Ally came out Wednesday to spend the day working with the horses last week and we successfully accomplished Mick's first ride. He's been worked daily, learning to be responsive and the very beginnings of Parelli communication. Wednesday the plan was for Ally to work Pinta and I would work and then ride Mick.

We're going slow --- happy with 3 or 4 circles that are responsive and without incident. He obviously knows his moves, just needs to figure out what language I'm using to ask for them ... lol. We finished our workout and then turned everyone loose together in the large pasture.

On Saturday I met Merri and the kids out at the barn and we took turns. After several days' experience, Mick was steady and responsive, so I suggested Christian ride while Ally was riding Pinta. He was thrilled and had a good time.

I am very happy with his progress. On days when I am at the barn by myself I have been working he and Pinta together off-lead. Walk, trot and canter circles, turning toward me, backing away, and ignoring one another to do as I ask. Yesterday I asked Pinta to stand still (loose) while I had Mick do circles around her both directions at trot and canter. They both did great and I was very happy! This is the first time I've asked her to stand and wait in the middle of the paddock while other things were happening.