...And we're off!!!

So since one of the reasons I want to start this blog is to keep a diary of our progresses and organize our short-term and long-term goals, I think a good place to start is to describe where we're starting from, including some facts about Starbuck and myself and our relative skillsets.

Me

• Intermediate English riding techniques
• Some very low-key jumping
• Lots of trail riding experience
• Basic Dressage training

Starbuck

• Halter training.
• Standing tied.
• Leading.
• Backing up.
• Being touched on any part of her body.
• Staying at a safe distance when I'm bringing her food.
• She also loves to be showered and groomed.

What we're working on now:

• Doing all of the above calmly in different places and with different distractions.
• Lungeing in a controlled way at a walk and trot.
• Giving her hooves so that they can be trimmed (she's currently unshod and I plan to keep her that way until I start riding her).
• Not running into / over me or rearing when she spooks ;-)