Codi Schooling Notes:
11.11.09 "Codi measures out to 14.2hh and about 1000lbs. She's has a nice refined look. She has substantial bone and good hoof. Codi is halter broke and handles from the ground pretty well - no spook and respects my space nicely. She does not mind any part of her being touched/rubbed and she picks up all four feet perfectly. She really loves her poll and crest to be rubbed and scratched! She has no bad habits that I have found - no cribbing, no kicking, no biting. I was told she was difficult to load the first time, but then followed a trail of hay right into the trailer. Codi does not know to give to pressure; but in the week she's been here, she's already picking it up. I do not believe she is 'broke' to ride, but she's so laid back I don't think it'll take much.
This girl LOVES people... and with saddle work, I can see her as a wonderful pony club girl, although she's built for about anything. She's located in north central Ohio if anyone would like to come see her.
Note: When we first started “working”, she would attempt to rear. Staying relaxed and keeping her moving forward has helped tremendously. She also respects a crop and will oblige when tapped.
4/22/10: I rode Monday and we did a good bit of trotting to keep her moving forward and I had no rearing attempt from her at all. But on Tuesday - wholly cow! The girl was forward and moved along pretty well. ...She was slow to respond to leg, but did. We passed cars and bikes, rode on the side of a road, through a field and into the woods. She was observant and head-cocked at the drainage ditches, but never spooked. She stepped on a stick with leaves that rustled and she only butt-tucked. We stopped at a stop sign to let a car go by and she stood perfect! ...I ride her in a bitless bridle and she's behaved wonderfully so far.
4/25/10: Codi has been doing really great! I would say any competent intermediate rider would be able to handle her with no problem. ...She has been working relatively consistent for me and she's getting better about relaxing *into* the bit. I don't see her as a show/ring prospect, nor as a lesson type mount. I do think she's happiest on the trails and at this point would benefit from one consistent rider. I do think she is good and safe enough on the ground that (supervised) kids could work around her with no problem. In time I believe she'll be this way with riding as well. A friend of mine visited today and commented on how perfect Codi is - height is not too big and she has enough build to really pack a person around. I agree;-)