Jennifer, did you see the article about Orphan Colts in the Equis magazine recently? I think it was April or May.

How are things going? 

I posted some videos on YOUTube under CShirleyC if you want to take a llook at how Cash and I are doing. We are finally moving forward again. It has been a long while and I was getting worried but persevere we did. We tried lots of things but quitting was just not an option.

Love to hear how you're doing.

Hello Jennifer,  I just want to tell you how happy I am that you and Oliver are making so much progress.  Don't let the 'nay sayers' get you down, you're doing what works for you and Oliver...and being successful with it.  Truthfully, from what you've posted/blogged, it sounds all 'spot on' to me.  Good on ya girl!

Sarah

Jennifer,

Thanks so much for the friend invite!  Let the typing begin!

Sometimes I wonder if Steve is good for you personally. 

It is the HORSE who is the proper judge of how well you are doing.  All my riding life I've been dissed by professionals saying I did not know what I was doing, only I was the one with the horse I could put anyone, a horse I had gotten just green-broke and did the rest of the training myself.  He was so good people thought I could not ride.

I long ago gave up on getting approval from professionals.  Keep going, don't let a pesky pro diss you out of your joy.  You just got a different relationship going with your horse. 

Yeah, I'm also on the Forum using my own name and the same photo of Mia. 

So long Oliver is not 1) opening his mouth, 2) not slinging his head up, 3) not diving his head down and yanking the rein out of your hand, or 4) not tossing his head up and down, you are probably doing OK with the bit.  The proper response to all of these, at your stage of riding and well into the future, is to move your hands forward until Oliver stops doing the above, while gently urging with your legs.  Don't worry it will come, especially since you care about Oliver's comfort and are doing all you can to learn to ride.

I am trying to find a bit that Mia will consent to, the problem is that at her age she has less room in her mouth.  During my experiments I had all of the above problems, and each time I moved my hands forward just like I just told you.  I finally found a bit she seems to be happier with, but I have to use really light contact.

Don't listen to most people about your horse, they are not there and they don't know what you've been through with him.  Steve has trained him well enough to be your lesson horse.  Listen to Oliver first, Steve second, and also some of the people here  for a different viewpoint.  Bitless can be fun, but you have plenty of time to try it later.

Hi Jennifer, long time no see.  I hope you have been surviving the weather. 

This week I got lucky, I got to ride 2X, but I had to decide to ride when it was 25 F at sunrise, cold and windy.

I am so glad to see that Oliver is so manageable now.  See where hard work can get you with a horse?  You've done a great job.