I had an excellent horse day. I played with Blu with the halter and 22' line, but I had a headstall with a snaffle on him so he could get comfortable in it. He hardly messed with it at all, and messing with the bit is a huge part of his MO. I think I am on to something. Next time I ride, I am riding in the Nat Hacka with the headstall on with the snaffle. He is such a cutey. We did not do anything jaw dropping to an audience, but I made some huge personal progress.
I spent most of my time helping Britney. She is learning how to ride in the saddle. She really does not like how restrictive it is, but I told her it was good that she was so comfy bareback (that is how she learned to ride). For those of you who don't know, Britney is one of my dearest non-horse friends. Last fall, she turned into a PNH student and we have a great time. I really enjoy sharing my world with her. You would all just love her.
Farrier is out tomorrow. Conner is really not where I want him to be with his back feet handling and I won't be there because I have to work. I am kind of nervous, but there is nothing to do about it and Brit is going to go out and play with him.
I have terrible news: the young lady I give horse handling and riding lessons to broke one ankle and shattered the other today when she fell off a porch. She has not had a lesson since, like, October because she was busy with nursing school, but I feel so bad for her because horses are her escape from studies and she was looking to start up again. Now, she is going to be bed ridden for the next several months. I am trying to think of something I can do for her...I was thinking about taking videos of Hoosier and putting them to songs and gifting them too her...I don't know...I am just so sick over it. Poor, poor Patti.
Natural horsemanship is a way of being with the horse, not a discipline of riding. It is much more than riding in itself. It is the human adapting to the ways of the prey animal to form a trusting relationship with a prey animal. There are so many resources out there, and this blog is my journey with horses as I set out on this conquest of knowledge.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Not Cool, But Definitely Calm and Collected: Pretty Cool, Huh?
Tonight, I decided to seriously begin my program for collecting Blu physically. I called him over, put the halter on, did a warm up, groomed and saddle him (driving from zone 5) and then began. . . !
A tarp was in the pasture, so I played with it to get him mentally and emotionally collected under saddle. Then I did some point to point riding to get his impulsion more equal (he was much more whoa than go). Once we had the walk and the trot a bit more lively, I began to work with the canter. Blu has a history of being unconfident in his canter. It comes out in his canter being difficult to steer, fast, and choppy.
cantering crazy box to box
circle collecting at walk to both directions
collecting on straight lines at the walk and jog
cantering and trying to the get a collected moment
cool down
Misty in the afternoon
Catching took a long time
Ext friendly game at liberty
pushed ball around--VERY COOL
when pushed ball to saddle, left
finally, drove to halter and haltered on knees very nicely
yoyo to and from me--worked on her looking at me by waiting with back to her and keeping her coming and going straight
Canter circles (cod to keep her cantering) brought in when she circled 5 times
saddled (no limping) did barrel pattern sending around barrels and running backwards with her cantering to me to go "home"
got on and did some warming up of extended trot
Natural Horsewoman Out
A tarp was in the pasture, so I played with it to get him mentally and emotionally collected under saddle. Then I did some point to point riding to get his impulsion more equal (he was much more whoa than go). Once we had the walk and the trot a bit more lively, I began to work with the canter. Blu has a history of being unconfident in his canter. It comes out in his canter being difficult to steer, fast, and choppy.
cantering crazy box to box
circle collecting at walk to both directions
collecting on straight lines at the walk and jog
cantering and trying to the get a collected moment
cool down
Misty in the afternoon
Catching took a long time
Ext friendly game at liberty
pushed ball around--VERY COOL
when pushed ball to saddle, left
finally, drove to halter and haltered on knees very nicely
yoyo to and from me--worked on her looking at me by waiting with back to her and keeping her coming and going straight
Canter circles (cod to keep her cantering) brought in when she circled 5 times
saddled (no limping) did barrel pattern sending around barrels and running backwards with her cantering to me to go "home"
got on and did some warming up of extended trot
Natural Horsewoman Out
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Misty's Big, Hot Day
would not let me catch her, so I let her into south pasture
came to me and followed me to round pen sideways--I couldn't have gotten much better than that, huh?
