Total training time 15 hours
In this episode Stacy covers two colt starting subjects that are key in her program which leads to a smooth transition from ground work to riding.
Ground driving:
The training that Stacy did in Episode 16 with the rope, flipping the stirrups, prepared Jac for successful ground driving. Keep in mind that the 24' ropes Stacy is using (made by Weaver Leather and in Stacy's product line), once attached to the bit, should be considered reins. Stacy keeps the bridle reins tied to the saddle horn so that Jac cannot lower his head and get a front leg over the lines. Stacy also runs the ropes through the stirrups to keep them from being stepped on.
Bend and move forward:
Watch that even though Stacy is using the dressage whip Jac doesn't seem irritated. He even stands without moving at one point for a full 45 seconds straight while Stacy taps persistently. This is happening because Jac is NOT scared. Instead, Jac knows that he has time to think. If Stacy had tapped for 15 seconds and then HIT him hard to make him move....it wouldn't have allowed Jac time to think. Because Jac knows he has time to think...he becomes more confident. Confident in his own decisions and confident in Stacy because she doesn't force him.
This is the story of two-year-old Jacs Electric Whiz (Jac), the last baby out of Whizards Baby Doll, better known as "Roxy". Roxy touched the hearts of horse lovers around the world when she and Stacy Westfall made history with their bareback and bridleless freestyle reining ride. The loss of Roxy in 2012 has left a void in the equine community. Although nobody can replace her, Roxy's spirit lives on, not only in our hearts, but in Jac as well.Join us as we follow Jac through weekly videos documenting his training journey from his first session to his first show and more. It is a journey filled with questions, breakthroughs, setbacks and accomplishments... and everything in between.
music by Jason Shaw@audionautix.com