[Arrows]

Saddling Up & Down
Wow. What a day. It went by in a blur, almost. I knew if I wanted to have Blair fully trained in time, I needed to speed things up a little. No more messing around. Today I would saddle the gelding. It was week three, but I had so much planned it would have to happen. So Blair stood in the middle of the aisle of stalls, secure in crossties and awaiting my attempts. I had laid out the set of tack - two blankets, and the saddle. It was the most basic start. Blair regarded the materials carefully, lowering his head as much as he could to sniff at them. He snorted and looked at me oddly, as though saying, "Yeah, that's not going on me." I gave him a pat and picked up the lightest of the blankets. I slipped it onto his back with ease.
Obviously, that caused no problems. Blair simply glanced back. I took the heavier blanket and carefully lined it up with the first one. Still no response from the gelding. Oh, soon enough there would be one though. Cautiously I took a hold of the western saddle by its horn and picked it up. I walked it over to Blair's head where he had full view of it. After some moments of inspection, he acted disinterest. I carefully lifted it and allowed it to hover above his back. Then, carefully, gently, I put it down until its full weight rested upon him. Blair was much more awake then and quickly went rigid. I carefully kept my hands on the saddle, ready to immediately remove it if he jumped. After a tense minute, Blair seemed to relax. I released the saddle and let him stand for a while. I continued with my task, starting to tighten the girth. It was slow work. I didn't want to startle the gelding, of course.
Blair seemed uncomfortable with this new weight and feeling, but was tolerating and adapting to it nicely. Soon the saddle was adequately tightened and Blair stood quietly. He had bucked out once, but was done after that. I removed and put the saddle and blankets on multiple times. I had spent nearly have a day with the gelding on this. For his job well done I allowed Blair extra pasture time and a tad extra grain. I kept the bridle hung near his door, as that was where we would go next - soon.

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Bridle Basics
Today was odd. Blair was not in a good mood, uncharacteristically so. I think it could've had something to do with the weather front that was rolling through. I supposed the work we'd do today shouldn't be too terrible, so it worked out well. So I thought. When Blair is in a mood, he's really in a mood. Up until now there hasn't been much of a problem. Today, he was very snippy with me and easily aggravated. He didn't like me doing much of anything; no matter what it was. I calmly and gently persisted throughout our day.
We were going to slowly edge ourselves into the bridle. I thought it would be simple - the bridle had no bit and would simply slip over his ears and hang down. No discomfort. But Blair was already prone to be difficult today - I should've known. I picked up that bridle and brought it to the gelding. He acted like it was a horrifying alien creature. He was repelled by the object, as though he knew what it would eventually do. Blair successfully backed himself into a corner and wouldn't budge. I groaned.
So this was his thing. Maybe this was beyond a somewhat bad mood - Blair especially showed dislike to the bridle. I instead slipped his bridle on and took a bit to pet him. Tied to the sturdy stall wall, I picked up the bridle again. I waited until he stopped fidgeting around it. Then, I began to rub it on him. It was a simple concept used with many things - it helped get the horse used to it. I stood there, looking quite odd, rubbing a leather bridle all over Blair.
Finally, we got to the face. I was gentle here. Blair was stiffer when I slowly stroked him with the bridle near his ears. Suddenly, he reached forward towards my arm. Immediately, I pulled away and stared. "Did you just try to bite me?" I said in disbelief. Blair licked his lips with the slightest hint of guilt in his eyes. I set the bridle outside the stall and pulled up a chair. "Then we will wait until you can calm down." I read a book for about ten minutes before returning to the activity.
Blair thankfully did not make any attempts to bite me again. Within the next hour, I had the bridle fitted perfectly on the gelding and admired my work. The bit would be the hard part, and based on today, I was not ready for that. I finally gave Blair a pat on his neck for a job well done, despite him putting up a fight. I signed and settled back in my chair, thinking I would allow him to stand with the bridle for just a few minutes to get used to the feel. I would wait and practice some more before we attempted the bridle with the bit - that was another ordeal to come.

