30/10/2026
Things have been super busy lately so I've barely a chance to update everyone! But here's one 🤠
SONOMA SUNSET finished racing in July, and has been turfed out in the field since, allowing her to reset.
I brought her into a winter routine just over a fortnight ago, so she's in at night, which has allowed us both to get to know each other more.
You can tell she's had a bit of a doing in her time, as she can be pretty defensive.
The first day I had her in she kicked out at me during a rug change... She then proceeded to panic, breaking her headcollar, running backwards into 5 tier shelves knocking everything flying, then she ran into a corner and stood there shaking.
If you make an unexpected movement or noise she panics then hides.
I've worked with enough problem horses over the years to know there's no badness in this horse, but she does have very little confidence in people.
I don't think she would fight her way out of a crisp packet.
She does want to be your friend, she is very sweet and gentle, she just doesn't really know how to yet.
So I've been teaching her the "head down" trick, among a couple other little "touch" games, which are very simple but allows her to build confidence, and look for answers and ways to respond to me.
I've seen a massive difference in her this week, she recognises me now and is keen to "play" a game, and is very invested and interested in what you might ask her, now that she knows she has one or two correct answers to offer.
We then had the fantastic Kevin out for a saddle fitting day and I thought it would be a good chance to pull my saddle out and see if it could fit her, after a few adjustments I then had something to work away with her in.
A few days later I decided to tack her up and just lead her round the yard, but after playing a few of the games fully tacked up, and having such a positive response, I just thought hey ho, lets just get on and walk round the yard!
And here we are!!
We are still at the very early stages of her retraining, but I've a good feeling about her.
My leg can only really handle 5 minutes in the saddle, but I will continue to build it gradually.
We will both get there!
