Round Pen Work & Play w/Custer

What beautiful weather we had in East Texas over the weekend! Sunday's seem to be my free time days, so my husband and I decided to "play" with Custer for a bit yesterday. He's so much fun! We started by calling him up from the pasture (he's turned out in about a 10 acre field with a quarter horse of ours) and he always comes up right away. He came up, nuzzling me and curious about the camera, as always. ( I did video of him with the camera, so I'll try to post that later.)

First, we give him a good loving rub down, from head to tail, which he absolutely loves and doesn't like you to stop. So he'll nudge you for more. Then once we got him haltered up, we led him into the round pen and took the lead rope off. On cue, he started lunging to the right, starting at a trot, then up to a smooth as silk lope. He is just beautiful to watch and is always so willing to please. Then we made him change directions and go to the left, which he doesn't seem to be as enthused about, but he tried. He is so watchful, the minute you drop your hand down (from pointing in the direction you want him to go), he slows, waiting for the "Whoa" command. Then when it comes, he stops and turns to face you (as he should). What a smart boy!

We played for only 30-45 minutes, but he loved the attention. As we unhaltered him and opened up the round pen for him to walk out, he took off running as fast as he could, kicking his back legs into the air in all his friskiness.

As the days grow longer and warmer here (we're fair weather riders) - next we'll be saddling up and lunging with the saddle, then I'll start riding him again. All things come to those who wait!