Today's session with Logan reinforced the importance of relaxation. After his owner and I talked yesterday it was pretty clear that Logan never really lets down. He's either on adrenaline moving his feet, or he's gone introverted and standing very still while skepticism of humans takes over his brain. Makes for a complicated horse. Because of his lack of confidence, he acts dominant to protect himself. As I'm learning more about him, I find him really fascinating to work with and continue to learn from him.

It took less than an ounce of pressure to cause him to yield to the pressure from his poll today. He likes hanging his head down and getting rubs on his forehead. I can see the change in his eye when he's relaxed. I made a point to get his energy up, then have him stand on the platform and lower his head to relax. We did this numerous times, very methodically. He started to look for the answer.

It all wasn't quite that pretty though! I purposely keep the arena gate open. This tells me how honest he is. It got better. Started off with some circling game and first trip around I know he's going out the gate. No problem, let's go out the gate then! BUT....when you run out and then you hit the end of the rope and there is some strong pressure, it won't be THAT fun anymore. I would actually send him with some intent out the gate and after a few times of that, leaving wasn't so much fun. Reverse psychology is a wonderful thing!

Then we got creative exploring how many different ways we can go out the gate---backwards, sideways, one step at a time forward and backward, driving from zone 4 and 5, at a walk, at a trot. You should have seen the look on his face!

We ended the session standing on the platform, head down and licking. Played a gentle sideways game all the way back to his pasture.

Logan has Ringo for a new roommate. They both are chestnuts with white blazes but Ringo only stands 14 hands and weighs 750 lbs. They seem to happy together, sharing hay piles and venturing off together. Ringo can be a rascal, a mischievous little guy. They should get a long fine.