Porcupine Game: Round 2

Our second go around at the Porcupine game went much better than the first. Jester was much more responsive to the cues - still waiting into Phase 4 (the hardest pressure) before moving, but not waiting a minute or two before yielding. There was one point where we had to reorganize ourselves and he refused to move his feet as I led him with the halter to a different part of the paddock. He stood like a tree and I was very appreciative of the prior preparation given in the coursework. Particularly this piece of advice came to mind: "It won't take more than two days for your horse to yield." In perspective, this makes a 30 or 45 second pull bearable.

Last time we only went as far as pushing with the carrot stick and he was pretty stationary for those. This time he was responsive enough I progressed to using stiff fingers to move him backward, or his front- or back-end around. This was much more successful and easy for him to understand. I wonder how much of that is his prior experience or my assertiveness when I'm at closer range. One thing I hadn't thought of with this step is my fingernails - they're fairly long so poking my horse brings a whole different sensation than dull fingertips would. Is this actually an asset that I just need to get the hang of (hair, skin, muscle, bone with my nails)? Do I use my knuckles instead (dull, but stiff poking tips) or do I lose my fingernails, much as my piano teacher begged me to do years ago? Side note: I quit piano lessons rather than cut my nails back, but in this case I think the horse will win, at least while we're learning.

Next up is the yielding to the halter and then we're on to the next game and more communication development. Tonight, though, is my hangout night with Rebekah, so if it doesn't rain, the majority of the evening will be spent with her riding, though if I'm feeling brave (or it is raining) perhaps we'll play Games instead.