11/08/24: Skittles tends to hump up and crow hop/buck a little bit when she panics, however it is not malicious and can be controlled with anticipation. These occurrences are getting less and less frequent as she is getting more and more willing with experience and exposure. We recently used her to move the horses from the south pens to the east alley on our property. This type of work is very challenging for horses in general because naturally they want to run with the herd. Skittles was definitely out of her comfort zone in this situation, but managed to keep it together. Skittles needs an expert rider at this time, that can help her move through challenges, gain trust and settle down.
Skittles has started learning groundwork skills through our training program. She is still getting the hang of basics like respecting personal space, leading nicely without pulling, and moving away from pressure. She has clearly had some handling in the past that was of poor quality, and is skeptical that people are worth paying much attention to, so it will take some work to make her into a good citizen.
10/01/24 Trainer update: I am pleased with how this mare is handling herself. She can still get a little frisky when asked to work but she is really coming along.
At this point with this mare, I see a lot of potential. She is smart and willing, athletic and not hard to look at. Skittles has a block that we are working through and has been ridden 5 times. All successful. She is early in her saddle training and requires a trainer-level rider at this time.
