Samson's rough day

Long time no post-I have fallen down on the job!!. Yesterday was a big day for the little boy. I have known for some time that he was too dependent upon his buddy Fred so I decided to take him on a trail ride across to Dad's on his own. Dad was waiting with his gator to set the pace and help out if needed. Boy was it needed. I mounted only after walking him over there- we walked ok for a very little way and then "boom" he started whipping around on his hind and then rearing and neighing frantically for Fred- who was neighing in return in the distance. I turned him in circles, backed him up, alittle spanking with the reins to no avail. Now this was a battle I couldn't afford to lose, nor did I want to get in a big fight with him because no telling who would win. So- I got off and into the back of the gator and held on to him and off we went. We walked along for some time this way and then I got back on him. Same thing-only worse. Off again-back to being brought along by the gator only this time at a trot. We went further this time- got back on him- same thing only this time alot of emphatic pawing was added. Back to the gator- we drove the gator at a pace that kept him at an extended trot which is all we could saftly do. We went further- got back on. Same thing only this time his effort was not as energetic-we were almost there. One more short round with the gator and I got back on. This time he stood still and when I asked him to follow gator he did so willingly!!!!!!! Man was I relieved!!!!!!! We continued following the gator as our pacer for a short while and then called it quits while we were still on a good note. Samson walked home quietly without neighing or pulling on the bit. He worked up quite a sweat - a real good workout for Samson, me and my Dad. We will repeat this outing today. Hopefully he chooses to ride right along behind the gator- we were all pretty tired yesterday and really don't want a repeat. Will post results.

July 9

It has been awhile since I have posted - been very busy with family stuff-not to mention Samson. All 3 sons and families spent some days with us over the 4th -including a surprise visit from son in California for my birthday. We had a wonderful time-kept us quite busy.

Samson continued his lessons during all of this. We do our ground exercises almost daily. The in hand trotting, going over poles and backing up are getting alittle better daily. He does not give his feet willingly- I have to take them- we will continue to work on that. We are out of the round pen under saddle and into the arena. We have a long way to go. He is pretty "fiesty". Last night I took him off the property for the first time in trailer to a friend's house where I rode him in lighted arena. There was lots of activity around there and Samson kept his cool better than I expected. I was proud of him- he has such a wonderful attitude. Next week- I will take him to a different friends house and we will do our first trail ride. My appreciation for this horse just continues to grow.