Pepper has been a perfect peach since I brought him home. I anticipated him having some sort of an attitude or some naughtiness. He has spooked twice, neither being a big deal. I honestly have no complaints or issues to report.
At first, he seemed quite lazy and dull to riding aids. He rooted his nose, tossed his head, and resisted any type of contact with the bit. His past owner did a lot of desensitizing and trail obstacle stuff with him. Not so much of Dressage or much ring work at all. He did move laterally off leg well (sometimes annoyingly so), as the last owner most recently worked on side passing quite a bit.
Pepper took no responsibility feet.. so much so I questioned neurological/EPM issues.
Within a few rides he started to understand what I was asking of him. He started to accept and seek contact, pay attention to where his feet were going (I chalked this up to him not paying attention to me and no longer suspect neurological problems whatsoever), started to listen to my seat and leg more quickly and correctly, and really flourish under saddle in general. He is so, so smart and genuinely aims to please.
We are now working on stretching down and keeping a forward and consistent pace.
We have done ground work and side rein work. Played around the crop fields and woods. Have free jumped, and even jumped a small verticle under saddle once.
I really try to keep a variety in his training. He is loving it.. loving having a job. And I am loving him.. to pieces! I truly think he belongs with me and am so excited to see what the future holds for us!!
He looks good!
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