[Arrows]

Letting Out Frustrations
I shouldn't complain much, and I'm not about to. Blair has been good to me. Still, there's some things that manage to irk me. Out of them all, I'd say the biggest thing that bothers me is the way he randomly bucks. I'm still uncertain on the deal with this. I've been trying to break that habit, but it's been hard. It probably has something to do with a past experience. However, it's dangerous and sometimes I worry about putting him out with other horses of mine. I hate it. Blair's moods are the most unpredictable thing about him, unfortunately. When he is what I would consider 'normal,' he has the best of dispositions and it perfect for training. Recently, he's grown more difficult. I hope he's not ill.
Another thing, something I plan to work on more, is trailering. This subject will grow to be more and more important, especially when we reach a point in training where we can compete. Blair often outright refuses going inside the trailer - we have to allow plenty of time when going anywhere, as he is quite problematic. Anna has to help me most times. The gelding doesn't enjoy the small space inside a metal box, which I suppose is sensible. Still, my trailer is one I long saved for and is of the highest quality. There's not much more luxury I can provide in a trailer for my horse. I suppose it will be something we have to get through.
The bridle. This object has presented a new conflict. I've been working a couple days with Blair on it, and he is always in a bad mood when I bring it out. I often wonder what is the deal there, as I have not even put a bit near his mouth or anything of the sorts - at the moment, it should be almost more comfortable than the halter he wears. Maybe the leather is an odd smell or feeling to him. Or perhaps the ear loop causes problems?
I often think about Wildfire, and I wonder if she was worse than Blair is in the previous MM. I can't really say - both present different problems. Wildfire was more of a hothead, but Blair shows signs of a silent rebellion that is always able to irk me. This year has been a challenge on its own, as I guess the others to come will be as well. I have to remind myself - every horse is different.

[Arrows]

Memories of 2014
I let Wildfire and Blair run out together today. I had some extra time so I let them go and I watched. They seemed to quite like each other, despite their contrast in personalities. When I released them, they took off towards the back of the pasture and sat in a lawn chair, starting to read. Occasionally I glanced up. It was muddy out from multiple bouts of rain in the past days, so I knew they would return to me gross and dirty. Oh well.
At different times, the two ran, romped, raced, and grazed. They were quiet one moment and creating a ruckus the next. I smiled softly at them. My two wild mustangs. I thought about Wildfire and my time with herZ I felt I had slacked on her training last year, which I always regretted. After the MM judging, which I understandably didn't place in, I really got on track with Wildfire. Despite the fact that she could still be crazy, she was one of my fastest and best competition horses.
When the two horses returned, I haltered them and took them both in simultaneously. I couldn't help but notice the old scars on Wildfire's leg - last year, she had gotten tangled in a fence and cut herself. That had set back our already-behind training. I grimaced thinking about it. I put Blair into his stall and, on a whim, decided I needed to spend some quality time with my mare. I considered the events of the previous Mustang Makeover. It had gone in a blur.
Looking at her now, it surprised me how much changed. When she first came to me Wildfire was a skinny, wild thing who didn't dare trust me and showed extreme problems with aggression. Although her energy and occasionally unpredictable behavior had never left her, the progression was clear. With a proper diet and care, Wildfire was a healthy mare who had filled out and there was no hint of her ribs visible. She was lean and strong, muscles clear beneath her skin. In her eyes you could see her determination, some undeniable quality about her.
"I'll make you proud," I whispered to Wildfire, resting my forehead against hers and landing a soft kiss between her eyes. I would do well this year - for myself, for Blair, and for the mare before me I held so dear to my heart. And when the next year rolled around, I would remember the work I put into 2015.

[Arrows]

Weekly Update - Week Three
A short and much too quick week. I felt like I did everyone yet nothing. I've been counting down the days on a calendar filled with horse pictures. The days will fly by much too fast. This week, to summarize, I spent time purchasing thing for Blair, I saddled him for the first time, and I introduced him to the bridle. I felt like I did nothing yet everything.
I compared this year and last year. Blair and Wildfire have forged a nice friendship, which I love. I'm already sketching plans for the weeks to come - I'm going to be pushing and cramming training a lot more. I'm being ambitious this next week. I'll have seven days to lunge, fully bridle, and ride Blair twice in the coming week. Can I do it? Can we do it? Why, yes we can.

