Abby and Goose

Abby continues to ride Goose, by far the most stubborn horse at the stables.  She says she likes the challenge.  I stayed to watch a bit of her lesson this week.  Abby showed amazing patience and persistence while riding as Goose would stop at will, and at one point even started walking backwards. Abby is one of only two kids who are even willing to ride her.  Most get frustrated and decide that the horse simply doesn't like them.  Abby says she enjoys trying to communicate with her.  Abby's teacher has been impressed with Abby's commitment to Goose, and says that while Goose doesn't give Abby a chance to work much on finessing her technique, she has given Abby invaluable lessons in control and balance.  She also said that Goose is so uncooperative, that they have her up for sale. Abby isn't very happy about that.

3/16/13 UPDATE:  After several months of working with Goose, Abby was thrilled today to report that she now has Goose cantering steadily for 1 1/2 laps around the ring.  When she started working with her, she wouldn't canter at all.  Then, she'd canter for about 20 feet and stop short, making Abby lurch forward.  Today marked a major accomplishment, not just for Abby, but for Goose, too!