Archer 1 : Keeley 0

Keeley and Archer are still learning how to communicate with each other. We all knew Archer was a little grumpy this afternoon. Keeley was ridding Archer bareback in the arena and Archer noticeably was deciding enough was enough. So Keeley rode Archer back to the “Pit area of the arena” and gave Archer a break of about 15 mins. After the 15 mins were up Keeley lead Archer back to the mounting steps and swung her leg over Archer’s back when Archer bent around and took a hard chomp on Keeley’s leg and announced her action to the whole world with a loud squeal.

Long story short Keeley brought Archer back to the mounting steps and proceeded to get on Archer as safely as possible and then rode Archer for about 2 mins more, until Archer quit throwing her tantrum. The goal wasn’t to push the issue right at that moment but to not let Archer think she can back Keeley down.

We had the same problem with Thistle a few months back and you wouldn’t know it today; so none of us are too concerned that we can’t fix this problem with Archer. Moral is that we should have been more attuned to Archer’s attitude especially since we were warned by Archer’s previous owner that Archer hates arena work.

Oh, Keeley’s fine she came home and put some ice on her leg. She will probably have a bruise tomorrow and yes Archer still got her evening grain.