April 4th, 2015: The papers are signed and Gambler is mine!
April 8th, 2015: Gambler is trailered to our current barn.
August 8th, 2015: I realize how much Gambler's training has deteriorated while I've been nursing his injured back.
August 20th, 2015: I put the western saddle on Gambler for the first time. He's a little spooky, but doesn't react badly.
August 21st, 2015: I put the bridle on Gambler and leave it on for a while while he is in his stall.
August 21st, 2015: I discover that Gambler will circle at liberty at the walk!
September 20th, 2015: Gambler has a small bout with sand colic.
October 6th, 2015: I lay over Gambler's back with only my toes on the mounting block while he licks, chews, and yawns.
October 25th, 2015: I sit on Gambler properly for the first time and Mom leads him a few steps.
February 15th, 2016: I ride Gambler for the second time while Mom leads him.
March 1st, 2016: I ride Gambler while Mom longes him.
April 3rd, 2016: Gambler walks, trots, and canters in a western saddle without bucking.
April 9, 2016: I ride Gambler in the western saddle for the first time.
April 23, 2016: Gambler bucks me off for the first time.
June 4, 2016: I sit on Gambler without a handler for the first time.
June 5, 2016: I ride Gambler without a handler for the first time.
June 30, 2016: I put the western saddle on Gambler for the second time with the back cinch attached. Since I hadn't worked with Gambler in a while it was too much and he was terrified.
July 2016: I am in a funk and Gambler gets a fungal infection. Apparently July isn't our month, since July 2015 was an off month too.
It sounds like you're making really great progress with him. Reminds me a lot of my journey with my grey...though mine took longer due to his age. Looking forward to following along!
ReplyDeleteThank you, I can't wait to catch up on your journey!
DeleteThanks for following my blog! I will be going back to read yours start to finish (I seriously thought I was the only person who did that lol) as soon as I have time. I look forward to following your progress with Gambler. He is adorable!! He reminds me so much of Chrome in his face. :D
ReplyDeleteSomehow I missed this comment in March. I thought I was the only person who had that quirk! The similarities between Gambler and Chrome (coloring and personality) are what first drew me to your blog.
DeleteThanks for the follow! Can't wait to continue reading about your adventures with your little grey :)
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, and thank you! I will definitely be keeping up with your blog as well.
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