and........canter! pic added!

[brigadier]

Funny old day with Floss- she is so scared of everything until you do it, so for instance I wanted to comb her mane through before I rode her, and decided to do a gentle rake through with the pulling rake (humane one), well she was a nightmare- literally, throwing herself about if I so much touched her mane- but I could touch her neck, so half an hour later decided I would be happy to just get the worst tangles out- started combing in between mints..... and she let me do it.
Then I thought about washing her socks as she gets itchy heels-the bucket became a dragon and there was no way I was getting close, ended up throwing a bit of water on and leaving it.
I did wonder at this point if it was worth riding her as she seemed to be anti-everything. She cow kicked when I adjusted the dressage over girth as it was tickling her so I told her off and she looked at my contritely. I lunged her gently first and she was great so then tried to mount. Same old faff- but a little better so at least we are going in the right direction.

And then everything was forgiven as once she got over her first circuit nerves she was fab, worked really well, did some nice TOTF and then some excellent serpentines and the best shallow loops I have ever done. She offered a long low trot outline and then we did some changes of rein using a walk pirouette which although a work in progress she tried ever so hard to please. It was going so well but I dont know about you but that first canter is always a worry, however I asked and she gave and produced a lovely canter on the circle. Tried the other rein and the same thing happened. A real honest canter.

Cooled her down and let her roll- pic of result to follow. Good old Flossy!

[pboy]

She sounds a bit like Indio - he worries the first time and tends to move in quick circles backwards around the stable (if he's tied up he'll just pull back) but with a bit of reassurance and some bribery (carrots) he's fine. He lets me do more with him now and I think he's learnt to trust me, so maybe it's just a matter of time with Floss too?

The schooling work sounds fab, you've got yourself a great little horse there from the sounds of it!

[solomon]

Aww! She sounds great! The worrying to get on would freak me out. I have a phobia about mounting! Weird I know! But she is really trying for you isn't she? Sounds like all the basics are there for a very natural balanced little horse.

[racaille]

Bless her! She sounds like a diamond just waiting to be polished! And you've really fallen for her, haven't you?

[brigadier]

yes I have Rac- she is such a scaredy pants but chatting to the farrier yesterday, he thinks at some point they have subdued her by holding up a leg and then rushed whatever thing it is they wanted to do. Its just the way she is reluctant to trust her leg initially but then when she realised what's wanted she gives in. It all points to her being bullied and rushed and she is very sensitive so the result has been a catastrophe. I think hyper sensitive horses become dangerous or shut down when they are scared or confused.
Sol- its weird but its the faffing to get her to the block- once Im swinging up and on she stands like a good one- very good in fact. Again I think she is in the habit of refusing to stand as then nothing horrible can happen. But someone has schooled her well because she is rideable and responsive and obedient so something has happened in the meantime to frighten or hurt her. Ive decided she will be ideal for my lad as he is light and kind so a real project for the future for him.

[fleabitten]

The riding part sounds like it will be the easier part but not without its difficulties! You've made great progress already and it will be a great achievement to gain her trust and make her a confident and happy horse!