Back!

I figured we'd work on backing a bit, to see how much she'd respond to. To my astonishment she backed a good 15 feet!

I held the lead rope under her neck towards her chest and just said "Back" and she took a step. So I took a step towards her, "back." She stepped again! I expected a few steps, nothing much. I was so surprised that she went so far. She didn't seem to be at all confused by what I was asking or bothered that I was making her go backwards. I let her stop a few feet from the fence and gave her lots of praise. Times like these, I have no doubt how smart she is, and how willing. Other times...I wonder.