We first tried to get on Foxy Prize early this month. This first attemp did not go very well. Tex was unable to get on him. To make sure Foxy was not bother by the weight, we tied two large tires to the saddle. The weight is not what is bugging Foxy. He carried the tires very well.
One week after the first try, we tried again. This time we tried getting a female rider on Foxy. This worked, but he was very skittish. We also did this the next day, while I led Foxy around the arena.
Last friday, 18 July 1999, I saddled and briddled Foxy. I then lunged him well. Tex rode Santyr, the pony horse, and ponied Foxy. Then a young man named Chris got on Foxy's back. This went very well. Foxy was still a bit skittish, but he behaved very well. Chris has also helped Tex with Foxy over last weekend and during this week.
In the pictures above and below, Foxy is being ponied. Tex is riding Foxy, and Nancy is riding Santyr. These pictures were taken on 20 July 1999, by my daughter, Debra. Foxy is gradually relaxing and getting used to having someone on his back. He is also getting better about letting people mount.
This will be the last update for the next month. I will be going on vacation and will not be back until 22 August 1999. While I am gone, the trainer will continue Foxy's training. I will be going out to the ranch the day after I return. We expect that I will be able to ride Foxy myself at that time. Look for an update the week after my expected return.