lead by tail--wow, that needs attention!
friendly game
stick to me/close circles--rated 3/10
phone calls--I called some people on my cell to take my focus off Misty so she could relax some more.
side ways to and from me--focused on her differentiating between the two cues yoyo style
lead by tail more--was able to use less line support
yoyo--I did this for a long time because she was in "yoyo means circle" mode
circling canter 5 laps was my goal. When she broke gait, I had her change directions. I did reach my goal after about 5 minutes.
followed all the way till saw fence--I have no idea what that means. This is a draft and I am coming back to fill in the blanks after nearly two months.
Natural Horsewoman Out.
came to me and followed me to round pen sideways--I couldn't have gotten much better than that, huh?
lead by tail--wow, that needs attention!
friendly game
stick to me/close circles--rated 3/10
phone calls--I called some people on my cell to take my focus off Misty so she could relax some more.
side ways to and from me--focused on her differentiating between the two cues yoyo style
lead by tail more--was able to use less line support
yoyo--I did this for a long time because she was in "yoyo means circle" mode
circling canter 5 laps was my goal. When she broke gait, I had her change directions. I did reach my goal after about 5 minutes.
followed all the way till saw fence--I have no idea what that means. This is a draft and I am coming back to fill in the blanks after nearly two months.
Natural Horsewoman Out.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Work from 7:30 to 7:00...
Official Records Information:
Misty, 5/26/10, morning, 1 hour
Blu, 5/26/10, evening, 1 hour
Today, I had to work form 7:30 am to 7:00 pm. Knowing this, I got up at 5:00 and got down the farm ASAP. By the time I was ready to catch Misty, it was 6. Catching was a whole lot of leaving for her. I stuck to my guns and too tired, will finish later....
Natural Horsewoman Out.
EDIT: I found this written and dated about today
"I got up at 5:00 am so I could play with Misty before work at 7:30. I worked on the foundation of flying lead changes. She has a speed show on June 4 that I have to shape her up for. I take speed very seriously. It is not about going fast, it is about precision and control. Maggie's horse is very fast, but she is fast in all directions at the same time. Misty wins because we are precise. Speed is a ton of fun, I just don't like it when some people drive their horse loopy by making it into some kind of crazy, dangerous race."
Natural Horsewoman Out.
Misty, 5/26/10, morning, 1 hour
Blu, 5/26/10, evening, 1 hour
Today, I had to work form 7:30 am to 7:00 pm. Knowing this, I got up at 5:00 and got down the farm ASAP. By the time I was ready to catch Misty, it was 6. Catching was a whole lot of leaving for her. I stuck to my guns and too tired, will finish later....
Natural Horsewoman Out.
EDIT: I found this written and dated about today
"I got up at 5:00 am so I could play with Misty before work at 7:30. I worked on the foundation of flying lead changes. She has a speed show on June 4 that I have to shape her up for. I take speed very seriously. It is not about going fast, it is about precision and control. Maggie's horse is very fast, but she is fast in all directions at the same time. Misty wins because we are precise. Speed is a ton of fun, I just don't like it when some people drive their horse loopy by making it into some kind of crazy, dangerous race."
Natural Horsewoman Out.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Two Shifts
Official Records Information:
Misty, 5/25/10, 3 hours, morning
Blu, 5/25/10, 2 hours, evening
Misty, 5/25/10, 10 minutes, evening
Because of the heat, I am trying to work in the mornings and evenings so the horses don't get so hot. I decided that Misty would do better in the mornings because Blu does not mind waiting for his food at night, but we will see.
Misty's Morning:
Extreme catching game, guys! Misty was running with all she had as I drove her away. She caught on once, and followed me to the gate. I had not even lifted the halter to put it on when I noticed that she was not really with me, so I stepped back a bit and she turned tail and booked it around the pasture several more laps before she finally came to me. It was a big personal step because I was able to look at it reasonably and I did not get offended. Felt good.
