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 disappeared
• Polite and patient on cross ties
• Stands quietly for bathing
• No snacking on grass while working for handler
• Trailer loads and hauls politely
• Tolerates lifting tail and taking temp
• No problem cleaning sheath
• Absolutely no threats of biting or kicking
• Halter broke-comes to be caught even in a large pasture, puts head enthusiastically in halter, tips nose towards handler, lowers head, ties patiently, ground ties patiently, can be lead anywhere and light on end of lead
• Enthusiastically accepts bit during bridling
• Rides in haltermore (no bit)
• Yields to less than 4 oz of pressure
• Responds to slightest cue from handler in round pen (I just look in the direction I want him to travel)
• Feeding manners are excellent
• De worms without halter or lead
• Rain no longer bothers him
• Comfortable with 24/7 turnout
• Noticeably more free movement from shoulder
• Increased flexibility
• Still tight in hindend, but improved
• Does not travel with nose in the air anymore or hollow back-still needs improvement
• Responds to pre cues such as cluck (trot), kiss (canter), whoa
• Absolutely loves the trails and has never spooked, bucked, or bolted
• Tolerates the hunting dogs on the trail and in his pasture
• Bending improved
• Backing softly
• Takes correct leads
• Free jumps 3’ with tons of scope and room to spare, nice tightly tucked knees, ears always alert and forward
• Turns on haunches and front end
• Beginning to side pass at walk
• Will open gate with rider in saddle