Backed again!

Since my our first ride earlier this summer, I took a few steps backwards and have been working with Flash diligently on groundwork and lots of desensitizing so by the time I get back in the saddle again, he would have better confidence and coping skills to deal with the new feeling of a person on his back.

When he's saddled, I have taken him over to the mounting block and just laid over his back with no issues the past few months so I decided it was time for the next step.

I had Lea on stand by to hold the lead line and I stood on the mounting block, laid over him a few times then swung my leg over oh so easily. He was totally relaxed and only lifted his head slightly when I sat in the saddle. We both praised him lavishly and I hopped off to repeat a few more times.

Since it was going so well, I decided to attempt a few steps... so I mounted then praised the had Lea ask for a step forward while I gently closed my legs. Flash tensed at the squeezing sensation and had a brief moment of insecurity and took a step back which I have learned is his early warning stage of "I am about to freak out" mode. However, I was able to head him off at the pass and sooth with my voice that he had learned to trust and he relaxed a little bit and took a step forward as we had both requested and then he got major major major praise! We did it all again one more time and when he felt my legs this time, he promptly went forward a few steps. Way to go baby! We decided to cal it a day with that huge progress.

It is literally baby steps we are taking, but that is the way I need to go with him. Very slowly to build confidence. So far so good...

I like the bored look he has while I am sitting on him for the second time ever!