Days 84-90 – Phil’s Courage’s Journal

90 Day Progress report • Extremely well behaved in all aspects of daily interaction from de worming to under saddle • Balking has disappeared • No problem with impulsion • Rearing was not an issue and no signs of rearing present • Ear sensitivity has disappeared • Head shyness has disappeared • Girthy behavior has…

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Days 56-62 – Phil’s Courage’s Journal – One Rein Stop

Week of June 1st-7th – Trail Riding in Hitchcock Woods Phil was hauled to Hitchcock Woods (Aiken, SC, Home of the Aiken Hounds) for a group trail ride. Phil loaded and unloaded on to an unfamiliar trailer with unfamiliar horses without any fuss. We had a very relaxed (on the buckle) and enjoyable trail ride. Phil…

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Day 55 – Phil’s Courage’s Journal

Another horse show! Southern Hospitality Mini-Circuit. Phil loaded on the trailer like a professional. He was well behaved at the show. Phil brought home more ribbons in Hunter In Hand, Equitation, and Open English Pleasure. Phil and I even tried a pattern class! In the Equitation class I had to drop my irons. The irons…

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Day 29 – Phil’s Courage’s Journal – Show Day

We were at a local schooling show today and hauled Phil along. He did not hesitate to load in the trailer even though it was dark. Phil was shown exhibition in HUS, English Equitation,Western Equitation, Barrels, and Poles. He placed 2rd in hunter in hand and 4th in halter geldings. If we keep up this…

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Day 13 – Phil’s Courage’s Journal

Herd punishment: The worst punishment the Alpha mare could administer is to isolate the belligerent one from the protection of the herd. Out in the open the horse is very vulnerable to predators. This is the concept behind sending Phil far away from my space is that I want to make my message clear “if you are in my space you are going to get sent far away from me.” At this point, I am Phil’s herd.

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