07/29/2025
Diesel, who just turned 2 years old, is now under training. Two weeks ago, we started in the round pen with some longeing and learning how to pay attention when the boss gives a command. Then we moved to getting used to having things placed on his. back. From there we went to a riding saddle, then a pack saddle.
Last week we put empty hard panniers on him and went for a long trail ride through the mountains, bumping and banging into trees. He learned a little about hobbles. He's a fast learner and it's likely he will never, ever, bump his rider's knees into trees or rocks, plus he got used to noisy packs on his back.
Then, last Friday, I stepped up into the saddle for the first time. His reaction was mostly curiosity, no spooking, no bucking, just a calm, but curious demeanor. Just what I like to see. I let him wander around the round pen for awhile, then started teaching him the basic commands, go, stop, turn left, turn right, back up. I am looking forward to giving this youngster his basic training.
We'll go pretty easy, maybe a couple miles a week for another year, then a little more mileage for another year. By the time he's four years old, I will no longer be taking it easy on him and he'll take his place with his crew.
Diesel is half Rocky Mountain and half Kentucky Mountain. He has a nice gait, but his real quality shows in his character. He's full of fun, curious, loves a good scratch, and he loves people.
He's going to be a special one.
