amywink June 13th, 2010
Friday, I took my first solo drive with Will! We have been working consistently on hitching independently and doing very well at it. Friday I drove down to see the horses early, not intending to drive, however, since someone was on property, and the breezes were cool, I decided to try it, one step at a time, deciding to opt out if anything went slightly askew.
Will came up easily, and harnessed easily, turning on his “old cart horse” persona after the breast collar went on. Step one complete
He walked, half-asleep, to the carriage. Step Two complete.
He slept while I hooked. Step Three complete.
He stood, still asleep, while I climbed in and got settled. Step 4 complete.
He stood. Step 5 complete.
So, we headed off on our first independent drive.
We were not entirely alone, however, because Cookie decided that since one of the carriages was out and she was The Carriage Dog, the carriage was where she was supposed to be, even if it wasn’t “her” carriage. And in she went, setting up her place on the back seat, where she stayed the entire trip!
Smart Cookie!!
We had a completely uneventful trip around the property, trotting up and down the road, through the trails in the front pasture, back down to the barn, and finished our drive peacefully. We unhitched without any issue and finished our first independent drive very very happily. Will thought so too!
