"almost fall" afternoon with Gigondas

Well, I was able to get up to the mountains yesterday afternoon. Gigiondas had another lesson with cousin Valerie. I hadn't worked her for two weeks, but I was able to walk right up to her and halter her! She actually came to me! WOW! What a difference! She used to be a frightened, insecure horse and I was always nervous around her! Now, she is calm and confident. I no longer fear her and THAT is a big step for both of us! She's NEVER done anything agressive toward me, but she is just so big that I was a little fearful around her and I think she sensed that. Now, we have both relaxed and she trusts me. I am so thankful to Valerie for giving us BOTH the confidence that we needed to move forward with her training and her trust. Anyway, these are some training pics from a lovely "almost fall" afternoon. There were beautiful, billowing white thunderheads around the valley and the golden afternoon sunlight made Gigondas glow!