7 games with Deva

I was going to play a bit with Garbo today as I didn't have enough time to ride and because the DQ yard people are away I let him out of his paddock without a halter and after a nibble he followed me to the float and then we went down to see Deva. Deva's owner was there and she suggested a play (she likes her horse to be a horse too). Sadly I missed capturing most of the action and acrobatics - but got a little driving and sideways on video

Wednesday - we rode today

Wow - nice to see that Viv from USA is reading my posts - I sometimes forget people find my blog (apart from the ones who I tell)! I kind of write it like I am writing for a large audience (lol) but I don't actually think anyone reads it! Thanks for your comments Viv and Cilla :-).

So - today we had a big groom - lots of itchy spots - I had left his cover off last night so he could have a good roll. Then we saddled up - all untied - rope hanging on the ground.

We started in the arena and I did follow the rail at walk a few times. He had a couple of little piddly shies but nothing too serious. I found that once I lifted my focus higher he went forward much better. (Learn something new every day don't you). I started with my carrot stick to try and stop the opposition reflex on some turns (if he doesn't want to turn that way) but because he was shying I needed both hands so dropped it. Why did i need both hands - well to do an effective one rein stop of course.

Then we tried going down the drive (away from stables, horses, barn) by ourselves but we got part way down the drive (that we got all the way down alone with me driving from Zone 3 the other day) and he just turned for the barn. Tried retreating and then going back - but he turned at the same spot each time.

Hmmmm - how interesting.

So - I was a tad annoyed so I said - ok fine we'll go into the arena again - but quickly got over it and decided to go into an empty paddock instead. Did a few point to points to the corners- but Garbo was getting crabby if I didn't give him a treat at every corner - and at one point tried to bite my foot - either that or get a fly - lol.

So - I decided to take charge and do a trot circle - he wasn't having it - so instead of getting more annoyed I decided to start with a walk circle first - what a good idea Vicki!!

After a couple of those without complaint we had a brief trot - and went out and turned left to go down the race. We started walking and the walking got fast so I asked for trot and then the trot got fast and next thing you know we are cantering down the race - it was great fun. Horses either side looking up going "what are those guys doing"?

We stopped at the end and I gave him a treat. We practised that a few more times and I rewarded him when he stopped with a light lift of the rein.

Then we went down the other race down to the babies paddock and then back - Garbo didn't head for the tie up area like he normally does so I left him have a graze beside the float park. All round this area both ways (it's all gravel) he squeezed through the gap between my car and float and the tractor and fence - as if to say - see my squeeze is getting better.

The ride was a disaster to start with but slowly improved as the ride went on.

Got back to the stable, left him untied, washed him and gave him some apples, took him back to the paddock - coverless again - backing him up through the gateway a few times.

When I arrived back with his dinner he came trotting over with his ears forward - very cute.

So - all in all - good day.

Didn't get to see Maraschino - sooo busy!

First day of play since Thursday

We had a storm over the weekend and then I got really busy yesterday with the land/barn/build plans so poor Garbo had 4 days in the paddock without any play or grooming.

So I got him out and gave him a big groom. It was really cool there was no one at the farm so we could just chill out and take our time.

After that we did some stuff on the ground, and I was trying to establish a nice trot in the circle - and I actually got it. He didn't stop too often and was good at going back into trot with just a point in the end.

Then we tried change of direction the difficult way and he did the most beautiful change so I disengaged him and asked him in for a rest.

We did a bit more going the other way and another couple of changes and then some backing up again.

He is still finding it very hard with zone 2-4 in a narrow space - so as I took him into the paddock I backed him up about 4 times back through the gate (half shut) with apples in my hand.

He did that really well.

Could have played for ages more but had to be up at the block at 4.30pm to meet the digger man and the power man.

Yukky day

The wind and rain have arrived in full force after a drought all year.... this photo was taken this afternoon before I went to the farm. No play today - Garbo was shivering even though he was dry under his cover so I brought him in and added another cover - dried his face and ears off and gave him his dinner and two more slabs of hay.

It's still raining - hopefully it will ease off tonight. It's not cold - just wind and driving rain so the rain kinda feels sharp.

Also added the rain radar piccy for you - YUK

It's finally stoppped now - we have had 67mm in 24 hours.

