Final is a very nervous horse so I do my best to keep him quiet. Normally you will find us away from the alley and in a quiet spot until they call my name. I dont do the loping and trotting thing at the show. I walk him in a circle both ways, use my inside leg to make him pick his belly up and cross over and that is it. Keeping him quiet is one of his keys. He will normally pick a spot and stop. Lots of times it is in a corner somewhere. This makes him feel more secure. Most people will tease me about, "Whats he in the corner about, time out?" Nope, he can relax and keep his heart rate down. I do the same thing with him every time. This also keeps me more relaxed and allows me time to focus and concentrate on what I should be doing. The better I am at my job during the run the better he is at everything else. It has built some trust here lately between us. Final is not one to trust people. I dont really know why but he just isnt. Thats why I carry a bunch of horse cookies around, I bribe him!!!! He is becoming a cookie monster.
But Boy are we havin some fun now!!!!!!
