How fast should we go

[Garrett-N-Texas]

Garrett & I have been working with "Sue" and are just amazed at his progress. Here is a list of things that he seems to have mastered without us getting in not even one fight....

I am beginning to wonder if he is "Brain Dead" ... LOL

I don't want to get in a fight with him, but I would like to see just where he comes undone.

If anyone can suggest any area we have not addressed yet please point it out and we will try it with him.

Sue is only 15 months old and WAS under nourished so are we pushing him too fast?

Should we go ahead and start to drive/long-line him?

How soon would be to soon to start letting Garrett on him with a saddle and a side-pull?

List of accomplishments;
------------------------
Walks across a plastic tarp
I have led him around with Garrett on him bareback
Loads without a problem
Unloads without a problem (doesn't even try to turn around in the trailer)
Catch him anywhere
Can do anything with all 4 feet
No "Touchy" spot on his entire body
Plastic bags not a problem
Fly spray not a problem
Bathes without a problem
Swing a rope and even throw it at him with no reaction
Took the saddle the first time with out an issue
Round Pen him with the saddle and he just acted like it was not even there
Ponies with another horse just fine
Leads
Backs up
Respects your space while leading
Stands tied
Yields to pressure left, right, front and back equally well
Not pushy
Don't bite
Don't kick

[lunanightwolf]

have you thought about standing on something to make you seem taller than him to get in the saddle? or on him bare back?

My horse freaks out if we try to get on her with using a bucket or the back of a truck. Or someones leg when trying to get on bareback. XD

[Garrett-N-Texas]

Thanks, We will give the bucket a try and see how he reacts. Garrett has used my leg to get on him bareback a few times and he did not have a problem with that.

[proudmomma]

I would back off on the riding for now. He's too young and being malnurished has surely caused some slower growth in the leg and back department. I would also go easy on roundpenning (especially in tight circles). That said, there is nothing that says you can't teach him how to take a saddle (a light weight one) and long line. Heck, you can even teach him how to drive with a bit. Not pull any weight, but understand pressure from the bit and yada yada yada. Also, ponying him off another horse to overcome the fear of his rider being above him works well, and ponying won't put as much stress on his legs because there are no circles. Basically, do any and everything you can think of to him without actually mounting him. That way, when he is old enough physically for a human to be on his back, it'll be no big deal. Honestly, I've danced around with a pot and a spoon and beat on a drum to break a spooky tb before. Heck, teach him to play soccer!

[Garrett-N-Texas]

Thanks for the advise Proudmomma

Hmmmm.......Soccer??......Now that sounds like a challenge!!