Backwards through a narrow space

Well we tried yo yo backwards through a stall gate again today and he was going left, going right, anything but straight through the gap (like it was going to bite him). So I sent him into the stall (and he found some hay!!) - he snuk a few bites lol..... then I asked for forwards part of the yo yo out - and he got stuck at Zone 1. Asking with more pressure caused him to pull back - I didn't release but kept the pressure on but walked forward a little - then I tapped him in zone 3 with the carrot stick and he came out. (I have been reading the old L2 booklets!!)

We tried it in the wash bay (wider and higher roof) - and he was fine.... so I sent him in again and tried coming forward just one step - then back - he rushed Zone 2-5 out and turned and faced before I could stop him.

After a while he didn't want to come forward because he knew I was going to stop him before he got all the way out.

Phew - tired just re-thinking about it. There was lots of licking and chewing - no snorting today.

Ok - so we left that for a bit and did some hill therapy..... Day 3.

Then we walked down the driveway with me in Zone 3 all the way - for the very first time.... he found lots of green grass and I allowed him to eat a few mouthfuls every now and again. By the end a kiss (smooch) noise was all it took to stop him grazing and walk on. He didn't even hit any thresholds.

So maybe I have really hit a confidence issue here..... yay.

So - leading back to the paddock (oh we did some sideways with more life up and down the hill along a fence - at about 12 feet I guess - I tagged him with the string on his butt when he didn't move. After reading the L2 booklet (Stage 1) and the Intro book - I have learned so much more....

1. Lack of positive reflex is from not starting at Phase 1 and or never getting to Phase 4
2. When you get to Phase 4 be assertive but not mean - life down again afterwards
3. You are aiming for no more than 4 ounces of pressure in all 7 games
4. New phase 1 is life up
5. Most people wiggle the rope for phase 1 yo yo - and not just their finger so not a true phase 1
6. Stand with your shoulder next to the fence/obstacle for Squeeze (facing your horse).
7. In the allow (circle) relax and smile. If horse breaks gait do something about it - but not before
8. In the send (circle) tag the zone that has not left the quadrant

And there is like 12 other booklets - !!

It tells you what level you should be with your 7 games before moving on to the next stage.
There is certainly alot more detail in these L2 booklets (like the L1 booklets that I missed so much after L1).

I would recommend anyone struggling with L2 to buy these booklets on EBay. You get them new. Just search Old L2 Parelli. Here's a link actually

So after all that - Garbo had resorted to his hugging of my knees and cuddling me routine which I find so hard to resist..... (he gets lots of kisses)....

I took him back to his paddock and tried backing him through the partly open gate (it was open about 4ft wide) - he went all crooked and tried to turn around again - so I sent him through then went into his paddock and backed him out the gate - twice. He didn't rush too much - it was a snappy back up - lots of chewing so I brought him in and gave him his carrots.

First Parelli jump

It wasn't on our list of things to do but Garbo has been getting a bit bored with point to point so today we went into the jumping paddock at Royal Oak and there were a whole lot of low jumps and trot poles set up. It's quite a large paddock so he went quickly into trot and trotted up on top of the sand hill. I asked him down again and he trotted back the other way - then we cantered back to the sand hill, he got a treat at each point. He had his ears forward and was full of enthusiasm about the new game. We went through some trot poles that led to a jump and Garbo picked up canter on his own and jumped it - then he stopped nicely with a lift of the reins. I gave him a treat. Ahh - he says - new game -lets go and jump another one - and he was off. It was hilarious - we had such a cool time.

Even when I tried to walk him back to the float he was trying to go the other way.

He and Maraschino met today - Maraschino was in a paddock nearby so perhaps Garbo was showing off!

Yo Yo threshold

I found a bit of a sticky point today. Garbo couldn't back up through a yard doorway (Quite narrow) with the Yo Yo game (22 ft line) - firstly he just went crooked so he missed it all together. So I sent him into the stall and slowly asked him out but he rushed Zone 2 and 3 through - so with Zone 5 in the doorway I asked him to back up and he hesitated, I asked again, hesitated again, one more time (bigger phase) and he ran backwards as fast as I have ever seen and then snorted!

How interesting!

We played with this some more - first in the wash bay which is a bit wider and not closed in on top so much... then back to the yard...but he did it again - I tried one step at a time both ways, then two.... he did lots of smelling of either side of the entrance.

