Timeline

September 13: First day of class (reference point)

September 16 (ish): I was assigned to Cowboy

September 19: My first time playing the ground games with Cowboy. I immediately observed that he was nervous and introverted. I really enjoyed playing the ground games with him because I got to know how he would act in different situations.

September: During the month of September we spent a considerable amount of time playing the ground games outside of class. I worked a lot on desensitizing. We played a lot in the green barn because he was really nervous to go in and then to stay in it.

September 29: We can confidently walk through all the doors in the green barn! Wahoo! (Still nervous inside)

October 6: I learned to implement bigger and faster phases in the ground games. This got a lot more energy and interest out of Cowboy.

October 18: Midterm. We did an obstacle course including: going over a tarp, the bridge, a jump, a zig zag, weaving through the cones, and going through the pole pattern. I feel lik we did a good job. We had room for improvement but overall were able to complete the course at a good pace. Cowboy did a great job following my suggestions and matching my energy.

October 20: Redid the midterm. Did even better!

October 24: First time I rode Cowboy (with a saddle).

November 3: Went outside during class and rode in an uncontrolled environment (anywhere outside of the arena). We had ridden in the outside arena before and it had been hard for Cowboy to get past his needs for security and comfort. Same was true today, but I felt like I made a break through in learning how to manage him when he doesn't feel comfortable (Redirect and Release).

November 15: Experiencing more extroversion and dominance. Hard for me to adjust.

November 28: Experienced a lot more extroversion and dominance because he was probably fresh from the break. Struggled to ride and feel comfortable or confident.

December 7 & 8: Finally am starting to feel comfortable riding again. I'm learning how to play with him (and trying not to frustrate him). I'm learning to set myself up for success too.

December 13: Final Exam. We did it. We have made many small steps of progression. Way to go Cowboy!