I walked her, grazed her, and rinsed her off because she was very hot and breathing hard from the running--even at 8:30 it was getting hot out. I drove her from zone 5 a little while we were out and that was rusty but working. I also did some back lifts and pelvic tucks.
For the next 45 minutes to an hour, I left Misty alone in the round pen. I was going to play with her in there after she got to settle in and I helped in the house. I went back out after the aforementioned time had passed and went through the seven games. My goal was to have her canter around me 5 laps in the circling game. I first played the catching game until she was 100% attached, which got her a cookie. One thing that needs a bit more clarity is sideways to me at liberty. She understands it well on line, but bringing the front end to me at liberty was the kicker for her. I got it, but it needs to be polished. I also worked on sideways away from me by doing the porcupine game with my fingers on her side. That got pretty light. I need to do that with Blu. I also noticed that the draw on the yoyo was weaker.
It took about 10-15 minutes of circling and changing directions before I reached my goal of five laps. Tomorrow, I would like 8-10 laps. In order to keep her from changing directions away from me, I yielded her hind quarters a bit every time. Once, when I was putting my energy on her too far forward, she did a spin. Now that is why Parelli is not trick training. Misty does not know how to do spins on a circle, but she knows how to read my driving language, so she understood what that meant when I put driving energy in front of the drive line instead of behind it! Another highlight is that 2 or 3 times, Misty chose to come in and relax. I let her because she was seeking out comfort with me, and I want her to look to me for relaxation, especially since she hadn't been doing that much in this session.
So, next up I put her on the 45 foot line and saddled her up (English). No limping whatsoever! She was completely smooth (she has a tendency to be cold-backed). In between tightening the girth, I did figure 8 with cones. She saw the cones and did it by herself right off the bat. I accepted her willingness to try and do what I wanted as a really great gift.
I got on using a barrel so as not to strain her back. She stepped to me very willingly. I did the weave pattern with barrels that were set up in a line. Then, I did it at the canter, asking for simple lead changes in between. She was very easy to stop and go with just my energy. What a nice ride.
I cooled her down Bareback and Bridless. I mainly let her go where she wanted at the walk as long as she kept walking. When I was done, I put all the horses out back.
Blu's Evening:
Blu came right to me when I called out.
To be continued/ellaborated on...
Grooming-busy lips, good boy, though
Figure 8 with cones to test before saddling if anything needed help before a ride.
Shimmed and saddles
Showmanship in between tightening cinch (great)
Figure 8 jogging in nat hack
switched to bridle fig 8 jog
Cantering around: switching leads, keeping the canter, steering
walked around pasture to cool off
Misty:
2 minute ride to show bridget her canter
Getting hoosier on the right side
doing chores with her
Natural Horsewoman Out.
Misty, 5/25/10, 3 hours, morning
Blu, 5/25/10, 2 hours, evening
Misty, 5/25/10, 10 minutes, evening
Because of the heat, I am trying to work in the mornings and evenings so the horses don't get so hot. I decided that Misty would do better in the mornings because Blu does not mind waiting for his food at night, but we will see.
Misty's Morning:
Extreme catching game, guys! Misty was running with all she had as I drove her away. She caught on once, and followed me to the gate. I had not even lifted the halter to put it on when I noticed that she was not really with me, so I stepped back a bit and she turned tail and booked it around the pasture several more laps before she finally came to me. It was a big personal step because I was able to look at it reasonably and I did not get offended. Felt good.
I walked her, grazed her, and rinsed her off because she was very hot and breathing hard from the running--even at 8:30 it was getting hot out. I drove her from zone 5 a little while we were out and that was rusty but working. I also did some back lifts and pelvic tucks.