We went and did some hill therapy for a bit and then I asked him to back through the partly closed gate - he rushed backwards after Zone 5 was through - so we played a bit more (other stuff).

So - we have some stuff to work on there!

Tuesday

Well I feel a bit down - have no clue why!

I decided to fix the 'don't change gait, don't change direction' online with Garbo today and I had to get assertive (but not mean) - but I felt mean afterwards! He did lots of licking and head lowering like he used to do when we first started so I am not sure if I went too far (licking good but head lowering - to my knees - may be a little unconfidence). I had to tag in the quadrant (three times rhythmically) to get him to have any energy what so ever. He still did not manage to do a whole canter circle without my bull horn facing him.....yadda yadda yadda!

Finished up with some sideways - which he does beautifully to the left and a little stiltingly to the right - nearly on the end of 22ft line.

Then I went to see Maraschino. The two paddock mates tried to shoo him away from me when I walked in so they could say hi - finally managed to distract them for long enough to get to him - and give him a groom - just loose in the paddock. Then we did a couple of head lowering, pick up feets and he looked pretty knackered again! No serious bites though - just a little lump. No skin broken.

Phew what a day!

Well my new guy arrived about 10am and all my worries about him getting hurt or scared during loading and travelling were unfounded. He wandered slowly off the truck like a little kid arriving at a birthday party (a fairly shy kid).

Got the lady to put him in the square pen and she was really nice and waited for him to come down the ramp in his own time, and lead him round the round pen, got the travel buddy horse out also so he didn't panic. But he was so not panicking! I got him some hay and water and he was like 'cool - hay - thanks - munch'. She left the halter on and un-clipped the lead rope and walked out. I said - 'oh you forgot to take the halter'. She replied 'he doesn't know you - so you won't be able to catch him unless I leave it on'....

(deep breath Vicki)... "I'll be fine" I replied with a smile. Then I zig zagged over to him and calmly took his halter off and handed it back to her. That was such a cool feeling!

After I spent a little undemanding time with him in the pen, we added another youngster for him to play with and they weaved in and out of the barrels, trot poles, jumps and the play ball. Not a worry in the world.

Went away to get a coffee and leave him be for a while then when I came back I approached him again (this wee thing that is so hard to catch) - and put Blue's Parelli halter on him and he acted like he'd done it a thousand times. I did a little back up and lead forwards with very quick releases, a head down and release, some pick up your feet and released as soon as he tried...then a couple of turns where you out the rope over their head and along the outside of their body, round their butt and then apply steady pressure and they yield the other way and turn completely. He didn't panic and did it a step at a time - such a cool dude.

Then I led him to his new paddock - and he was so good - you know all the different surfaces, the gravel, the limerock, the grass... he didn't hesitate once. Good ole Stationbred hey!!

There he met his two new friends for a bit - Bob and D. A two and three year old. They followed him around for a bit - checking out the 'new guy' and then he looked exhausted and had a little sleep. I left him to it and went home for a bit.

Later in the day I rode Garbo - I really should have done some stuff on the ground first as he was very confused today - we would trot along the race and he would suddenly just turn sideways (facing the fence). He was a little hoppy - so I didn't push it - mainly stuck to walk. Garbo knew my direct line thinking for the day was to trot for 7 minutes all round the farm you see!

So I called it a day (mind you it was 5pm by this stage and we never normally ride at that time!) says Garbo

Different day

I was reading a blog this morning of a lady called Cathy who is currently at the ISC Florida doing a course. It was great - I couldn't stop reading it - she must make so many notes!! I love people that make good notes - I have only ever done it once in my life because the speaker was so interesting and didn't treat us like twits! Anyway her blog is http://www.freewebs.com/isccj/blog.htm in case you are interested.

So bearing alot of that in mind -mainly using life up and life down as phase 1 - I tried it out for yo yo - wow! Garbo picked up on my having my life up and mother in law face and took a step back, the blog also said to wait after one step and then do another - this really made Garbo lick and chew. I think this will help alot with his eagerness to be drawn back.

Before that we did friendly game with the plastic rustly bag and got up his neck (top and bottom) and between ears - not face yet. Took his mind off the truck backing up next to us anyway.

The other thing in the notes that struck a chord with me was at liberty leaving a door open during send.... often in circle at liberty (long range) Garbo will swap directions and look out of the arena. So I stepped back as I sent and also moved towards zone 5 - that kinda helped.

