3 Weeks Down

Well guys, the excitement just keeps coming with the interest in Medicine Man. On Wednesday afternoon we recaped on all lessons learned. I took the opportunity to work on his feet a little, more to clean out and clean up than anything else. If I molded the perfect foot, it would look like "Doc's." Strong outer wall, healthy frog, no soft spots, odors, or shallow heal. I plan to continue to operate "Doc" as the Shoeless Joe Jackson." This little man has it together. Being of sound mind and weak pockets, I do all my own hoof care unless I get into something I just don't understand. I have a super farrier friend, George, who has always provided me with great advice and suggestions when needed.
Thursday morning we were scheduled for a visit from Kim G. from NBC 17. Earlier, I took "Doc" for the first time out of the pasture and away from the barn. The pass from the pasture gate to the outside world again was a challenge for his comfort zone. To pass through the 4' gate into the drive took 5 minutes of forward and backward movement, smelling, looking and listening. We made it and the trip and I took him around the motorcycle trail for an adventure. From vehicles, trailers, 2 creeks, a pond, a pond dam, a sawmill, the house, the shop, plastic barrels, and other noises beyond his sight made "Doc" a nervous wreck. This trip took about an hour- total distance traveled, 4/10 mile. Then I took him back into the pasture for aquick spray off, some bug spray and then we waited. The TV crew arrived at 10:00 AM and "Doc" had regained his bravery. We ran him through his paces and wanted to share a new experience for the media. How about a blue tarp...I had planned on this taking 5-10 minutess but "Doc" had a different idea. His first step onto it caused him to walk on air! So, we advanced and retreated with a little help from the lunge whip (only very light taps behind the back to encourage forward movement). At one time he was challenged with the option of running over me or step on the mat, well this young man made himself thin as a rope and missed us both. I think the NBC news crew had a yee-haw at that . 1 foot on, then 2, then 3 and 4. Now let's rest. Back off, on, off, on and now no problem. We'll do this several more times over the next couple of days to assure him that tarps don't bite! We finished up under saddle, walking, trotting and loping in both directions. He's beginning to understand the left and right squeeze for direction, he continues to improve in lateral flexion, bending at the pole, with all this is still in a rope halter and lead rope. W'ell save the surprise for the telecast to be aired next Friday, July 6 on NBC 17 at 7 p.m. in their "Your Pet" segment. The video will also be available on their website. We completed the day with another bath and fly spray and turned the old man out to pasture.
Friday was met with another visitor, Helena M., another mustang enthusiast here in Chatham County. She was here for "Doc's" first day and wanted to check on his progress. Our training for the day was again just a recap on lessons learned finishing with a ride by Helena. I think she was impressed with his progress. As with all other days, he had another bath and then I turned him out to pasture.
Saturday, out of the pasture for a Medicine Man pictures, a visit from Carolina, the reporter from the N&O and her mom and rest. Not a bad 3rd week! Remember, week 4...A trail ride.