Today I had a session with Paddy with Joe Parker in my round pen.

Paddy came to Moo Haven unmanageable and unrideable and has come a long way, mainly thanks to Joe and his work with him, and Joe’s work with me to help me continue what he started.

Paddy is now closer than ever to being rideable, and I am closer than ever to being able to ride him. We still have a long way to go, but I feel more confident now that I can help us on our journey.

I was so proud of Paddy today, he looked wonderful in Joe’s Western Saddle. He was trying so hard and seeing success – it was great to see his confidence grow and to see him seek release as well as moving away from pressure.

My round pen was made out of Heras Fencing – it is not ideal and I am aware of the safety risks, but feel that this is a good interim arrangement for now. I am not using the round pen as a training arena in the main, this will mainly be used for therapeutic activities – I will write more on these later. The pen only cost me £374 from F & S Temporary Fencing – including delivery from Liverpool. The fences came with bases and clips and it took approximately 16 fences and a gate to make – I ordered spares just in case!