We then tried short range circle game at liberty and that actually worked really well.

So today - Garbo walk trotted and cantered round me very very closely at liberty - like he did not feel confident to move away, - sometimes when I asked for canter he would stick his ears back..... but - he didn't take off and leave!

We didn't stay on it too long. Other times he would go to the fence and do sideways instead of long range circle (very cute).

Did a bit of driving - man he hates driving FQ. Must do some work on that.

Then - after about an hour - I saddled him up - he must have thought - oh no - it was so hot and muggy but it was overcast so no hot sun beaming down - and the farm was unusually quiet so I just had to ride.

We started in the arena briefly and then went all over the farm and into all the open paddocks - trotted and cantered a bit - walked a big long walk to cool down, and did sideways - wow that's getting good.

Tomorrow I am going to trot everywhere for 7 minutes like in the book of Stephanie's.

Plastic bag

After watching Linda doing yo yo along side a fence, back and forwards, using a plastic bag on the end of the CS instead of the string - I thought - that looks cool - I wanna try that.

Guess what? Didn't play enough friendly with the plastic bag on end of CS!. Garbo loves plastic bags normally - they usually have food in them!! But on the end of the CS and moving - well that was a little hairy for him. A few snorts and jumps.... so more friendly needed! I'll do it every day for a while now.

Anyway - couldn't help myself - and my direct line thinking took over - tried the yo yo anyway. It worked but he was keeping a very close eye on that bag!

Then we tried change of direction!

Well what can I say - he is showing a new appreciation of the carrot stick.

I am slowly getting my head round the carrot stick being an extension of me, and it being like a horse would be - sometimes friendly, but with the upped energy and mother-in-law face it's a dominant horse being grumpy, snappy....

Before that I could not figure out how we would play friendly with the carrot stick and string and then use it to drive (the horse away) zones. But the penny is slowly dropping.

We did some sideways at trot!

Rode after that, didn't do much canter today - I think I had made myself a bit nervous after all the plastic bag stuff!! Went into the paddock anyway - Garbo was an angel though.

Cantering in paddock

I know alot of Level 2'ers did this in L1 but riding in a halter/hackamore was really a big scary deal for me - having only just started to ride 4 years ago....

Pre-Parelli Garbo had (once) spooked at a pine cone falling out of a tree in paddock and promptly did a 180 degree turn, when I fell off....hard ground - ouch - so since then I have been 'reluctant' to canter outside the arena. Funny how one thing like that gives you the heebie jeebies.

We have been doing so well cantering in the arena and riding out and about on the property. We went into the paddock briefly the other day - so I decided to go back in today - not really even planning on doing anything in particular (apart from walk round the paddock and trot over a small jump)....that was a big enough challenge I thought - but I was not nervous...those days have long gone (thank you Parelli)...

So we were doing some point to point and ride round things and back to jump (for a treat).....then he just offered canter. I could not believe how smooth and slow and relaxed his canter was - and he even offered it more than once. This is my LBI Swedish Warmblood....!! On the way back to the stable - (finishing on a good note) he started trotting down the race...had to pinch myself....but he stopped with one rein lifted (yay - I love my horse).

I love this programme!! The results just leave me speechless.

Best thing is I don't have to put my outside leg back to go sideways or canter, which always used to get me off balance.... this is a much better way....

*grinning from ear to ear* - which is really nice after all the crying last week after I had to put Blue to sleep

R.I.P Blue

That photo was the last photo I took of Blue before he passed away. And it's such a cute one.

Poor Blue had colic when I arrived on Monday 21st January 2008, at 3pm - I called the vet - they seemed to take ages to get there - they tried pain killers and anti-spasmodic injection. He improved slightly but about 6pm he started to get worse again. I knew at 9pm I was going to be faced with a horrible decision soon.... I couldn't bear to see him so tired - from all the getting up and down - and he was obviously in pain.

I called another vet, but then had to do what was best for Blue - as he just wa not getting better - and I could not see how he could recover from that point.

I stayed with him while Phil gave him a sedative first and then the injection - apart from Blue falling to the ground, it was reasonably peaceful - I stayed with him the whole time - in tears. It was hard to leave him - at 11pm we put some covers over him, and the next day he was buried in the paddock he died in - Garbo's paddock. Garbo misses him... and I do too - alot.

