On the 22nd March 2009, Strawbs had another session.
Due to school and other commitments Ash doesnt get a
chance to work her EVERY day, but thats ok, the time she
can work her is well spent.
Ash started the days lesson with tying her up, and then
rubbing her over with the pool noodle.  Pool noodles are
a great tool to use as the horse can kick them, and they
dont get hurt, and they dont hurt you.  It is just an
extension of the arm and allows you to 'stay' with a horse
if it moves and keeps you out of dangers should they
react in a way that you really dont want them to.
After the pool noodle treatment, Ash was able to play
between her ears with no problem at all.
Prior to the pool noodle, she would freak out and pull
back a bit - which is a danger when tied if you
happen to get in the way.  The pool noodle treatment
meant that Ash could touch her there without danger
of being squished or stood on til she was used to it.
Strawbs was then saddled and lunged with the
stirrups flapping and with the running reins for a little
contact for a while.  Craig and Ashlee fitted the long
reins to her bridle, and she was a complete lady about
it - crossing her legs and all!  It was on with the roller
again instead of the saddle and Craig led Strawbs
while Ash drove her from far enough back not to get
kicked until she got used to what Ash was asking, and
then she did it all on her own with Craig just being in
the round yard to be there as a back up if Ash
needed it.  She took a little while to understand that
she could move forward and turn with just Ashs voice
behind her and not having the body language that
she did while Ash was in the centre of the round yard.
Back on with the saddle, and Ash repeated the process of laying over
her before she got on to make sure she was fine with having the weight
on her back - which we admit is not a lot with Ash!  
She is a lightweight which is an advantage when breaking in ponies!
Once she decided that Strawbs wasnt going to do anything, Ash popped
her foot in the stirrup and put a bit of weight in it, than popped on gently.
Craig walked around holding the end of the rope, just as
an 'emergency brake' in case he was needed.  Strawbs
was really calm and took it well, so Craig let go!
Its difficult to show just how the process is going in
photographs alone.

So, we got out the little video camera - here are some
clips that may not suit people on dial up, but they show
the first ride off a lead.  (The ride that Ash had last time
was actually more of a 'pony ride' as she wasnt touching
the reins at all and was not 'controlling' Strawbs at all.  
Craig was leading her.)

Video 1 22.3.09
Video 2 22.3.09
Video 3 22.3.09
Video 4 22.3.09
Video 5 22.3.09