For the next 45 minutes to an hour, I left Misty alone in the round pen. I was going to play with her in there after she got to settle in and I helped in the house. I went back out after the aforementioned time had passed and went through the seven games. My goal was to have her canter around me 5 laps in the circling game. I first played the catching game until she was 100% attached, which got her a cookie. One thing that needs a bit more clarity is sideways to me at liberty. She understands it well on line, but bringing the front end to me at liberty was the kicker for her. I got it, but it needs to be polished. I also worked on sideways away from me by doing the porcupine game with my fingers on her side. That got pretty light. I need to do that with Blu. I also noticed that the draw on the yoyo was weaker.
It took about 10-15 minutes of circling and changing directions before I reached my goal of five laps. Tomorrow, I would like 8-10 laps. In order to keep her from changing directions away from me, I yielded her hind quarters a bit every time. Once, when I was putting my energy on her too far forward, she did a spin. Now that is why Parelli is not trick training. Misty does not know how to do spins on a circle, but she knows how to read my driving language, so she understood what that meant when I put driving energy in front of the drive line instead of behind it! Another highlight is that 2 or 3 times, Misty chose to come in and relax. I let her because she was seeking out comfort with me, and I want her to look to me for relaxation, especially since she hadn't been doing that much in this session.
So, next up I put her on the 45 foot line and saddled her up (English). No limping whatsoever! She was completely smooth (she has a tendency to be cold-backed). In between tightening the girth, I did figure 8 with cones. She saw the cones and did it by herself right off the bat. I accepted her willingness to try and do what I wanted as a really great gift.
I got on using a barrel so as not to strain her back. She stepped to me very willingly. I did the weave pattern with barrels that were set up in a line. Then, I did it at the canter, asking for simple lead changes in between. She was very easy to stop and go with just my energy. What a nice ride.
I cooled her down Bareback and Bridless. I mainly let her go where she wanted at the walk as long as she kept walking. When I was done, I put all the horses out back.
Blu's Evening:
Blu came right to me when I called out.
To be continued/ellaborated on...
Grooming-busy lips, good boy, though
Figure 8 with cones to test before saddling if anything needed help before a ride.
Shimmed and saddles
Showmanship in between tightening cinch (great)
Figure 8 jogging in nat hack
switched to bridle fig 8 jog
Cantering around: switching leads, keeping the canter, steering
walked around pasture to cool off
Misty:
2 minute ride to show bridget her canter
Getting hoosier on the right side
doing chores with her
Natural Horsewoman Out.
Monday, May 24, 2010
The Commencement of the 2010 Show Season
I had to work the night before the show, and that ended up being an unfortunate thing, but I handled it as best I could. I was TOTALLY prepared as far as packing goes. I did spend the whole day with 5 minutes left to learn the pattern and then go in, but here is the best thing ever: I did not get one butterfly, I did not get one bit anxious or nervous, never once did I care about what anyone thought, and I took the whole day in stride. I scratched out of trail because I did not get to play with Blu in the area before they had the trail pattern set up and I was not going to go in and have an unnecessary struggle. I honestly spent most of the day relaxing with Blu then rushing to change. I gave Blu a lot of responsibility of staying put and not eating grass (we don't let our horses eat grass in places strange horses have been pooping due to disease spread). He was so good. He stood untethered and patient. I was so proud of him.
In the show ring, Blu had to deal with Connor being an emotional wreck. Bridget learned a lot and knows that next time she needs to take preventative measures sooner or just go to the center next time, but Connor would run up Blu's butt and do other such things. I did my best to stay on the rail, but Blu and I still stayed calm. Blu never flew off the handle, in fact, I was really impressed with him.
I did not plan to do any ribboning, but I did get 6th in English Equitation out of 9, 5th in Western Horsemanship out of 9, and I got 2nd in bareback equitation out of 5--even with Blu tripping and almost going to his knees right in front of the judge. My seat was so good, I just gasped but I did not even slide forward. Bridget did not go into bareback because Connor was not slowing down in the ring and she had not cantered bareback very much (she just learned to canter, and we had her in the saddle because she needed to learn how to be comfortable in the saddle).
Bridget has a lot to work on before her next point show on the 19th of June. She has a training show (no show clothes or grooming) on the 11th. I am not going to that one because I need to be choosy about what shows I go to ($).