He was such a cute horse - and he was so loving and gentle.

Thanks for your time with me Blue - those 3 years went so fast.

Blue and the rope

Okay - so I do get it - Blue hates the rope. We spent ages today just playing friendly game with the rope to try and make him realise I was not going to hurt him with it. Blue spent the whole time trying to not let me get behind zone one with rope in hand. Phew - it was tiring - mentally and the fact it was so hot.

Finally I got to a stage where Blue was relaxed enough to graze while I half the 12ft line about halfway up and rubbed my hand all over him so the rope touched his sides and legs as I did. That took about an hour.

Then I took them both in for some grooming - this is them waiting to see if I was maybe going to bring them a carrot - cute hey!

Dante studying

This is my puttytat - he loves to watch (chase the rope) the Parelli DVDs with me!

Moving closer, staying longer

Today we did some more cantering - the transitions now are phase 2 which is great - need to get them to phase one - and I feel so comfortable cantering, with my thumb under my bum and loose reins! My legs don't grip and Garbo doesn't feel like he is rushing or out of control. It's wonderful.

I tried doing drop to trot by removing the canter lead by lifting that side of the rein.

Then we ventured out to the race and we trotted half of the race (that's a first) and then went into the big end paddock and trotted in there too. Rewarded by munches of grass - Garbo seemed to be having a great time. Only got a little way into the paddock - almost to the other side from the gate but about as far over as the trough (it's the same paddock that Garbo spooked at something over the other side and I fell off - ages ago).

Oh - and we did sideways down the race also.

Q&A from Linda Parelli

This was in this weeks Parelli E-News....

Question:
Eeek - I have created a monster!

I have watched all the L2 dvds now, plus all the L&HB dvds and started using incentives in the arena when riding because my Left Brained Introvert (LBI) gets oh so very bored in the arena.

I set up a barrel at each end of the 60m long arena and had treats at the ready. We were playing point to point for the first time.

He thought this was the BEST game ever when he got a treat at each barrel. And, after placing a trot pole half way down the arena he offered canter after the trot pole for the rest of the way (and stopped at the barrel when asked even though it was placed at the arena exit- which is always open - (unfenced arena). Offering canter was something he has never done pre-Parelli! I was so pleased. That was two weeks ago....

Today I was going to work on some circles and straight lines and getting rid of any opposition reflex on turns (when he wants to go the OTHER way)...

I mounted, walked into the arena and he immediately takes off to the barrel at the other end - in a fast trot. Yes - my LBI - the can't be bothered working hard horse!

We play that for a bit and then try to do some circles..... he put his ears back, stopping dead, swishing his tail, snotty snotty snotty.... - he just was not having it. We did a little sideways practice..... then tried again - nope! Head down like he was going to buck etc. I tried shaking my reins to try and make him not be snotty (thinking of the snotty face example in the L&HB dvd) but he just stopped and did it again when we carried on trotting.

Keep in mind I have only been riding for three years....and confidence has been a big issue for me - cantering in a halter alone (for the first time two weeks ago) was a big deal. So I am not quite ready to go ride in big paddocks just yet hence my reliance on arenas for now.

OK - so now he just expects treats all the time and if he doesn't get them he heads for the barrel at full speed!

Three weeks ago I used trot poles as obstacles in the circle game on the ground, stopping him at the trot pole, and gave him a treat. We had a fantastic session and did some liberty afterwards - a fantastic day. Now everytime he sees a trot pole he stops (even in circle game) and paws it or bites it!

Help!

Answer:
So give him treats! The idea here is not to find out what motivates your horse and then try to do it without. It's more about how to use it effectively. When you get too repetitive then you set up an expectation, but if you can use the same thing for different reasons, you're ahead. Here's an example. Right now, you've had great success going from point to point. Now, ask him to circle once around the barrel before giving him the treat. Next day, ask him to circle a couple of times and then just rest at the barrel and have the treat in your pocket so now he associates what he does with getting approval and reward from you. You could also place a treat only on one barrel so he has to go around it and then back to the one that does have a treat. So you construct different games and puzzles for him to get mentally engaged in. You could plant treats around the arena and go to them in different ways: backwards, sideways, slowly, making transitions, etc. etc. Learn to think in your mind: Hmmm... I know there's a treat over there in the corner, so how will I get him there? How creative can I be? Pretty soon he'll get into the habit of doing as you ask because it is interesting, and because there's something in it for him... sometimes a treat, sometimes a rest, sometimes a scratch. Pretty soon you'll be able to have all these be just as meaningful for him.

