A Negative Result Still Counts As Data

Riding

Awareness of the outside world. “The Assembly also designated 9 December as International Anti-Corruption Day, to raise awareness of corruption and of the role of the Convention {United Nations Convention against Corruption} in combating and preventing it.” UN: International Anti-Corruption Day.

“And of course we have contrived that their very language should be all smudge and blur; what would be a bribe in someone else’s profession is a tip or a present in theirs.” Screwtape Proposes a Toast, Lewis.
~~~

Rodney lunges better than he long lines, particular when lunge line is attached to a halter as a faux-lunging cavesson, I tried to recreate this under saddle.

Bzzt!

Dug up his old hackamore noseband. Rode with the bit as back up in case this was a bad idea.

Bzzt! Bzzt!

We gave it a week. Then stopped. He hated it. No overt misbehavior, just low-grade resentment and the ever-present possibility of making poor life choices.

Bzzt! Bzzt! Bzzt!

I took it off mid-ride. He relaxed immediately. The minions finally got the message. Last time we tried this, he liked it. I though I was onto a good thing. Hmmff.

November 2015. Tack purchased. [New Equipment: Hackamore Attachment]

January 2016. Hackamore versus bit options. [Rodney’s Headgear]

February 2016. We go full minimalist. “He is wearing a side-pull hackamore noseband, a headpiece, & reins. That’s it. No saddle. No bit …. He was a star … We’ve done it three times now. We usually give him at least a week to grasp new ideas. He’s been thrilled during each ride. ” [View from the Top]

September 2016. Experiment ended. “I’m also getting more assertive with Rodney. Yes, I know you prefer a hackamore. I don’t. You have not earned the cred. Therefore, you will wear a bit. Deal with it.” [Or Not. Rodney]

Now he prefers a bit. Go figure.

Stay safe. Stay sane.
Katherine