Task 1
The last thing you expect when you go to a carnival is almost being run over by a horse. Isabelas day had been rather normal as far as she was concerned, she'd done everything that really needed doing before she left home. While not the biggest fan of people the woman had thought a day out at the carnival might be nice. She'd already done several things and had been thinking about lunch when people began screeching and scattering to the four winds.
The thunder of hooves was all too familiar and Isabela spun round to see horses flooding into the carnival grounds. Of course, her one day off would end up with horses running riot, it quickly became apparent that one horse was charging blindly her way. Without a moment's hesitation, she threw up her arms and made a loud noise, startling the green-eyed equine into changing course.
Task 2
Slow and small movements were the key to success, this wasn't the first mare Isabela had ever worked with who needed to be halter broken. She started with the most basic things, actions and responses. Steadily she followed the mare's path walking around the center of the pen, driving her around the outside until the mare began to focus on her. After two quick glances in her direction, Isabela paused and let the mare take a break from the training. One thing she noticed after the first glance was that the inner ear was tilted toward her.
An excellent sign not to be taken for granted. When the mare gave her a much longer look Isabela gave her a much longer break. The rests were important so as to give the horse a chance to simply breathe and let her relax for a few moments before resuming the task. When she paused Isabela allowed it and began moving her hand in a small repetitive motion as if she was already touching the horse.
Moving slowly she approached the mare watching the horse carefully for any signs she was ready to bolt. The horse remained in place simply keeping an eye on the approaching woman. Letting the back of her fingers press lightly against the mare's shoulder Isabela moved them in soft up-and-down movements. She kept herself ready to move but didn't let her body tense up, not wanting to startle the mare.
The pair had multiple sessions like this and it was only in the eighth session that Isabela managed to slip a halter over the mare's head.
Task 3
She was so sure grooming would be a task that she was surprised when the horse stuck her head into the box of grooming supplies. Eagerly investigating every item in there and even daintily picking a few things up before dropping them back into the box. Several things were even explored via lips and mouth, Isabela couldn't help but laugh at that.
She had turned to make sure the ties were holding fine when something hit the back of her legs. The woman turned her head, gaze landing on the curry comb sitting on the floor at her feet. Looking at the bay she raised an eyebrow, feeling like the horse was actually laughing at her. With a sigh, Isabela scooped up the curry comb and moved back over to the cheeky mare who danced slightly in place. Seemingly eager for what was to come.
The mare moved into the tool when she felt it press against her shoulder and sighed happily when Isabela began to move it in firm circles.
The girth was tight enough to make sure the saddle would stay in place but not tight enough to hurt. She'd tested it by slipping her fingers behind it, three fingers comfortably fit behind it without feeling squashed. Isabela had already worked the bay with a saddle on before but today would be the true test of the mare's tolerance. Today was the day she would finally get an actual person on her back.
Nigel the straw-filled dummy could only provide the feeling of weight in the saddle. No guidance or any movements a person would make. She had been a good sport about Nigel, turning her head as if to question what on earth was on her back. Thankfully she had not bitten and was happy enough to be sent around the pen with the saddle plus Nigel on her back.
Breathing in deeply Isabela gently tested the bay a few times, bouncing lightly on the floor with one foot in a stirrup. When the was no reaction she jumped and rested her body across the saddle giving the mare time to adjust. Once again there was no reaction and after a few moments, she swung herself up properly into the saddle. The bay shifted beneath her but made no movements aside from that.
Now Isabela wasn't expecting the mare to understand the basic motions of being asked to move by someone on her back. So she allowed the bay to decide what she wanted to do, gently applying pressure with her legs anyway so the mare would get used to it. Eventually, something seemed to click and the bay began to walk forward, a steady even movement. Great progress and that was all they would do in this session, simply walk together as horse and rider.
