I finally got on him. I've had Angela and April up and ponyed them but had not been up myself. After a few minutes of April ponying me we took the lead rope off and I got to ride him. He turned, stopped and backed! Yeah!

We decided to be brave and stand at the edge of the Hwy and get the Semi"s to honk. After strange looks from several drivers, we had one that got the hint and he laid on the air horn. Cochise just stood there. We also took him to the neighbors and they came out and made all over him and he was so calm.. Later we went to the round pen and April stood in the stirrups for me and he did great. I hope to be riding him this week. Check out the gallery for more pictures from today.

Today is the first time Cochise has been ponyed.  He did so well that we didn't do the usual day or two in the round pen, then the arena before we heade out.  He is so level headed that we round pen, arena and then out to the trails, creek and hay field all in one day.  We even trotted, cantered and visited the neighbor and his helper with their saw running and strangers petting him.  He took it all in stride.  Whew!  What a big learning experience for one day. Someone local needs to buy him.  I'd help them get him to what ever level they need after the EMM.  Anyone interested in meeting him and finding him out more info about adopting him, contact me.  He is going to be an awesome, big horse!

 

Cochise 1st saddling!
Saddled Cochise after a few minute of prep with black plastic tied around his middle, he didn't even spook when I approached with about 10 feet of blowing black plastic. I tied it snug and sent him
out on a circle and he trotted around like he was born with the stuff tied on him! ;-) Then I played approach and retreat with pad then saddle and he stood for me to do all the straps and then trotted
off like no big deal! He's so cool. Check out the photos!

 

Cochise with tarp learning the yo-yo (the come here- go away) game.  Check out the rest of the pictures in the gallery of todays training.

 

Wow, today was a very hot day, glad we started early!  April came to visit Cochise this morning with some hay and grain, and to watch his progress.  Cochise was haltered today, then learned leading and tying.  He is a beautiful horse. Be sure to check out the gallery of photos, some taken with April's camera and some taken from Diana's phone.