FIRST DAY OF CLASS

This day begins the road to Fritz' future as a riding horse. As a Teacher, I have an awesome responsibility. As I enter the classroom with my young, timid student I must be mentally and emotionally prepared to be patient and to "Speak" clearly. This will affect his progress and determine his levels of trust in the sessions to come.

Photo A I start by introducing myself to Fritz. He is a little uncertain and only stands for a short time before moving off.....

Photo B ....and so we begin. I start by moving him left and right until these turns are consistent. Then I build into that an "inside turn" gained through my body position and correcting the wrong turn.

Photo C I continue having him make these turns until Fritz is doing them quietly and with confidence.

Photo D Next, I stop Fritz by positioning my body in front of his direction of travel, and teach him to look at me with his full attention. Eventually, he learns that when I "kiss" to him, he is to connect to me with both of his eyes.....

Photo E ....until soon it is HIS mind keeping him with me and not the panels of the pen.

Photo F When he will move his feet to face me from both sides, I begin sacking him out with my hands and the rope, etc. by approaching, rubbing and walking away I am teaching him emotional control. The approach raises the emotions; my retreating lowers them. This technique, done many times, will build his emotional self-control.

Photo G Lastly, I work on the head until I can get Fritz to yield to pressure to the left.....

Photo H ....to the right....

Photo I ....and from directly in front.

Photo J And so I say "so long" to my new young student. It has been a good First Lesson and I look forward to our next encounter.

I spend the last few minutes reassuring Fritz that all is well and that we will get through this.....together!