Training Blue Jack

Blue Jack had another fantastic week. Lots of hard work and some great rides out in the woods and in the fields. It was awesome to get him out of the pen and be in outdoors. He is such a fun horse, lots of effort comes from him each ride. He is soft, willing and is a great partner. Its hard to ride all these horses, build bonds with them and know that they will go on to other people. I just love them all! Being that Blue Jack is a full brother to my gelding, The Red Baron, its even harder not to get attached. He feels like extended family.

When we were out and about on our rides Blue Jack encountered lots of scary stuff. We rode past the other horses who were running around. He walked past without batting an eye at them. We rode through mud, puddles, sinking hog fuel and sloppy gravel. He was a champ the whole way. We did lots of circles around trees and stumps, over logs and through bushes. It was good to see how strong his skill set was outside a controlled area.

BlueJack is a 2005 gelding out of Blue Canal Fisher and Dry Fork Fritzi. He is actually a full brother to my gelding The Red Baron. I had BlueJack in the fall to start under saddle and establish some good ground work. While with me he learned to stand tied on the the highline, haul daily and be bathed in addition to riding. He was a great student and I was happy to have him back this spring. While riding him I have been working on directing his feet in counter bends, leg yields and haunches in. It is fun to ride him because he has a naturally round back with full engagement. All the work I put into him is only enhanced by his natural balance. I look forward to his progress.

March 2, 2010: Today I rode BilueJack in the big pen while a semi load of straw was being delievered and unloaded for the stalls. It was good for him to concentrate while there was lots going on around him. He did really great and was happy to continue with his exercise in spite of the distractions. Dale video taped some stuff today and I’ll get in posted soon. I felt that the ride had went well. My favorite part is that BlueJack is so free flowing and loose through his body. It makes the ride feel flawless. Each day is getting better but today was exceptional, highlighted only by the beautiful sunshine we had.