Boarding School.

Dixie girl is a student at the Bronny Friesians Training Center.

 Fortunately for her and for me they are the same people who had her as a day old filly. She was born and raised on their horse farm and her mama still resides there, currently in foal and ready to deliver in April.

Bronny Friesians are just a hop, skip and a jump from our place making it very convenient to drive the 25 minutes to see her.

I took her there on her third birthday, sorta a birthday present send off.

 Happy Birthday Dixie, see ya later. Not really I hung around for an hour or two when the husband finally said I needed to rip the bandaid off. It actually made me a bit teary saying goodbye.

But no sooner was she hard at work, I was there watching and photo documenting her progress.

So here is the fast forward version of whats been happening with her training.

I was bringing her twice a week in February to do some groundwork with her. It's the beginning stages of creating a bond and earning her trust. 

By the time I dropped her off, she was ready for further training and was introduced to a surcingle which is part of a harness.

She was such a good girl and handled it just fine.  They practiced lunging and doing more ground work.

Then the saddle was introduced. I was so impressed with Dixie as the trainer was saddling her up. She just stood there like she's been wearing it her whole life.

She put her in the round pen and left her alone to think about it. Dixie wasn't sure what to think. She was like, where did you go? Seriously like no big deal, she just stood there.

Dixie is not ready for riding, all of this is part of the training and everything is taken in slow steps. Remember I'm giving you the fast forward version.

Then the big guns were brought out, the harness. Like the saddle she wore it fine, until she felt the straps dangling and touching her legs.

It was kinda cute watching her kick her heals but I'm telling you, it didn't take her long before she was walking around like a big girl. 

After a few weeks of working in the round pen with the security of the rails she graduated into the arena where its wide open.

Dixie is really trying to please which is a good sign that she's trainable. Once she figures out what you want from her she puts her foot forward and goes with it.

Last Saturday she was working without the lunge line and was actually having to listen as the trainer was driving her from behind.

A little bit of a harder skill. 

They are making sure she understands voice commands before they have her pulling a tire. 

I can't wait to see her in action as she advances to that next level.

Saturday's temperature was in the 60's so before I left I gave her a nice bath washing her from head to hoof. 

 Then took her for a walk around the orchard to dry off.

Once she was dry it was time to say goodbye. It's always hard to leave but it's nice to know she has made some friends.