This picture says it all; doesn't it?

Ariana isn't looking at me at all, and has a look of just boredom and contempt on her face. I have a look on my face like "Really". This is the way I felt most of the time. I would ask her to do something and she would do it very haphazardly. Never really refusing but never REALLY engaging in the activity. I just took this as her personality and for the fact that she was young. So we would move on to the next step/task that I thought we needed or was told was "next". I thought one day she would engage and all would be well. OR the ever brilliant thought "she will be better under saddle". LOL

Well under saddle things that were lacking on the ground are glaring at me now!

It has taken rearing, stubbornness and fear to make me realize that the problem was not and is not my horse. My horse is just that, A HORSE. I can't rationalize or push her through something just because I don't like the behavior. She is trying to tell me she doesn't understand and that I didn't prepare her properly.

So back to basics we go! Tonight I did the basics we have done before with a twist. Trying to get her to engage! Success! Lounging for the sake of lounging accomplishes nothing. Will she go in a circle around me: Sure; does she want to: NOPE

But turn it into an obstacle course and make her think and now we have a game and a chance to communicate!

Tonight was a breakthrough! She was the most relaxed, engaged and affectionate horse I have seen her in almost a year! I have gone from tears and fears to hope and love again! All because I took a step back and looked deeper. She is a Horse, Not a car! Lol

Updates and breakthroughs are still to come!