[Arrows]

Who Doesn't Love Lunging?
Before I could consider riding Blair, I had to lunge him first. So, I went through the well-rehearsed routine of saddling the gelding up properly, and then brought him into the indoor arena, armed with a long rope and a lunge whip. Immediately, Blair regarded the whip cautiously, as most horses would at first. I clipped the longer rope to him and unclipped his lead. Using the whip, I moved Blair away from me by pushing the whip towards him. He sidestepped until he was at the end of what rope I had given him. I clicked my tongue to cue him on.
Blair did well, at first. All the way up to a trot he was mostly good - a couple times he would stop abruptly, try to turn, or speed up to much. He had a problem with diving in towards me, but that was fixable. He was just getting the hang of it. It was the loping that brought us the most trouble.
As Blair's trotting picked up, I kissed in his direction to signal a change in speed, a lope. At first the gelding seemed confused. He slowed, and I urged him on patiently. When he finally got the idea, Blair went wild. He went much too fast and started bucking at the end of the rope. I set down the lunge immediately and gave a hard tug. After a moment he calmed. "Easy, mustang. It's okay. You can do this." I wondered if he had a problem with being on the rope, so close to freedom yet held on to by the lunge rope. I let him calm for another minute before trying again.
The second time around, Blair did moderately better. There was no bucking, although he seemed to hop occasionally in a way of discontent. He through his head around and made loud noises. By the time we had gone both directions, Blair was tired and sweating due to his outbursts. I gave him a pat on the shoulder after pulling him close. "Be still now, Blair. It's okay. You've done well. Tomorrow, we'll try a bridle, okay?" I sent him back to his stall after cooling his muscles.
Tomorrow was sure to be an adventure already. The bridle. And soon enough, riding. Oh, how time flew. I was already growing nervous thinking about everything. With a grumble, I took Blair's bridle too the house and attached the bit I found to be perfect. Already I had brought it near Blair and shown him it, allowed him to sniff and touch it. I wasn't sure how he would react when I made the move to put it in his mouth.

[Arrows]

The Despised Bridle
I held up the leather bridle, the bit fully attached. Today was the day I would place the bridle on Blair. I had taken an extra day for lunging, but now I knew I would have to do it - so here we went. I was nervous, but I kept my head cool so Blair would not bounce off of my energy. I advanced towards the gelding, quiet and calm so I would not intimidate him.
I placed the bridle over his ears at first, the bit hanging down near his nose. He seemed to be content enough. Slowly, I showed him the metal. When it was near his mouth, Blair sniffed and licked it. He appeared to recoil at the taste. I chuckled at his reaction and then stroked him until he seemed to be relaxed. I applied the slightest pressure to his teeth, increasing it until he suddenly opened his mouth. When I gently worked the bridle into his mouth, he spit it out and flipped his head up, eyeing me suspiciously.
When he lowered his head again I made a second attempt. The response was the same. I waited again. The third time, he took to the bit finally. After letting him hold it for less than thirty seconds I removed it and gave him a treat. I allowed him fifteen minutes before putting it back into his mouth for longer. I continued with this pattern until he seemed content enough with the bridle.
He still would jerk his head around at times and grit his teeth at first, but those were things we could and would work on later. For his first time with the bridle he had done pretty well - I could tell the metal taste didn't sit well with him but otherwise he did well. I was proud of him today. He listened very well and we got real progress done. Additionally, the bridle was so handsome against his coat. The gelding was starting to shape up nicely. I was excited.

