Cob Jockey

Playing hard-to-catch is just a fun game for Connor, and a lot of the fun of the game depends on being able to run around like crazy with whoever he's turned out with.  Here is my current recipe for catching Connor in ten minutes or less.  It has not failed me yet.  I call it the "taking all the joy out of being hard-to-catch" method.

Step 1: Walk out with a halter that will fit either him or his Lusitano partner in crime.  Take a few steps toward Connor to see what kind of mood he's in.  If he walks toward me or stands still, proceed to Step 4.  If he does a sassy head toss, proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Catch his Lusitano partner-in-crime, a very agreeable fellow who is never hard-to-catch.  Bring him into the barn and put him in Connor's stall.


Step 3: Go back out with Connor's halter to catch him.  Without his friend, this is the scene that usually greets me at this step:

Sad pony misses his friend.

Step 4: Connor walks up to me like he's never been hard to catch in his life, allows himself to be haltered and led inside.  Many treats and 'Good pony!'s are given.

Step 5: Cross-tie Connor where I can see him the whole way out to the paddock.

He can see his friend from here, but more importantly, I can keep an eye on him.

Step 6: Take his partner-in-crime back out to the paddock.

Step 7: Proceed with ride.

Sweet, sweet summer.