April showers brought Spring - finally!

Today was 70 degrees and sunny!  The winter that would never end has finally given up to Spring and it feels great!  We dragged open the side door of the indoor ring so the horses could hang their heads out the window and feel the sunshine and fresh air.  It's still very muddy and the pastures are filled with water, so the horses can't be outside yet, but they can at least hang their heads out!  Nox really enjoyed it, so I took the opportunity to take some photos.

We are doing well in our modified training.  Nox is re-learning how to walk and trot on a lunge line.  I used a lunge line with him last summer and he had a difficult time understanding the concept, and he is still confused.  Nox likes to cut in each lap around, making the circle smaller and smaller until I can practically reach out and pet his shoulder as he goes by.  My attempts to shoo him out usually result in him bucking, throwing a fit, and stopping.  We're working on it and slowly we're making progress.  I have to end each session on a good note, so after Nox is lunging well, I slow him down, give him a carrot, and stop.  A session may last 3 minutes or 15, but he's doing better each day.

I came across a great quote a while ago that I'm applying to my methods with Nox: The horse does one of two things.  He does what he thinks he's supposed to do, or he does what he thinks he needs to do to survive. ~ Ray Hunt.  Nox is either learning or surviving, and it's my attitude and approach that determines which mindset he is in.

Fresh air!

Happy Spring!