I almost forgot--my first showmanship class, I calmly escorted Blu through the pattern as he performed airs above ground. Imagine Linda trying to walk Allure on a short line before playing with him. I was fine and I made a few adjustments to the pattern so he would not explode (I did not back him up and I did not try to restrain him from moving his butt side to side during inspection), and I could have easily scratched since the class was free, but I wanted him to get to be in the ring before the next showmanshipa In between that class and the next showmanship class, I was able to play with him. He bucked and starjumped, and when I went into the next showmanship class, the judge wouldn't have been able to believe it was the same horse if he did not have such unique markings.
Anyways, that is how I like to feel at shows--even though I did not place, I was relaxed. And I still don't care that a lot of folks must have thought I looked the fool as I tried to maneuver Blu around Connor and whatnot in the riding classes, Blu was always willing and pleasant (except in the first class, lol).
My mom told me that I could do whatever I needed to do to get Blu ready (this after I disappeared and worked with Blu to get him mentally on board--because as far as I was concerned, I can learn a pattern in 30 seconds and not feel rushed, but I would cannot make Blu mentally ready in 30 seconds, so I would rather arrive at the entrance to the ring as the class is about to go in and be totally calm and prepared than not). That meant a lot to me.
I did not even sign up for Baby Green Jumping or the Riding Pattern (a flying lead change pattern that is always the same). Blu was very tired at the end of the day, but he was definitely in shape, because I have seen him at his most tired, and he was not even close to that. I am not used to how much not-arabs sweat. Misty can go the whole day and she just has saddle/girth sweat, but Blu and Hoosier and Conner were drenched in the 80+ degree F sun and work.
So, that was Saturday. Sunday, Bridget, Mom, and I went on a trail ride at a State Park called Sleepy Hollow. The ride was about 2 hours long. I rode Misty for the first time in a while (she is just now sound after going through a draining abscess) and ponied Blu. My mom even participated in trail riding Parelli style by swishing horses who were crowding on your butt.
Natural Horsewoman Out.
In the show ring, Blu had to deal with Connor being an emotional wreck. Bridget learned a lot and knows that next time she needs to take preventative measures sooner or just go to the center next time, but Connor would run up Blu's butt and do other such things. I did my best to stay on the rail, but Blu and I still stayed calm. Blu never flew off the handle, in fact, I was really impressed with him.
I did not plan to do any ribboning, but I did get 6th in English Equitation out of 9, 5th in Western Horsemanship out of 9, and I got 2nd in bareback equitation out of 5--even with Blu tripping and almost going to his knees right in front of the judge. My seat was so good, I just gasped but I did not even slide forward. Bridget did not go into bareback because Connor was not slowing down in the ring and she had not cantered bareback very much (she just learned to canter, and we had her in the saddle because she needed to learn how to be comfortable in the saddle).
Bridget has a lot to work on before her next point show on the 19th of June. She has a training show (no show clothes or grooming) on the 11th. I am not going to that one because I need to be choosy about what shows I go to ($).
I almost forgot--my first showmanship class, I calmly escorted Blu through the pattern as he performed airs above ground. Imagine Linda trying to walk Allure on a short line before playing with him. I was fine and I made a few adjustments to the pattern so he would not explode (I did not back him up and I did not try to restrain him from moving his butt side to side during inspection), and I could have easily scratched since the class was free, but I wanted him to get to be in the ring before the next showmanshipa In between that class and the next showmanship class, I was able to play with him. He bucked and starjumped, and when I went into the next showmanship class, the judge wouldn't have been able to believe it was the same horse if he did not have such unique markings.
Anyways, that is how I like to feel at shows--even though I did not place, I was relaxed. And I still don't care that a lot of folks must have thought I looked the fool as I tried to maneuver Blu around Connor and whatnot in the riding classes, Blu was always willing and pleasant (except in the first class, lol).
