Saturday, 10/24/09
A good day for ground work. I tacked Wizard up in his bridle and a surcingle and we did some ground work in the indoor arena. I started with a very light longeing session, walking for a few minutes, followed by about 7 times around at the trot in each direction. Then I fastened two long lines to his bit and introduced long lining to him.
I started by standing on his “good side” (his left) by his shoulder. The lines were held in my hands like reins. I asked him to walk on, just like we do on the longe line. His walk was a little wobbly because he was uncertain, but he seemed to catch on quickly. I asked for one turn and one halt, and praised profusely. Then, I tried the “bad” side (his right), which is the side on which he stops and spins on the longe line. He was very hesitant and reluctant to go forward but responded when I clucked him into a walk with my voice. I walked him along the wall so I could keep him straight. It will take a lot longer to work on the right, but it is an interesting glimpse into his personality to see that he is just as funny about his right on the longe line as he is in hand.
Here’s a photo of me long-lining JR this spring. Wizard will take a few more sessions before he can be this far away from me.
Rock and Racehorses: Sarah K. Andrew 
That photograph expresses Wizard’s feelings perfectly: he’s paying attention but not quite sure about the whole thing. You clearly know how to use praise and patience to get the job done! It’s amazing how often we forget the importance of simple groundwork, using only the most basic equestrian equipment. Great job!
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