Backing

A synopsis of our first few experiences of being on board

First backing (above) and Ride 3 below, first steps with single rein

Ride 7 below, walking forwards and gentle direction on two reins

Ride 14 I took out on a quiet lane to support more forwards and straightness

Sky had started ticking all the boxes of the things I felt she needed to have calmly learned, and I began to wonder if it was time to get on board. She would pick me up from the mounting block and stand calmly, I could hop up and down on the mounting block, in a stirrup, and put weight over her saddle with her staying relaxed. So, on my next session with my mentor/trainer, Joe, I asked him if he agreed that she was ready. We ran through some preparatory groundwork exercises (lateral and vertical flexions, taking the hinds and the fronts on a circle, and asking for energy up and down in walk/trot on a circle) and she nailed them all in a very calm emotional state, so he was reassured and gave the thumbs up.

We went through a series of progressive movements to prepare, including the following:

Since this first ride, I've been on a few more times, not sitting on her back for more than about 5-10 minutes. I graduated to a two rein system. We've done a few steps moving forwards, as I don't want to keep her thinking 'stand' or 'flex' forever. So weve done a gentle, albeit a little hesitant amble around the arena (knowing that we have tools at my disposal to manage any 'moments' is reassuring), keeping everything low key. I don't think she needs much time with me on her back yet. We're still building up her mileage in hand (see 100 mile walk) and our connection (via liberty connection work). We'll take it all slowly, gently, and progressively as we have nothing but time.

After about 14 very short 10-15 minute sessions of ridden work in the arena (which we would do after 10 minutes of groundwork), Sky was feeling calm and steady, but lacked a little forward and straight energy, so I decided to capitalise on the in-hand work we'd done on our walks out and about. I'd been preparing by teaching her to pick me up from a wall, bench etc, and she was aware of the lanes and tracks around the farm. So I walked her in-hand down to a quiet lane, she picked me up from the wall and stood quietly as I mounted and we rode about 50 metres up the lane in a straight line. She was fabulous, and with me both mentally and physcially.  And she was motivated as she was walking in the direction of home. My friend was on the ground, walking behind us so Sky took confidence from me on board rather than someone leading her. The next day in the arena there was a difference and we had many more forward steps and a sense of relaxation doing these. 

This phase of backing from first sit on to now has been over 2 months. I've varied this work with more in hand exploring, and we've had several weeks off with winter breaks and snow. And when she's not working, she's out relaxing with her herd. It's been baby steps in short, sweet sessions. The next phases of her education are under Foundational Ridden Work.