I think what you've done is used the treats only for the point to point, but then asked him to do something different and he can't see the reason for it. So he has a tantrum. Rather than try to make him do it, sit there and pet him. Ask for things very slowly, just a step or two and then pet him. This kind of horse is looking for ways to dominate and frustrate you, but if you ask less than he expects, and you pet him when he gets obstinate he will run out of ways to do that. I know it probably doesn't make much sense to you, but really try to crawl inside his skin, understand his Horsenality and then you'll start to see how the smallest things can bug him when he doesn't see the reason for it.

This kind of horse (LB Introvert) is very frustrating for most trainers. Pretty soon the spurs and whips stop working. The tantrums get too big or he just plain flops on the ground and won't move. Force doesn't work, kindness and knowing what is important to him does. He keeps saying "No! Why should I?!" And you will learn to demonstrate to him, "Because I'll love you and give you what you like too".

I understand that you are worried about going outside the arena, but you've actually chosen the best Horsenality to do exactly that with. LB Introverts are super trail horses because they feel like they're going somewhere and life gets interesting. And they don't really want to use much energy so slow and steady works just fine out there. Getting them to perform in an arena is the hardest, so here's what I suggest: Start doing less in the arena and start venturing outside, little by little. First take him out on line, do walking trail rides with you on the ground on a 12' line. Observe his behavior, see how he reacts to things, get him to do interesting things like back through gates, up or down little hills, go around trees, over logs and ditches, etc. That will gradually build you the confidence to do it on his back. And the first time you are on his back in this situation, practice getting off every few minutes, even if you don't feel the need to. This helps build it in as an automatic response if at anytime you don't feel confident. Get off more than you think you should and it will actually build your confidence!

Linda

PS By the way, you did not create a monster. That monster was always there, potentially! What you've done is awakened the side of him that was dulled out to people, so look after it well and don't let anyone talk you into using punishment or higher phases instead or you really will find a monster in there.

Blue again

Garbo had a day off today after our really big ride in the boiling hot sun yesterday. We did loads of canter practice (I was practicing getting my thumb under my bottom - and omg it works so well - could feel my legs relaxing immediately). And it makes you lean back too. I felt so much more relaxed cantering and trotting around the place.... it was great fun. Muscles - particularly tummy ones and tops of legs are sore today!

OK - so Blue today - I squeezed him through the small gap between the wash bay and the stalls and in and out of the stall (he is a pro at that now) and up and down off the wash bay. He was so good. Then we did a bit of circle game and changes of direction (he was a little unconfident for those on the resend) and then friendly with the rope and lateral flexion, some sideways and a wash down! OH and we always start by squeezing through between mine and another float to the dandelions.

Blues progress

Think we are up to Blues 6th Parelli session (or 7th).... and I was amazed this last session how far he has come.

I have realised that the slack in the 22ft line dragging on the ground makes him speed up so I spent 30 minutes leading him around the paddock with the rope dragging along behind me (and beside him) until he relaxed and realised it wasn't actually a snake.

Russell Higgins said that circle game problems stem from a problem with driving game or friendly game - so in Blues case definitely the Friendly Game. So anyhow I decided just to do some sending through small spaces, squeeze game, and sent him into the stall, stop half way through the opening - that was hard, but got easier. Then up and down to and from the wash bay (ledge of about 1foot), through a gap where two open gates meet in the race - until he did it calmly. It all went really well.

So time to try the circle game again I think. After lots of friendly of course.

ps I can't go near him with the carrot stick yet - I actually don't need it yet..... he changes direction on the circle with the slightest signal....and I can easily drive him with air or my hands...

Water hole

It was a lovely sunny hot day today so we headed off to Royal Oak. Much to my surprise Garbo headed confidently for the water jump and went straight in when I asked him....

He had a great time!!

Then we went for a walk around the bridle path inhand to deal with some thresholds (alone) - this first picture says everything - we were under the willow trees and the sheep hide under there, and birds fly out of the river next to it.... - still never too nervous to take a bite of grass - nervous nibble....

The next day was alot better.... then we rode it too with someone walking next to us..... next step on our own....