Suddenly..

What a weekend... It has been a long one! Spade got a few days off. Can't say it was the best thing for him but I am sure he needed the break. Mary and I went to a futurity in Texarkana this weekend where Mary placed third on one of her babies. We were so proud. Being there really encouraged me to kick off all the work that has to be done to get all my horse stuff back in order. It also made me think of all the things that I need to get done before the Supreme Extreme in September. It has been awhile since I needed equipment and clothing for a show. I think that I might have one or two long sleeve shirts that are show worthy in my closet?
Being that I am ready to get back to work I went out and rode my barrel horse, Manna, before working Spade this morning. It was nice to sit in the saddle again. It was the first time I have ridden since I was four months pregnant with Raelyn. Manna seemed much taller then I remember. A few hours later I headed to the round pen. I have started to work Spade twice a day to increase my remaining time. I think Spade has started to dread me coming. He was a little bit of a hand full when I first arrived but that has been kind of normal for him recently. After I caught him he settled quickly. For the next hour I went though all his ground drills. He is getting really good at them. He is even starting to figure out ways to not do them. It is nice to work with him, but these days I have to keep him from cheating. I was really happy to see that he wanted to go across the tarp. He jumped right in the middle and looked at me for approval. It was like he was showing me he had practiced all weekend and couldn't wait to show me. At the end of the morning session I was standing at the gate talking to a friend. While I was talking I would stick my finger in the corner of Spades mouth. He would open it and I would do it again. I have been trying to get him used to me so I can bridle him soon. As I was playing with him, he wanted to nip at my fingers. So I left him alone and moved on. Apparently he thought he had dominated over me because I stepped to the side to put something through the fence and as I glanced back at him all I could see was his hip rolling my way. I knew the kick would be next. Thankfully I pulled the lead rope quick enough that I turned his hind end away. He didn't kick out, but he sure wanted to. This time it wasn't out of fear it was him trying to beat me at the pecking order. It was more of a playful move like he would do to another horse in the pasture.  Thankfully I did the right thing or he would have gotten me in the back. Spade knew he was in trouble and immediately started lapping the pen. I have to say I was disappointed in the kicking part, but it is really nice to see him trying to have some sort social relationship with me. I still have to watch those hind feet for a while, but I am convinced that he will not kick forever.
This afternoon, we were out repairing some fence and I got done earlier then I thought I would. Since there was daylight I went back out to Spade. This time when I entered he actually came to me some and I put the halter right on. I decided to bring in some more toys too. I did a few things to get his attention and get him thinking. (It is getting easier and easier to get him thinking now) Then I started lunging him and letting him run through all the obsticles. At one point he bumped the big ball and the rolling spooked him. So I just started kicking the ball all over. At first he thought I was crazy but then relaxed to the point that I could kick it at him and he would let it bounce off his legs. He even walked and kicked it with his front feet a few times. I also aggressively pushed it toward his back feet trying to give him the opportunity to kick but he is now opting to just move or freeze. The fear is leaving.  As he was lungeing he would purposely go to the ball, then the tarp, and then the barrels. The barrels were new to him so he sniffed them and ran over them for awhile. Then out of the blue I sent him to the barrels and he just jumped right over them. I gave him a rub. Now I am thinking what else can I bring in the pen. He is doing so great and he is learning the routine that I do anytime he is afraid. So it is getting to the point that I can do anything to him and he relaxes. It is neat how he is gaining a personality and really trying to play during sessions instead of the big knot of fear that I have been used to. I hope to try some steps toward breaking him tomorrow. Maybe a bit and a sircingle. I think he is almost ready.
Today Spade taught me that you can never give up on people. People (or in Spades case, horses) change. The thing is you think you know a person and who they are, but in no time they can change and surprise you. God has a way of changing peoples heart and it is usually very suddenly. There have been people in my life that I would think that they are never going to serve God. Then in no time they are more serious about God then myself. Paul in the New Testament was a "suddenly". One day he is killing Christians and the next he is going in to the ministry. The people around Paul had a hard time believing what happened. In your life I am sure there is at least one person that you wish would turn to the Lord. We all have at least one. It might even be someone that you don't like. But I challenge you to pray for that person. Prayer is very powerful and it can change some ones life. I have to tell you that I am praying that Spade changes. God wants to share the miracle of someone coming to Christ with you. HE wants YOU to be a part of a "suddenly". So make someone your assignment today and pray.