Time in the Saddle

Napoleon and I had a great day today. He was very easy to catch although he did pull the "domestic" horse trick of not wanting to lead away from his friend, (also not wanting to lead past the green grass :)). He was a gentleman to saddle and ride today. We worked on straightness in his body. Learned how to side-pass to the right and then worked both left and right sidepassing a lot. He was smart about it. Most of the time, young colts get frustrated with sidepassing when they learn both directions. They will fight the new direction, but I have to remember, Napoleon is not a young colt. His body and mind are more mature and mustangs don't give you quite as much "bull" as their domestic counterparts. (In quite the same areas, anyway).

We went to the big indoor next and we were able to ride another hour there. He is getting easier to direct and handle from the saddle. He was more comfortable with other horses in the arena moving around him - getting more confident. We loped both directions in the big arena and he seems to be naturally leaded. He is also a natural stopper. I think he'll slide soon.

Today was also the day that Napoleon got to join the "general population". Now that he is easy to catch in an open area, he gets to come up closer to the barns and bunk out with the 2 year old geldings. I'll enjoy not having to walk so far to catch him and put him up.

Tomorrow, or at least sometime this week, we will work on swinging a rope and hopefully progress to the outdoor arenas and then by the end of the week to the great outdoors. Then, maybe I can add some pictures. (By the way, he is looking fuller and shinier. His rear and back have filled out some already. Of course I am impatient to have him in top condition :0)