Mickeys first ride

Mickey has only been here 3 days, but has settled in really well. He is a bit of an introvert, so doesn't seem to fuss about much, although he will show his feelings at some stage, as I will ask to see them. Yesterday in the humidity, he had a very high respiratory rate, although his temperature and colour were fine. I had given him a bowen the day before, so I think this contributed, although today he was fine. I put him online yesterday to get a feel for him and get to know him a bit. He was very worried about the circles I was asking and the stick in my hand, but soon settled enough to show me he could hold a circle better than most SB's OTT. He didn't take much to move off the pressure of my hand on his girth and flank, so it shows me he should be quite easy to move of my leg. He is quite sensitive, yet sensible.

Today, I put him back online with saddle on, and again, he was sensitive but sensible so I thought I would see how he would take to his first ride. I ALWAYS take my time on mounting to gauge they response and feelings to the process and Mickey was no different. Ok, so, foot in stirrup, face horses head, stand up in stirrup, horse FREAKS OUT!! Half way across arena. Cool, thats ok. I bring him back and do it again. Quietly, calmly, more freak out but he's still listening. I keep my energy low, sing to myself, get him back, foot in stirrup, stand up, head shoots up, but he stands. Rub opposite shoulder, good boy. Stand down, he freaks. Thats ok. Do it all again. Same process, keep singing, stand up, good boy, rub shoulder, step down, head is up, still tense but stands. He's coming down quick. Repeat process few more times till he is sighing, licking and chewing. Cool. I hand walk him around for a bit. Bring him back, do it all again and this time I lay across him and ask him to move. Head shoots up. I keep him going until he relaxes and then stop and get off. Repeat a few more times.Next I swing my leg over, I sit lightly, rubbing his wither., get off when he relaxes. Repeat this a few more times until I feel he is ready to move off. He has a real pace action and wants to stick his head in the air and hollow his back. He is tense, but I find if I open and close my hands on the reins (NOT seesaw!!) in time with his front legs, his head lowers and he relaxes. Strange! I don't really know what made me think of this, but it works! As soon as he drops his head low, I stop "playing". I am not asking him to come "on the bit" (I hate that expression) but just to lower and not be a giraffe. Of course once he lowers his head, he relaxes and I can feel his back lift. I walked him for a good 20 minutes, until he was really relaxed with head low and then finished.This horse is going to be my biggest challenge so far as he really feels like a pacer compared to most that I have done. A couple of times he wanted to speed up and although I never let him, I could feel if I did, it definetly would be a pace at this stage and not a trot. Will be interesting to see what tomorrow holds!