2/5/06 Niles is three this year
I made it out to the parents' place to get on
Niles and Miaren for the first time. Niles, being
so laid back, has gotten the short end of the stick a
lot of the time.
I'm worried about starting Miaren, so he's been to my
place for a month at a time a few times last year. During
that time he got introduced to the bridle, saddle, lunging and
going out to the kennels. Niles hasn't had any of that.
So, I didn't ask as much from Niles today as Miaren, but
at least I'm getting started with him now.
.

The parents sat and watched, took pictures and helped out when needed. Niles is more your typical short and stout Haflinger. A bit more weight on him than I like, but there's not much to do about that.

 

Checking on his foot. He just can't seem to help pawing at things. The little boot helps keep him from getting any more cuts.

First time for a saddle. Niles said 'Whatever...'.

 

Always playing with something. Last week I heard he took the tractor apart (although when I asked him about it he blamed it on Miaren).

Not happy about the bit, but not that troubled.

 

First time lunging. He'd watched the other guys and knew what to do.

Showing me his lovely movement.

 

Good reach and not hollow.

Then he decided to show his silly side. Very cute to watch those short legs go so fast around the circle. I couldn't tell if he just noticed the saddle, or if he wondered what would happen if he did this.

 

I told him big mistake. Now I know he can canter on the lunge. He settled right back down, so I don't think he was scared or panicked by anything. I let him settle into a nice trot before I worked at getting him to give me a walk.

Back to the nice trot.

 

Giving him a pat before we change directions.

Then back the other direction. Using my hip to not let him get away and holding the whip behind me so he doesn't feel threatened.

And finally a nice walk.

Weight on the saddle and hopping off noisily a few times to see what happens.

Then laying over and saying hi from the other side. Notice my handler appears to be very alert.

Finally swinging the leg over and telling him what a good boy he is.