Darginka has gained quite a lot of weight in the last few weeks and is all settled in and seems to be happy here. I have found a trainer to help me out starting next week so I’m very excited. (The trainer I really wanted was Adiva Murphy, but she just got pregnant – so congratulations to her and too bad for me!) Drew has started a few of the hunter ponies at the barn and is going to be working on Darginka. So far I have got Darginka leading and listening well on lead. I can pick up and touch all her feet and we even had the farrier come in and do some work on her. (Unfortunately she still has scratches (mud fever) in her hind feet and they are tender but not too swollen.) She has walked around under saddle a dozen times and even has had weight on her back with no resistance from her, she just turns around and watches.
Most of the time Darginka is a gem, but she does have her moments. She has kicked out at a few people and dogs as well. She will rear when she is under too much pressure (my feeling) and even reared up (about a foot off the ground) with me. So there is lots to do still and any suggestions are appreciated!!
maria
I hope you won’t take this in the wrong way but looking at the photos, Darginka does not look to me like she is ready to start training under saddle. She is still thin and her coat seems to show a lack of overall condition. A healthy, happy Teke coat should be so smooth you should hardly be able to see individual hairs. I am sure you will do your best for her – you have the right qualifications and I am sure you know your stuff. Just don’t rush it – from everything you describe, she will need a year of gentle ground work, to calm down, to start to trust and to bring the real Akhal-Teke out in her.
Dec 26, 2006 @ 3:30 pm
Jacque
Congratulations on your entry into the ranks of Akhal-Teke owners with your purchase of Darginka. She looks like a nice mare and I wish you much luck with her. I love the photos of her in the sunset. When I first saw them, I thought they were some kind of ad they looked so professional. It looks like your making some progress with her ground training. I understand she originally had some issues with trusting humans. Is she getting any better in that area?
Dec 27, 2006 @ 12:57 pm
kerri
Thanks Maria – I am a big one for lots of ground training. I do want someone to be able to sit on her but I’m not rushing into any program for her under saddle. We are thinking about breeding her this year. Eventually I would like to do some endurance on her but that would be a couple of years away before the start of some long slow distance training.
Thanks Jacque for your nice comments about my photos! I am going to start taking photos for selling and have already sold a bunch from endurance rides and lure coursing events.
Darginka learned very quickly that people bring her treats and will even reach around to check out people’s pockets. She has a beautiful temperament and really bonds with people.
Dec 27, 2006 @ 1:06 pm