Young Horse Program - Round I

I'm finally getting around to posting the shots from the initial meeting with Tommy and Gerry Gesell. We shot these at the Hippodrome in North Augusta, SC. This black mare is a four year old Appendix mare that had been handled but never saddled or bridled before. They used the blue roan to work the mare a little in the round pen and then started the process of saddling and bridling her.

She took to the hobbles very smartly and was a very patient student for the cowboys. She gave a little bit of an opinion about the saddle when she started moving out. Especially once Tommy asked her to move out under saddle. After a little crow-hopping she went right to work. Tommy's use of long lines before he got in the tack was a great way to get her used to the bridle and steering.

You can tell by the smile on Tommy's face that it was a great day! When he finished up with Belle he said "I love my job!" I'm sure glad you do Tommy ... I love mine too!

(If you click on the photos you can view them larger)