Horse Geeks Lessons: Coming Back from "Un-ridable"

07/08/24 Tina and Giesle
Giesle was donated to Cornell University because he was a confirmed bucker and bolter that could not be changed. He was adopted by a vet and once again bucked and bolted dangerously. He was deemed unridable and kept alone until Tina entered the picture and ended up taking Giesle home.
After years of building trust, with no intention of riding ever, Giesle started to come to Tina wanting the bridle, standing quietly and voluntarily waiting while the bareback pad was cinched in place. Twice he seemed to ask to be ridden, and with lots of caution, Tina was able to sit on him for the first time ever while Giesle remained relaxed.
So now the journey towards balance begins. Giesle seems to want what Rani is experiencing with Tina, he wants to work. So we are starting with groundwork, advice on how to start with Hand Walking, and will see how Giesle responds. Tina will continue to mount, but not ride, but only when Giesle comes to her and waits voluntarily to be tacked up.
Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
developer of Training for Optimal Balance
www.kirstennelsen.com