As per Carol Coppinger's instructions we've been focusing on games 1, 2, and 3. The basics. We've also been doing "touch it" a lot. Especially with the trailer, and the ramp of the trailer. The first time we did it for the trailer and then moved onto something else, Duck spent the next 5 minutes just blowing and blowing. I didn't realize HOW stressed she was even near the trailer. I haven't ridden much lately. Just yesterday, and we mostly played "touch it" while mounted, including the trailer. There was a show at the barn on Saturday so I brought Duck out for 1/2 hour to watch, graze and take in the chaos. She was a bit "up" heading down to the arena, but quickly settled right down. The loudspeaker didn't even seem to bother her, even when going closer.
I also bought an electric massager. That was fun the first day. Now she's way used to it even in her ears. Which is good. I will have to find someone w/ a real set of clippers to get her used to the louder buzzing!
The grass is an issue right now. She wants to graze, and I want to play. She is pulling on me a bit to get to the grass and I usually end up playing "hide your hiney." which seems to work.
All in all going well. But my hopes for finishing level 2 before the changeover is pretty much dashed. Oh well more practice I guess!