My mom told me that I could do whatever I needed to do to get Blu ready (this after I disappeared and worked with Blu to get him mentally on board--because as far as I was concerned, I can learn a pattern in 30 seconds and not feel rushed, but I would cannot make Blu mentally ready in 30 seconds, so I would rather arrive at the entrance to the ring as the class is about to go in and be totally calm and prepared than not). That meant a lot to me.
I did not even sign up for Baby Green Jumping or the Riding Pattern (a flying lead change pattern that is always the same). Blu was very tired at the end of the day, but he was definitely in shape, because I have seen him at his most tired, and he was not even close to that. I am not used to how much not-arabs sweat. Misty can go the whole day and she just has saddle/girth sweat, but Blu and Hoosier and Conner were drenched in the 80+ degree F sun and work.
So, that was Saturday. Sunday, Bridget, Mom, and I went on a trail ride at a State Park called Sleepy Hollow. The ride was about 2 hours long. I rode Misty for the first time in a while (she is just now sound after going through a draining abscess) and ponied Blu. My mom even participated in trail riding Parelli style by swishing horses who were crowding on your butt.
Natural Horsewoman Out.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Sleepy Hollow Trail Ride
Sunday, Bridget, Mom, and I went on a trail ride at a State Park called Sleepy Hollow. The ride was about 2 hours long. I rode Misty for the first time in a while (she is just now sound after going through a draining abscess) and ponied Blu. My mom even participated in trail riding Parelli style by swishing horses who were crowding on your butt. And, at the show, she never did get super emotional and explode in bitter anger (which she has done in the past). She also told me there that I could do whatever I needed to do to get Blu ready (this after I disappeared and worked with Blu to get him mentally on board--because as far as I was concerned, I can learn a pattern in 30 seconds and not feel rushed, but I would cannot make Blu mentally ready in 30 seconds, so I would rather arrive at the entrance to the ring as the class is about to go in and be totally calm and prepared than not. took all 4 horses to sleepy hollow to relax, Misty went in trailer when my mom went in to get something and she was holding her.
Here are some other notes about it:
went right into trailer when I took her in.
Blu was biting
At first, there was a lot of rope and excited horses, so my mom took Blu for most of the ride.
swished invasive horses. Jigging fixed with swishing.
saw deer and stared for a long time, then lots of snorting. By end of ride, was much more confident leading the line
Natural Horsewoman Out.
Here are some other notes about it:
went right into trailer when I took her in.
Blu was biting
At first, there was a lot of rope and excited horses, so my mom took Blu for most of the ride.
swished invasive horses. Jigging fixed with swishing.
saw deer and stared for a long time, then lots of snorting. By end of ride, was much more confident leading the line
Natural Horsewoman Out.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
First Show of the Season
Official Records Information:
Blu
5-22-10
all day (5:30-7:00)
state qual
played (fig 8)
showmanship
played/saddled
eng state qual
eng equ
played
eng pls
I had to work the night before the show, and that ended up being an unfortunate thing, but I handled it as best I could. I was TOTALLY prepared as far as packing goes. I did spend the whole day with 5 minutes left to learn the pattern and then go in, but here is the best thing ever: I did not get one butterfly, I did not get one bit anxious or nervous, never once did I care about what anyone thought, and I took the whole day in stride. I scratched out of trail because I did not get to play with Blu in the area before they had the trail pattern set up and I was not going to go in and have an unnecessary struggle. I honestly spent most of the day relaxing with Blu then rushing to change. I gave Blu a lot of responsibility of staying put and not eating grass (we don't let our horses eat grass in places strange horses have been pooping due to disease spread). He was so good. He stood untethered and patient. I was so proud of him.
In the show ring, Blu had to deal with Connor being an emotional wreck. Bridget learned a lot and knows that next time she needs to take preventative measures sooner or just go to the center next time, but Connor would run up Blu's butt and do other such things. I did my best to stay on the rail, but Blu and I still stayed calm. Blu never flew off the handle, in fact, I was really impressed with him.
