>>> Trausti passed his posse certification today! He flunked a couple of areas >>> but did so >>> well on others he passed anyway! Here are pics:
Janice, I've been thinking - that's just amazing. You've had him just under two months, and I know you gave him some time to settle before you rode him, and before you took him out. Trausti is one of the most stoic Icelandic's I've ever met, but he's also a sweet, solid citizen. How long did you wait before you rode him at all? At least two weeks wasn't it? And about a month before you took him on a "real" trail ride? We just can't overemphasize the importance of letting a new horse have some time to settle. Trausti is nine, fully mature, but I bet it will take him a full year to fully get used to his new home. That doesn't mean he can't be used and ridden during that time - as Janice and he proved yesterday. "Settling" is one of those things that happens in degrees, as the horse gets used to his new environment and learns to trust his new owner. My old country vet used to have a sign in his office that said, "The hurrier I go, the behinder I get." Parelli says, "Take the time it takes so it takes less time." Janice proved that yesterday, that going slowly can be the fastest way to progress. Too few people have time to give the horses a fair shake. I also noticed that Janice didn't ride him at the event in his posse "uniform", but instead rode him in the bridle, bit and breastcollar that fit him well. Wise move, Janice. Suppose during the banner episode, the other bit had hurt his mouth, or if he'd got a foot caught in his breastcollar? A minor faux pas could have been a big mess. Oh, if only more people would pay attention to those little details, and not change too much, too fast. We'd have a lot more well-adjusted horses. Karen Thomas, NC
