Sunday and Nicky

I like Nicky as a nickname as it sounds so friendly.

THE PLAN:

No more than 20 minutes. Use regular 22' rope--Try's rope to light for the feel Nicky and I need. For me remember positive thoughts, Jim Carrey sense of fun.

1. Catching game
2. Sticking together 101 to create draw/connection
3. Backing from a look. What will cause her to care enough to figure out that the game is learning not a task but more subtle cueing?
4. Circling on line: can I cue gait changes?
5. The little jump??
6. Grooming??

WHAT HAPPENED:
1. yes the 22' rope was a good idea and I was proud of my ability to quickly change from "tiger mode" to "best friend" and the sense of fun and "pleased" with what a darling girl Nicky is.
2. She and all the horses were frustrated with being indoors this first day. She just really felt upset when I took her outside on line so decided to go to the ring as I thought that would help her focus and because a couple of Joey's horses were in an adjoining paddock to provide some sense of company.
3. She wasn't listening and was rude on one occasion so I figured I am just not getting the connection I want. What to do??
4. Off to the small paddock behind the barn. Tried grooming at liberty and she quickly walked away. She did not understand or care to do the sticking together 101 either so GAME ON!! We played for perhaps 30 minutes circling at liberty alternating with stopping from looking at her HQ and then inviting her to come 1/2 way to me and stop and wait to be invited in. We have worked this out between us. I am guess there is a lot she knows from Sara that she doesn't do for me because of a lack of connection. Anyway she has a beautiful trot--tracking up, suspension and even straightening front knee before stepping. She does not really want to canter. Each time when I would invite her in if she would "leave" me then game on again.
5. I did feel the beginnings of a different kind of respect coming.
6. Yikes. Hope this is the right thing to do. Interesting to see what tomorrow may bring??
7. Is this the need to dominate coming out? Is she miserable and missing her life with Sara?