I admit it. Scout is the horse that I haven't worked with. There. I said it. Yes, I worked her a bit in the big corral, but every time I took her out to the round pen, she would barge out of the gate and barge in front of me and I just didn't have the strength or energy to deal with her, so my solution was to let her sit and do nothing! I realize my mistake now that I am getting back to normal after my riding accident two years ago. She has horrible manners! She doesn't respect my space, she tries to lead me, she is very forceful. And STRONG! She's got powerful rear legs and is built like a tank. So, yesterday, Meia, a local trainer who comes to the ranch on Tuesdays, worked with Scout for a first lesson on manners. And, yes, she noticed immediately how awful Scout's manners were and in two seconds, she had her walking and leading nicely! Phew! She also opened up the corral gate and made Scout stay! My problem is...I'm just not quick enough in my old age to catch this misbehavior, but I'm going to work with Scout on Friday just in the corral and go in and out of the gate and ANTICIPATE that she will try to barge past me! Little steps...So, yesterday Scout learned how to lead properly, how to back up, and how to lunge. Now, I can work with the other horses, but Scout....oye vei! She is quite strong willed! And, I admit that working with her, I get nervous and she probably feeds off that. I don't want another accident that could further aggravate my back, so I think it is best that a trainer works with Scout on her manners. I did notice that Meia kept an eye on Scout and the very second that Scout even THOUGHT about barging ahead, she headed her off! I'm going to have to practice that! ...sigh...I have SO MUCH to learn!
