Coco Bareback

I like to play little games with horses. I stand at the gate and call
out to the bunch and see which one comes first. Reward is oats and a
brush! So far, they aren't playing along so I'm forced to walk out
into the field (a hundred yards or so) to retrieve a horse to spoil.

There is one very sweet horse here named Coco, half thoroughbred half
draft. A few days ago I brought her out and fed her some oats. The
next day, she hung out and waited to be let out for more oats. Third
day, and she's hanging by the gate - waiting, expecting. Day 4 and I'm
not around in the morning so she finds me later in the day for more
oats. Coco is not stupid! Day 5, and I really want to get on her back,
but father is preoccupied. The horses are not following along with my
"come when called" game so off I march to see who will walk back with
me without a halter or lead - it's Coco! I start to jog, she trots
along beside me - im happy she's playing my game and were
communicating. I take her into the round pen, put on the halter, tie
the lead shank around her neck, move her beside the fence, and hop on
bareback!! She's fairly green but has been out on some trail rides
last summer. She is a steady, smart horse, so I feel safe. I'm riding
around the round pen for about 5 mins, hop off and BOY I can really
feel it in my thighs!! I gotta do that more often!!

Dad and I have agreed to start working with horses every day - there
are two dozen horses here, all with great potential. I am excited to
start riding more and to see the horses develop from completely green
to going on trail rides.

The orphan lambs are doing well - the Paquets (my bosses at the Gem)
want to come by and see them and have a picnic. How fun! I love the
Paquets, they are such great people! Maureen made fudge tonight which
was delicious. I feel so spoiled!! :D