Back to Work

Rushed out of work Saturday afternoon to meet Wendy. Brantley had no idea what he was in for. I quickly bagged up some grain, threw it in a box with some blanket stuff, and then when out for him. He nuzzled my pockets looking for his cookies but after having no luck he dropped his head into the halter. Something I really love about him. Even if he's having a meltdown or doesn't want to stand still, the moment I put my hands out with his halter, he's mine.

He looked into the trailer and flicked his tail excited to see Elijah, but to his dismay (or so I thought) he didn't see him. Instead he walked right into the trailer as if to say, "YAY! I get the good spot." I didn't bother putting a hay net in since it was a 20 minute ride he's made a million times.

When we arrived at Cherry Croft, Brantley launched out of the side ramp and looked around like he was looking for his old friends. He had a quiet look in his eyes and dropped his head into my hand like he was ready for whatever came next.

We walked around the indoor with W for a bit, said hi to a couple of friends. Had an interesting conversation about board with the "assistant barn manager" I guess you could say. There was a little confusion on what B and I were doing there apparently, but over the next 24 hours, all was well figured out.

I sent CB a message saying that Brantley was all cozy in his stall and will be happy to get back to work the next day. Previously I had contacted him about working with B-man and tried to make it clear... He's going to f*ck with you. He's going to say, "I'm scared." or "I've never done this before." But it's complete b.s. I went over all that we've accomplished over the last year and why I brought him back.

---

Sunday

I went down in the morning, (luckily I picked the week it was going to be at least in the 20s or higher. Go me!) took off his blanket liner, and caught up with a couple of more boarders. After I ran my pet-sitting errands I headed back down to watch CB work with him.

They put Brantley in the outdoor so when he saw me pull up he came right to the gate which made me feel great. At least I know he's not unhappy to be back. I haltered him and headed to the indoor.

CB wanted to watch me work with him at first, go over our usual ground work routine I guess. First time he's done that which was nice because I could show him that I'm not crazy when I say, "He knows this." I sent him around me and got him to really move out at the walk and bend around me with his nose towards me. We swapped directions and once I knew he was in school mode I asked him to pick up a trot, then a lope. We worked on disengaging his hind end and then sending him off. I went up and down the ring a couple times sending him side to side like little half circles, pushing his shoulders and getting him to sit under himself. Then we ended with turns on the hindend/forehand.

Once warmed up, CB took over and tacked him right up. Of course, like usual, B kind of braced up, but as they worked together, he started to remember who this Cowboy guy was. He started to chew, drop his head, relax his ears, and breathe.

After working for a bit he set up 3 barrels and sent B through them as if to spiral him in and out. Brantley kept looking for the cross-rail but then he finally got it. Unfortunately I totally forgot my media bag but I'll make up for it!

Oh! I forgot to mention, my Dad's girlfriend came by to watch which was pretty great... She asked questions and seemed legitimately interested in what was happening.

Here's a clip of CB sending B off... And his pup Dish giving him a little help.

Today CB went over some of the same stuff and then focused on lateral softness. Unfortunately being a slave to my job grown up, I had to work, but he said that he was a bit braced up but not too bad. I've got tomorrow off so hopefully I'll be able to get some pictures or videos.