IndyAnna

I worked with Indy yesterday for a change. I haven't done much with her as I've been occupied working through the level 1 stuff on Gypsy.

I started just by bringing my brush out to the pasture and started scrubbing the mud and fur off whoever was closest. It wasn't long before they started jostling for position under the brush - again, everyone but Gypsy, who still keeps her distance.

Eventually I brought out the halter -- not planning on catching anyone specific, but since Indy was in my face so much, I decided to start doing some Parelli stuff with her.

One thing I learned is that Parelli presents the games in the order they are for a reason! I think I really startled her when I was trying to get her to lead better (stay up by my shoulder and not lag behind) by swinging the stick and savvy string behind her. Of course she jumped sideways and tried to run off! "Hmmm," I thought as I skiid behind her attached to the end of the line, " ... perhaps we should work on the porcupine game and driving game first!!" Poor Indy.

So we did some Friendly game - no issues at all with that --- even after "the incident" with the stick & savvy string that scared her sideways. Gypsy could take some pointers from Indy in this game.

Indy tends to walk all over me, so we worked a fair bit on Driving game and blocks. Then we did some yoyo which she was fairly good at (consistent phase 3, occasional phase 2), but she tended to back up like a banana - rarely straight. We'll get there eventually though, she's off to a good start.

She's great with the porcupine game using my hand, but still resists pressure from the halter. Will keep at it. A pretty good day.

Then I spent some time trying to catch Gypsy by not catching her. I went up to pet her and she left, so I helped her leave until she turned to face me. I stopped and when she licked her lips I approached her again, pet her head and backed up again. Gypsy decided to leave, so I helped her leave again until she turned and faced me. She let me approach again and I rubbed her head, neck, and walked around her. Then I left her alone. Will try again later and see if she leaves next time.