Delgado and the Water Crossing: Part Two, Three, and Four

This is a recount of the second, third and fourth time Delgado made it across this water crossing which is really just a wet spot in the road.

The infamous water crossing.

Part Two:
My friend, Diane, rode with me on Telma and I rode Delgado to practice the water crossing. It must be passed on the way around Peck's property to access all other trails to the west of the stable. I took Del's lead rope and halter along after doing some research on how to help Del get over his fear. I tried riding across but Delgado refused to step near it. We tried with the lead rope with me on the ground. I sent him back and forth in what they call the falling leaf pattern but he would only go so close. After some time, doing approach and retreat, a man on a tractor from the property up above us offered his help. He had been watching us with some interest. He first suggested using a nearby hose behind Del. That didn't sound very safe to me. Del can kick and is very sensitive when it comes to ropes and things touching his hind legs. (Another challenge we need to work on : ) Then the man suggested he use his tractor and push dirt over the area. Well, at that point, I was ready to move on. I was tired, sweating and we had only come a very short distance on what would be a long and taxing ride. About half way to the Winery, we rode through one of my favorite areas where there is a shady avocado grove. The leaves rustled as we rode down the cool path. Every so often we had to duck low, hanging branches.

Avocado grove with Diane ahead.

We made it to the winery, but unfortunately it was closed! We were disappointed to say the least. Turning around, we retraced our path. About a quarter mile from the avocado grove, Delgado stopped and would not go forward. He was obviously tired. Delgado is such a prancer that he tends to wear himself out.  I decided to get off and walk him for a while as Diane needed to return to the stable. I walked beside Del as we climbed up through the groves and out into the sunlight. There was one more, very steep section of asphalt further on,  so I stayed on the ground and continued to climb. What a workout! Out of breath, I mounted up and we headed downward toward the geologist's house where there was water for the horses.  The remainder of the ride was uneventful, except at the very last hill near the stable. That darn Delgado got his second wind and nearly tossed me when his legs tangled with a branch in the path.  He bucked on the downhill! What a horse.

 Part Three:

The water crossing was wet again.  This has become our main obstacle (I say this has become in the present tense because we are still having issues crossing). Diane went with me again to practice.  It is on the way to all trails west of the stable. My memory is a bit confused on the details of this water crossing however, I do remember that after some effort, I gave the end of the lead rope to Diane. She was mounted and on the other side of the water. Diane pulled on Del's lead while I pushed in the saddle. We managed to get Delgado to cross. We thought we had the answer....

Part Four: 

Diane and I planned another attempt to ride to the winery. This time Diane rode Glory and I rode Del. Glory went right over the water. What a good girl! I had done some preparation for this water crossing on Del. In the arena, I dug out an area and lined it with black plastic. After successfully getting Del over it, I put water in the shallow depression. It did take a while but he finally would stand on it. Most of the water had leaked out but it was still wet. I praised Delgado, and even gave him a peppermint reward. I thought we were prepared and that he now would cross more easily. When we got to the water crossing, Del refused. Diane came back and we tried again to have Del follow Glory close behind. No.  I tried some approach and retreat and then we tried the method that was successful last time. Diane pulled and I pushed. No. Delgado was being stubborn I believe. Since he had crossed this place a number of times now, I felt it was no longer a big fear factor for him. Sweating and frustrated, I picked some cattail reeds to swat his rear as Diane pulled. He jumped across. I have had some conversations with Jenn, Del's previous owner. She is trying to help me understand Del better.

Glory and Diane stop for a bit of rest and a drink of water.

We made it to the winery that day but that is another story in itself.