He'll take your best shot. Here comes the Boom! (Summer)

Backing training starts with "Will you freak out if I put a saddle on you?" Followed by "Will you freak out if someone puts weight on the saddle?"

Boomer passed the first tests with flying colors. Carrie tends to be anxious and over-cautious. She felt good enough about Boom's reactions to hop on his back. She asked me to walk him in hand around the arena while she felt him out.

That continued to go so well, Carrie made me trot. Jessica got some laughs and pictures out of it (Which Carrie immediately posted online if you're interested).

Meanwhile, the old men napped. 

Boomer was the only one in Boot Camp. Carrie progressively threw new tasks at him through the week.

By the end of the week, I was only needed for photography and cheering when they were in the arena. 

Carrie's been thrilled with Boomer's progress.

The next step was to walk Boomer around the whole property. Carrie had me walk alongside in case he got spooked by cars when we got near the road.

He passed with flying colors, again. Carrie did some free riding in the back yard before calling it quits for the week.

Carrie's feeling great about Boomer's purchase. It feels like a Godsend. Carrie's exhaustively researched her price range, turned down the horse she keyed in on, and then Boomer exploded onto the scene without preamble. 

So far, so good. I'm thankful and praying the progress continues!