently? Did I approach the >>> exercise too quickly? (Note Blessi alerted as soon as he saw the "tent" >>> in the arena.) Where do we go from here?
Did I understand you correctly that it took him maybe 15-20 minutes total to get comfortable enough that he was willing to mouth and "destroy" the tent/tarp? Gosh, that's actually pretty fast...maybe a little slow compared to many Icelandics, but I've seen some sensible other-breed horses take hours to get used to something new and so strange. I wouldn't worry - sounds like you're doing fine. >>> Should I repeat the exercise with the tent in different areas of the >>> arena, in different areas around the stable? That sounds reasonable to me. Karen Thomas, NC