I did not plan to do any ribboning, but I did get 6th in English Equitation out of 9, 5th in Western Horsemanship out of 9, and I got 2nd in bareback equitation out of 5--even with Blu tripping and almost going to his knees right in front of the judge. My seat was so good, I just gasped but I did not even slide forward. Bridget did not go into bareback because Connor was not slowing down in the ring and she had not cantered bareback very much (she just learned to canter, and we had her in the saddle because she needed to learn how to be comfortable in the saddle).
Bridget has a lot to work on before her next point show on the 19th of June. She has a training show (no show clothes or grooming) on the 11th. I am not going to that one because I need to be choosy about what shows I go to ($).
I almost forgot--my first showmanship class, I calmly escorted Blu through the pattern as he performed airs above ground. Imagine Linda trying to walk Allure on a short line before playing with him. I was fine and I made a few adjustments to the pattern so he would not explode (I did not back him up and I did not try to restrain him from moving his butt side to side during inspection), and I could have easily scratched since the class was free, but I wanted him to get to be in the ring before the next showmanshipa In between that class and the next showmanship class, I was able to play with him. He bucked and starjumped, and when I went into the next showmanship class, the judge wouldn't have been able to believe it was the same horse if he did not have such unique markings.
Anyways, that is how I like to feel at shows--even though I did not place, I was relaxed. And I still don't care that a lot of folks must have thought I looked the fool as I tried to maneuver Blu around Connor and whatnot in the riding classes, Blu was always willing and pleasant (except in the first class, lol).
I did not even sign up for Baby Green Jumping or the Riding Pattern (a flying lead change pattern that is always the same). Blu was very tired at the end of the day, but he was definitely in shape, because I have seen him at his most tired, and he was not even close to that. I am not used to how much not-arabs sweat. Misty can go the whole day and she just has saddle/girth sweat, but Blu and Hoosier and Conner were drenched in the 80+ degree F sun and work.
Natural Horsewoman Out
Blu
5-22-10
all day (5:30-7:00)
state qual
played (fig 8)
showmanship
played/saddled
eng state qual
eng equ
played
eng pls
I had to work the night before the show, and that ended up being an unfortunate thing, but I handled it as best I could. I was TOTALLY prepared as far as packing goes. I did spend the whole day with 5 minutes left to learn the pattern and then go in, but here is the best thing ever: I did not get one butterfly, I did not get one bit anxious or nervous, never once did I care about what anyone thought, and I took the whole day in stride. I scratched out of trail because I did not get to play with Blu in the area before they had the trail pattern set up and I was not going to go in and have an unnecessary struggle. I honestly spent most of the day relaxing with Blu then rushing to change. I gave Blu a lot of responsibility of staying put and not eating grass (we don't let our horses eat grass in places strange horses have been pooping due to disease spread). He was so good. He stood untethered and patient. I was so proud of him.
In the show ring, Blu had to deal with Connor being an emotional wreck. Bridget learned a lot and knows that next time she needs to take preventative measures sooner or just go to the center next time, but Connor would run up Blu's butt and do other such things. I did my best to stay on the rail, but Blu and I still stayed calm. Blu never flew off the handle, in fact, I was really impressed with him.
I did not plan to do any ribboning, but I did get 6th in English Equitation out of 9, 5th in Western Horsemanship out of 9, and I got 2nd in bareback equitation out of 5--even with Blu tripping and almost going to his knees right in front of the judge. My seat was so good, I just gasped but I did not even slide forward. Bridget did not go into bareback because Connor was not slowing down in the ring and she had not cantered bareback very much (she just learned to canter, and we had her in the saddle because she needed to learn how to be comfortable in the saddle).
Bridget has a lot to work on before her next point show on the 19th of June. She has a training show (no show clothes or grooming) on the 11th. I am not going to that one because I need to be choosy about what shows I go to ($).
I almost forgot--my first showmanship class, I calmly escorted Blu through the pattern as he performed airs above ground. Imagine Linda trying to walk Allure on a short line before playing with him. I was fine and I made a few adjustments to the pattern so he would not explode (I did not back him up and I did not try to restrain him from moving his butt side to side during inspection), and I could have easily scratched since the class was free, but I wanted him to get to be in the ring before the next showmanshipa In between that class and the next showmanship class, I was able to play with him. He bucked and starjumped, and when I went into the next showmanship class, the judge wouldn't have been able to believe it was the same horse if he did not have such unique markings.
