Playing Outdoors

This afternoon I decided to take Xena for a walk down to the sand ring, as we have a bit more daylight and it’s a mild day. The usual scary things are still there — road noise, wind in the trees and the manure pile — but we make easy progress, with only a few pauses along the way.

Snow-Covered Shoot    

What We Did Today
4:15 to 5:50 p.m. = 1 hours, 35 minutes  Counting the Minutes

• Seven Games℠
  We played on our way to the sand ring. Watching Xena cope with situations that once frightened her is really gratifying.

• Parellel Walking Game
  The new-fallen snow in the sand ring is up to our ankles, so it’s tough going at times. Xena is more lively here, compared to the secure atmosphere of the arena, but we manage with only a few mild panics.

• Circling Game℠
  We worked on transitions from the walk to the trot. When her trot seemed to be relaxed, I asked her for a canter — this was the first time I’ve ever done this! She stepped into the canter on cue, but within a couple of strides was in panic-mode. I quickly asked her to turn-in.

• Worming Practice
  Back at her stall, I groomed her face with a towel and played the Friendly Game℠ with her worming syringe. We’re making steady progress with worming, and after a few minutes I’m able to insert the syringe into the side of her mouth without restraining her.

Seven Games℠ is a service mark of Parelli Natural Horsemanship, Inc.