Do you know the feeling you get when you realize you’ve made a really good decision?
Hiring Ryan to train Ellsworth this summer was an excellent decision.
On Saturday, during Ellsworth’s sixth lesson, Ryan took Ellsworth on his very first trail ride.
With Ryan’s experience and confidence guiding him, Ellsworth did a phenomenal job.
Ryan has a knack for knowing what Ellsworth needs and what he’s ready for.
Perhaps it was the antics of Ellsworth’s brothers on Saturday that prompted Ryan to take Ellsworth off the property for his maiden ride. Check out the peanut gallery:
Ellsworth clearly responds to Ryan’s consistency, perseverance and patience. For example, getting Ellsworth to cross over these logs has always been a big challenge for us on our walks.
On Saturday, Ryan had Ellsworth walking over them inside of five minutes.
And riding across them inside of seven.
Hey, Ryan? Don’t forget us when you’re famous, okay?
Lessons for Big Red – Week One
June 14, 2011 at 5:10 am
That’s amazing! I sure enjoyed the commentary & pictures!
LikeLike
June 14, 2011 at 5:27 am
Looking good Red, looking good!
Work on Ryan, good job!
LikeLike
June 14, 2011 at 5:30 am
Wow. Wow. Wow. Ellsworth is such a star, and so is Ryan! Many – no, make that Most – seasoned equines would have great difficulty with those logs…and the water in the irrigation ditch…and leaving his four best buds at home. I keep scrolling up to look at the pictures. Ellsworth is focused but calm. Can’t wait to see what week three holds.
LikeLike
June 14, 2011 at 6:46 am
I believe Ellsworth is just the perfect donkey. I “heart” him!
LikeLike
June 14, 2011 at 7:07 am
Applause for this great team!! Finding the right trainer is priceless.
LikeLike
June 14, 2011 at 7:12 am
When is your trail ride with Linda scheduled? 🙂
LikeLike
June 14, 2011 at 7:21 am
I know it feels great to learn to do something that seemed impossible — Ellsworth must be enjoying feeling more and more confident! 🙂 How wonderful that he has the opportunity to grow and grow!!! 🙂
LikeLike
June 14, 2011 at 7:46 am
Ellsworth is a star! You sure found yourselves a gem in that Ryan! I can’t wait to see pics of you riding Ellsworth alongside Carson and Miss Lucy. 🙂
LikeLike
June 14, 2011 at 8:13 am
Donkey Whisperer. Maybe if more people see donkeys as good mounts, they will be less tolerant of those folks who rope them.
LikeLike
June 14, 2011 at 9:22 am
Ellsworth did a remarkable job learning to ride with Ryan on and I’m looking forward to seeing you, Justina, riding on Ellsworth sooner or later…
LikeLike
June 14, 2011 at 9:28 am
Patrick and is that Bernard? What a couple of clowns. And you go Ellsworth. You must be quite proud. 🙂
Suzanne
LikeLike
June 14, 2011 at 9:58 am
Way to go Ellsworth!
LikeLike
June 14, 2011 at 10:21 am
Verrry impressive, Donk and trainer both. You must be such a proud Donkey Mum 🙂
LikeLike
June 14, 2011 at 10:59 am
I’m so proud of Ellsworth. Those logs look SCARY!! Well done, Ryan. Am SO not surprised at how well it is going.
LikeLike
June 14, 2011 at 2:18 pm
And the peanut gallery at Casa de Cuckoo says….Big Red is such a goodie, look how confident he looks. Great find in Ryan. Things just keep getting better and better.
The Olde Bagg
LikeLike
June 14, 2011 at 7:47 pm
That is so exciting! What a good boy Big Red is turning out to be. I bet the others wish they could get special attention like that, too.
LikeLike
June 14, 2011 at 8:54 pm
I am fascinated by reading about this. It all looks so interesting – and donkeys lunge, too?! Wow!
LikeLike