Today was my first full day with Casper.

I spent lots of time grooming him and letting him graze. Later I brought him to the inside arena and did some friendly game. I discovered that Casper was unconfident  with the helicopter. I waited until he showed signs of relaxation and then stopped.

Next we checked the porcupine game. He was heavy in the beginning but soon became connnected and responsive.

The driving game was good.

I went to phase four during yoyo game once but then I needed only to raise my finger. During the circling game he stopped behind me twice. After that he trotted two laps around me and then did a nice change of direction. He was so calm and connected that I thought I could ride him for a little.

After tacking up and making sure he was comfortable with the pad I mounted him. First I asked him to bend both ways and then slowly asked him to walk on the rail. Casper was very curious about the gate to another paddock and would become disconnected in the far end of the arena. I made him very busy by asking him to bend to the inside and to trot a little bit. Then I dismounted and scratched his withers.

The whole day was full of surprises!

Just before we left the house to wait for Casper my bareback pad arrived on the doorstep! It was supposed to be delivered a few days later! Even mom was surprised.

When we arrived at the barn I watched Kaila and Danique prepare Cruz for his first ride. Everything went well and all the prep work Kaila did paid off.

 A bit later, Danique  gave me a gift bag for Casper! She said it was from everybody. In it was a girth, stud muffins and a bottle of show sheen. Danique even said she would do a photo shoot of Casper! We agreed that the best time would be when he lost his winter coat.

Kaila showed me my spot in the tack room. I had lots of fun arranging his stuff just so.

Every time I heard a car drive by I would run to the road to see if it was Casper. Eventually Marsha drove up with the trailer. I could see Casper's ears in the window.

We unloaded Casper and have him some water. Then I took him to the outdoor arena to stretch his legs.