Paris - From Zero to Endurance Horse?!

OK, I want to chronicle Paris' journey as she goes from being a young, not ridden Arabian, soaking up the sun and playing with her pals ...to (hopefully) an endurance rider.  Thing is....there is little time for these types of "documenting" and I keep putting it off...but this is it. 

Paris is four now.  I rode her in the fall and then pretty much let her be all winter.   About a month ago, she would not let the farrier shoe her.  This was an anomaly.  She is usually great for the farrier.  So, I figured it would pass.  Eight days ago, I put her in cross ties to prepare her for next farrier visit (tomorrow) and ...NO WAY JOSE!  Well, a decision had to be made, daily work with her or throw her out in the field for another few months.  I bit the bullet and have handled her/worked with her/lunged her and RIDDEN her 15 miles this week!!! Paris is a pasture ornament no more.  I've taken her out in three, 5 mile intervals, with trusty experienced horses.  First time she was a dream.  Second time, not so much...lots of head tossing.  Tonight, I took her out in side pull and still lots of head tossing. I realized that if I rode her western...no pressure whatsoever,  head tossing almost gone. If I picked up both reins, even with the side pull (honest to God, she is carrying "sensitive" a little too far), her steps got shorter, and the head tossing began.  I am probably going to put a very light surcingle on her and lunge her so she can understand that a little bit of pressure is ok.  Good news is it's not specifically "the bit"

 She is fairly calm on the trail.  I let her "spook" when she needs to, So far I have managed to stay calm, laugh or joke a little, line her back up and proceed....seems to be be working.  Tried to get her to lead once, did not go so well. Will try that again in a few weeks.   Paris' home page isn't set up yet, but I'll try to set something up soon.  Happy Trails - Be Safe