Gelding has come a long way

[Gabe Ayers]

When I wrote about Bob last, he was still a handful , right on the bit and always ready to pull off the side of the barn when asked. Now that some time has passed, I wanted to provide an update and comment on what I have learned in the process of working with him and Pete, my other gelding. From time to time last winter I found myself pretty frustrated with Bob’s determination of pull like hell whenever I hitched up a load, but I also realized that without him I would not be able to move some of those heavy bobsled loads. He was a double edged sword for sure, hard to handle sometimes but very effective in the woods. After some feedback from Bob Aquaviva, John Plowden, and others, I moved away from the liverpool bit I was using on him to a twisted snaffle and now to an eggbutt snaffle, thinking that maybe I had over-bitted him and he did not like it. Maybe it is the change in bits or maybe just more time together with Pete and I, but he is much, much, much better now. Sure, he still has his moments when he is ready to go with a big load, but I would not be able to move those loads without him. And, he his now much more patient on the smaller wood. He will work all day and more, to the point where Pete and I are too tired to continue and Bob is still ready for more. Many days I find myself wishing that I had two Bob’s on my arch. And to think that I had seriously thought about moving him on when I was frustrated. Perhaps that horse is teaching me or maybe vice-versa or both, but I am very glad to have him. Bob is what he is in terms of his overall disposition, but he has come a long way already and I am looking forward to more progress in the future. Patience and time have scored a little victory!

[Livewater Farm]

Glad to hear the progress you and Bob have made always was impressed with that horse with what he was willing to do and how he would work all day rather have a horse with alot of get up and go and some in reserve when needed
Bill

[Carl Russell]

Brad, even if I didn’t have the chance to observe you working with Bob, I would still want to make this comment.

I often hear folks make statements that seem to reflect the progress that their horse has made, as if time and patiences is all that is necessary for the animal to adjust his attitude.

Bob is a fast horse. Fast in action, but also fast in his brain. He requires a handler that is working at that speed or faster, in the brain. I know for a fact that you have made a lot of advancement in that area. I would assert that the real difference is in the working relationship. You are catching on to the signals that you need to use to work with Bob, and you are not only ahead of him, but your consistency has improved.

Just my opinion. I know the horse can make headway, but it is too simple and probably inaccurate to concentrate on the progress te horse has made without taking measure of your own participation……and I mean more than a bit change.

Carl

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