12.2 Hand Pony

Tonight my trainer decided that Banks is a 12.2 hand pony stuck in a 16.3 hand OTTB body. We mainly worked on ground work tonight as he hasn't had much of it. It truly astounded me how quick he learns. We worked on whoa, back, walk on and lunging both directions. The left was easy but the right, not so much. Although it was hard for him to "get it" going to the right he finally figured it out.I'm excited to work with him on the ground and teach him the basics. Were prob going to do groundwork for the next 2 weeks and slowly transition to riding. The bond on the ground means a lot to me and it's definatly something i suggest you guys try working on.

The beginning of Banks

For those who don't know Banks is my first OTTB. He came into my life after Rocky my Welsh cross was diagnosed with a catastrophic stifle injury and is now un-rideable. Banks formally known as Jury and JC registered as Siouxperdude arrived at the barn on Saturday he's 4 and has only had 5 starts and was just too slow. Banks is going to be my next eventer. He was nervous on the trailer ride home. You can tell it's all a new experience for him. Although it took a while I was proud of his bravery and getting on the trailer he never took a step backwards.

I've been out to see him everyday since he's arrived. Sunday I took him out, cross tied him and fly sprayed him you can tell there is a lot that is new to him like fly spray and treats he still thinks fly spray is going to eat him and has absolutly no clue what treats are. It's almost sad that no one ever loved him enough to feed treats or fly spray him. Hes still standoffish and isn't really used to being petted esp on his nose but he gets better and better everyday.

Yesterday I rode him for the first time at my barn in the indoor and he was a very good boy. He looked around a lot and was "up" but near the end of our ride he relaxed, reached for contact and became very relaxed. I see a lot of potential in this horse and can't wait to begin pur journey together!