Wink Updates

It has been nearly a year since I've done a real Wink update. Despite being one of the most recognizable horses I work with, he has only made brief photo appearances on the blog. This is because training him is pretty uneventful in general.

Wink is making slow, steady progress. His owner gets more balanced and confident as time goes on. Wink has become the nicest horse at his barn, and the other horse owners admire his abilities under saddle. His progress has won me other clients at the barn, whom I will blog about one of these days. I look forward to our Friday sessions, and Wink's owners are some of the most consistent clients I have. They have had the same Friday slot for over two years now, and they are simply a joy to work with.

One of the cool things about Wink is that he has become such a versatile horse. We play with a little bit of everything in our lessons, from western dressage and gaming to jumping and trail obstacles. There's nothing this horse isn't willing to try. He can gallop flat out one second, and do the itty bittiest jog the next. A horse who I was initially hired to ride because of his stubborn nature and tendency to outright ignore the humans around him has turned into a willing riding horse who tries his heart out even on the bad days.

This is despite the fact that we are fighting his breeding and conformation for a lot of the things we ask of him! He's not built to travel like a western horse or to be airborne, but he does his best anyway. I went from being a person who thought gypsy vanners were over-rated hairballs to admitting that I would own one if the opportunity presented itself (and if it wasn't mostly white!!)

Wink now neck reins like a pro. He does lead changes pretty much automatically. He side passes like a boss. He's extremely comfortable to jump. We are working on the beginnings of shoulder in, haunches in, and half steps. Meanwhile, we are also laying the foundation for rollbacks and spins, though I'm not sure Wink will ever muster the energy to do a true reining-style spin. Wink's owner cantered her first vertical last week without missing a beat. She consistently rides Wink on the bit, a concept she hadn't even heard of before starting lessons! Now, if Wink picks up the wrong lead, she can ask him for a lead change and get one.

Mike came to see a session with Wink for the first time in ages last month, and was blown away at how far he and his owner have progressed. He now understands my endless gushing! Best of all, now that Mike's off of work for the winter, he has been able to take updated pictures for me!

See for yourselves!!

2'6"

Starting to really lift the front end at the canter.

Half steps. Video soon :)

Side passing.

Pole bending with cones.

  

First roll back attempts.

Zoomy pony.

Mid lead change, gaming mode!

And my coaching assistant for the day!