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The First Ride
It was Friday by the time I decided to ride the gelding. I hate spent careful time practicing with the bridle, and now Blair was doing excellent work with it. He needed that time. But now it was time for our biggest milestone we needed to overcome - the first ride. He had done all the needed work to take on the challenge, and I was ready.
I saddled Blair slowly and kept my energy levels low to keep him from being restless. I could tell he was bored - saddling was routine now, which wasn't a bad thing. With everything properly adjusted, I led him into the arena. I started lunging him, to warm up his muscles and prepare him. He seemed to enjoy his time, unaware of what I was going to really be doing tonight.
Recently, I had already been discreetly practicing for this moment. I would place objects as weights atop Blair's back when he was saddled, to prepare him for my weight. I had built it up enough to a point that he should be adequately ready for me to sit on him. That would help us greatly. When I finished with our lunging activity, I pulled Blair to me in the center and stroked him softly on the cheek. I removed his halter and placed him in his shining bridle. Anna and Mitchell say as my audience, happy to watch as well as ready to call an ambulance if needed - sad, I suppose, but a proper safety measure in my eyes.
I had Anna hold onto Blair's reins after I lined him up with a mounting block. Attempting to not pull too much on one side or the other, I mounted and adjusted my legs, shifting until I was comfortable. The gelding teetered back and forth uncertainly beneath me. I patted his neck, "Whoa, Blair. It's alright." We stood, simply, for a long while. When he seemed comfortable, I added the gentlest of pressure to his sides with my legs to urge him on.
Blair's surprise set in at that time. He did a little hop, and burst forward. Lucky for me, I had already practiced with the bit and he responded well. I slowed him with ease, although he pulled against me. I permitted this, as it was our first ride, but that was something we would fix. I kept him at a walk tonight to keep it simple and not throw too much at him. Tomorrow, perhaps, we would attempt a trot if all went well.
A couple times, the gelding bucked and I one point I nearly slipped of the side of the saddle. But my leg muscles had prepared me - I kept a grip and straightened myself. Such a rookie thing to do. At another point Blair got too excited, but I would calm him quick enough. Once he reared, but it was simply a small rebellion when he decided I had pulled to harshly. I was softer with my hands to keep that from occurring again.
I kept the session short. Blair would be much better with training in riding in short bouts, to not confuse or tire him. Riding should end up as a joy for any horse, not a chore. So I spent no more than 30 minutes, maybe closer to 15, atop him. Then I dismounted, switched the bridle for a halter, and immediately unsaddled the gelding. Blair arched his back in a stretch after the weight was off and glanced at me. I sighed and patted him, feeling tired myself. I put him out for extra pasture time as a reward and put all my tack into a locker with a smile. Things were going well.

[Arrows]

The Second Ride
To my upset, the second ride seemed worse than the first. I believe Blair was in a bad mood - he seemed a bit unwell today, but not in a way that constituted not training at all. I removed his sleepy self from the stall and saddled up. My first cue things wouldn't go as well as expected was when he didn't take the bit as easily as usual. He pulled back and recoiled, turning his face away when I made my attempts. I patiently worked with him until I could get it into his mouth and adjusted right.
Out in the arena, he was skittish around the block and avoided my tries to get on him. I had to get some help from my daughter to mount. I was already cautious based on his behavior. He was unsettled beneath me, shifting about and chewing and pulling at the bit. I tried to sooth him and keep him from being high-headed, but Blair was obstinate today. It was one of his silent rebellion it seemed.
Walking around went well enough. At various times he seemed off in his own land, and he spooked slightly at some items in the arena, but otherwise we were fine. It was when I felt we could test out the trot that he gave me trouble. I was gentle with my legs, only tapping Blair when he most needed it. Today, he seemed to dislike any pressure from them. When I asked for the trot, he jumped into the gait and swung his head about. I straightened his posture. He began to blatantly disrespect what I asked him for. He pulled in different directions, cut corners, and seemed to have a mind of his own.
I was burning with frustration when I had to stop. Blair was not bucking or rearing, but it was the way he willfully, slowly started to rebel against certain things that fired me up. I cooled the gelding best I could and then put him in his stall. I saddled Wildfire and rode her to calm myself. The mare's gait was smooth and comfortable and she was quiet beneath me. I let out a breath. I thought about the time I had with her when we first started riding. I thought about the rewards we found after getting through our tough times. Riding her today, I realized this and soon relaxed. Maybe I was having a bad day too. I couldn't be too hard on Blair. And I wouldn't be.

[Arrows]

Weekly Update - Week Four
A good week. The gelding and I didn't do what seemed like a lot, but we got to many milestones, which made me happy. Blair can now lunge and be bridled adequately - after some practice, he easily got the hang of those. I also had my first two rides this week. We have a lot of work to do, but we're still going strong. I know that I will have to get a feel for Blair and the way he moves, and that will end up helping our riding training. In the same way, Blair will need to adapt to the way I sit in the saddle and use my hands and legs - legs more than hands. I think we're doing well.