I wanted Hercules to look his best for his debut with the local media so I spent some time prior to their arrival cleaning him up a little.



Erika Edberg and her camerman (Doug Flagler) from ABC Channel 4 news arrived, we made our introductions and then got right to work showing them our progress.



First we got saddled up and put his bridle on him. Then we lounged him to show how softly he is learning to travel.



Then we showed them our mounting and dismounting with a relaxed sit. I didn't think I was up to the possibility of a buck on TV so chose not to ask him to move.


Then we took the saddle off and played in the water.


Then it was time for our interview with Erika. I think Hercules was actually posing.



Erika also wanted to lead Hercules around while she was talking. And Hercules was such a gentleman. She seemed to be quite impressed with the big guy. Once we were all done we all said our goodbye's and Hercules got to go finish his breakfast.

Today we did some more work on mounting and dismounting and remaining calm. Then I went ahead and threw my leg over and sat down. I just can't get over how willing Hercules is to please. That is where I called it good. I wanted to end on a good note as a storm was brewing with lightening and thunder.

Then for a change of pace I decided to see how he would load. I haven't asked him to load since I brought him home from Reno. He loaded on the first attempt like he had been loading his entire life. But I think I am going to have to get a taller trailer.

Today we made some great progress. I added the rear cinch to the saddle and let Hercules pack that around for a little bit and then started doing some prepatory work for mounting. Though nervous Hercules did great with it and seemed to settle down rather quickly. We are definitely on our way to having a successful first ride.

Then I decided to have some fun with Hercules and he decided to show off with the hose. I think this horse has decided he really likes water for something else besides washing his feet in his water trough every day. :)

Now that Hercules' angles are more correct I decided that tonight was the night for his first saddle. I had to clean stalls before I could really "work" with Hercules so I took in the old saddle and put it in the middle of the round pen so that he could investigate it and play with it (which he really likes to do). I also took my second wheelbarrow in and left it in the round pen and I think Hercules spent more time trying to figure out how to get in to it then he did actually playing with the saddle. Janet was busy with yard work so missed getting any pictures.
Once the "chores" were done I put the saddle on Herc. At first he moved off very quiet but then realized the saddle was cinched in place and so took a lap around the round pen trying to get it off. Then he quieted down and would do walk, trot and canter both ways relaxed.

Today was IWHBA's Summer Training Series - Bomb proofing course. After I was done working with people who had brought their horses I decided to take Hercules out in the course and see how he would do. We have spent a lot of time bonding with each other and today it paid off. He was willing to follow me through and over just about everything I asked him to initially. There were a few things that we had to work at a little bit but as you can see by the time we were done he was doing the obstacles like a pro.

Today I decided it was time to see how Hercules did with a bit. He has been giving to the halter really well and was ready to progress. I also put a surcingle on the big guy so I could use some side reins to start getting some flexion going. He is still a little touchy with his ears but took the bridle very well other than that.













I also thought that I would see how he did with me jumping around him. He would get nervous but did allow me to jump up and briefly lean on him. Then I just did some more work with his ears.

Hercules got the weekend off due to me being out of town at an adoption. When I got back in with him on Monday you would never have known he had any time off. He picked his lessons right back up. We spent the week just reinforcing everything. I didn't want to put to much strain on his legs with the weird angles on his fronts so just spent a lot of time working on putting his head down and allowing me to touch him all over his body. I also took him out in the yard for his first trip outside the pens. He was nervous at first but soon found the green grass under his feet and settled right down.
Today my farrier was able to make it over and give Hercules his first "official" trim. He was able to change his front angles by 4 degrees and said his backs were fine.
Hercules had taken up the habit of whenever I came into his pen of going to his water trough and putting his front hooves in the water. I think he was trying to tell me his legs were bothering him.
I also introduced Hercules to fly spray as with this unseasonably hot weather we have been having the flies are coming out in force. He jumped around a little but soon settled down when he realized it really wasn't hurting him.
This guy is so logical and picks up things so quickly. I have really began to fall for this guy and we are forming quite the bond. He may just have to come back home with me after this competition as I am not sure I will be able to let him go.