What’s New with Roll? Going for a Ride

It’s been almost five years since I rescued Rock and Roll. Roll was a real nut when I first got him. He would hide behind Rock and looked like he would spook and run away at any minute. I was convinced that Rock lived that whole year from 2010-2011 to make sure that Roll would have a good home without him. Roll is a whole lot calmer now and much more trusting. His physical condition is incredibly improved with our slow, sequential and logical approach to training. I knew he would never be able to pull anymore heavy wagons or even carry a heavy rider and with the side bones and ring bone, I never really expected him to stay sound and be able to carry me under saddle, but he has attained what I thought in the beginning were very high goals. This is no special training approach…it’s what we do! Rock and Roll were the ultimate validation of my entire training program! He now stands quietly while mounted in the open driveway for the very first time …

…flexes laterally at the poll on his own with the slightest of rein cues…

…walks obediently forward with a slight squeeze from my legs upon request…

…is not fearful nor tense and resistant while going past scary things anymore…

…keeps pace with his riding partner with rhythm, cadence and regularity of gait…

…walks freely forward with impulsion, keeping slack in the elbow pull at all times…

…is relaxed and comfortable in his work…

…bends correctly through his rib cage…

…trots easily upon request…

…stays “on the bit” and has good muscle tone throughout his body…

…and knows exactly where to park at the work station when the ride is completed! At twenty-one years old, he just keeps getting better! Look for “Rock and Roll: The Story of a Rescue” in the “Mule Crossing” section of my website for the complete story.