MM: The Naughties

Here we are for another segment of Montana Monday.  After riding him almost every day a few weeks ago I was so excited to keep up the positive work with him.  Then life got in the way, I was unable to ride him last week, as was his owner, and therefore Montana had 7 whole days off.  Ugh.  Seriously not the best for a horse who really needs consistency, but whatcha gonna do.

All that said I wasn't realllllly surprised when I got on him last Saturday and he was a total turd.  Unfortunately I don't have any of his antics on video (my slave sister was putting her horse away at the beginning of my ride) but it was complete with rushing, then slamming on the brakes, and refusing to go forward.  He even threatened to rear which I am not a huge fan of.  Naughty Tana.  After a swift arse kicking he was in a much better mindset however, and we ended on a decent note.

A few things to note:

- Any time I lean forward the tiniest bit, Montana slams on the brakes.  Every.  Single.  Time.
- I need to be using core nonstop on this horse.
- Leg.  Always leg.
- Whenever Montana loses his balance he slips into a pace.  My experience with gaited horses is admittedly limited, but he DOES have a distinct trot, pace, and canter.  It's just deciphering between the three, and keeping them separate.
- This is an apparent issue when changing direction, especially from left to right where he almost always slips into a pace for a few strides.