September 13, 2008Hi Dale and Susan,
I know you're really busy but thought you might like an update on Gabe and Cruiser.
They're doing really well. Some weeks he rides more than others due to work, but overall Cruiser's been getting consistent work and now will lope to voice command and has a nice steady gait. We did a Trail Challenge last Saturday out at Horn Rapids and although they didn't place real well, it was a great experience for spooky Cruiser. He did many things we didn't expect him to do, like carry a flag (although he was scared), walk by balloons and tarps and pinwheels, walk through foam noodles. He walked up on a spool and even dragged a tarp 20 feet. We are now going to work on desensitizing him even more because he is still so truly afraid of plastic stuff. He has to eat his little bit of grain (which he loves) on a tarp next to a plastic bag full of cans. He hates it but one of these days I know he'll decide it's not a big deal! Gabe even worked on putting the plastic poncho on while he was riding and got Cruiser to be okay with it at home, but then at the trail ride he didn't want anything to do with it! We expected that to happen. But Gabe just dismounted and made cruise look at the poncho and picked it up, then he was fine. Otherwise, he's been a super trail horse and acted like a complete gentleman around the 100+ horses at the trail ride. When it comes to natural obstacles he has been completely reliable and we have had many comments on what a nice horse he is and that he's doing great for only being with us for a couple of months. Thanks again and I know Gabe will want a couple tune-up lessons in the spring, but for now they've made so much progress.
Sincerely,
Heather and Gabe