Learning Together

Cinn was not very happy today as she went back to "school" which includes learning to stand tied when she doesn't want to. She paws at the dirt and shakes her head but all to no avail. It is very pretty to watch but very bad equestrian manners. She finally gave it up and stood docile.
I am trying to get her "re-trained" enough so that I can "pony" the grand kids on her by Thanksgiving but only if she feels at ease with that pace.
She was doing so well before C (my husband) became ill with cancer and we had to send her and Glory to Nac for a year until we could get settled down enough to bring them back. I have not had to start completely all over but mostly refresher courses. She is pretty quick to learn and though reluctant at some lessons, she still has a very sweet nature and more than willing to please.
I find myself once again in the position of the ex-jockey turned horse trainer but I really don't mind. I will ride again but it is going to take time to get Cinnamon to the point to be ready enough for an adult. She still has to learn all her correct signals with a hackamore and learn the discipline to do what is ask of her and not what she wants to do. To train a horse to be a good riding animal is a long and slow process because horses are not the brightest "bulbs" on the block and being such large animals, they have to learn to work with us human on faith and trust. As with dogs and cats, we are asking these animals to do what is against their natures and that is to wear tack and carry humans around on their backs.
Cinnamon has the added handicap of being six years old instead of a young filly and so she is more set in her ways. She was raised to be a broodmare and not a riding horse but since she can not have any foals because of a medical condition she has, she is learning to become a riding horse. It takes time and patience to do it right but the end result should be fantastic.

Cinnamon was a gift from my niece who did not know what to do with her as she was green and untrained. She has been a real blessing in my life and I could never thank my niece enough for her. Unlike my first two horses, Ginger and Blaze who had been mistreated before I got them, Cinnamon is an innocent and gentle as any young foal. I am more than willing to go slowly and gently so she is never afraid or nervous as she learns.

She has brought a wonderful and badly needed joy back into my life!