Anyways, that is how I like to feel at shows--even though I did not place, I was relaxed. And I still don't care that a lot of folks must have thought I looked the fool as I tried to maneuver Blu around Connor and whatnot in the riding classes, Blu was always willing and pleasant (except in the first class, lol).
I did not even sign up for Baby Green Jumping or the Riding Pattern (a flying lead change pattern that is always the same). Blu was very tired at the end of the day, but he was definitely in shape, because I have seen him at his most tired, and he was not even close to that. I am not used to how much not-arabs sweat. Misty can go the whole day and she just has saddle/girth sweat, but Blu and Hoosier and Conner were drenched in the 80+ degree F sun and work.
Natural Horsewoman Out
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Cold, Rainy Day
Why do I do this? This post, I did not even put who I played with. That gives NOTHING for my future self to work with! I don't know what I did, I don't know who I did it with, but I did something with someone on this date, darn it!
Natural Horsewoman Out.
Natural Horsewoman Out.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Rainy Day
. . . A blank. But obviously I did something on this day with one or both of my horses. . . and it was rainy.
Natural Horsewoman Out.
Natural Horsewoman Out.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
When Nothing is Working,
Official Records Information
Misty 45 minutes 5/9/10 afternoon
In between my two work shifts, I went to the farm. I set up 4 barrels so that there were two barrel race patterns, sharing the two barrels for the first two barrels (if you run in these races, you know what I mean, if not, it was basically two barrels with a barrel on each side of the middle of the two barrels)
Misty came up to me of her own volition. I spent a while putting the halter on (probably 3 minutes) putting on and off to make sure she was not leaving/wanting to leave. I was pleased and put the halter on. . . and promptly took it off, as it was riding right on a wound on her cheek. I had to rethink my plan a bit. I was going to need to do things on line with the rope around her neck that would help me prepare for a bridleless ride without any bridled preparation because I bridle would hurt her, too. I started with going sideways. I was very pleased that her first response when I lifted the stick, she began sidepassing to me. If your horse is going to do something unbidden, it is very nice when it is something positive like coming to you. I worked the kinks out of our side ways until I could have her start going sideways to a barrel and then sideways her back to me again.
Next, I switched to driving in zone 5. She is getting so much better at this. She is responding to me using the carrot stick to influence her front end. To cue her forward, I touch her low on her butt. In order to get her impulsion up, I did point to point driving from barrel to barrel. Misty caught on and after 6 rests, she was chugging right along at the walk. Over all, when I used it, I noticed that her tail driving needs work--I need to spend some time getting it to a MUCH lower phase.
On line: backing with tail needs work
On line: Saddling (! Yucky Stuff!)
Natural Horsewoman Out.
Misty 45 minutes 5/9/10 afternoon
In between my two work shifts, I went to the farm. I set up 4 barrels so that there were two barrel race patterns, sharing the two barrels for the first two barrels (if you run in these races, you know what I mean, if not, it was basically two barrels with a barrel on each side of the middle of the two barrels)
Misty came up to me of her own volition. I spent a while putting the halter on (probably 3 minutes) putting on and off to make sure she was not leaving/wanting to leave. I was pleased and put the halter on. . . and promptly took it off, as it was riding right on a wound on her cheek. I had to rethink my plan a bit. I was going to need to do things on line with the rope around her neck that would help me prepare for a bridleless ride without any bridled preparation because I bridle would hurt her, too. I started with going sideways. I was very pleased that her first response when I lifted the stick, she began sidepassing to me. If your horse is going to do something unbidden, it is very nice when it is something positive like coming to you. I worked the kinks out of our side ways until I could have her start going sideways to a barrel and then sideways her back to me again.
Next, I switched to driving in zone 5. She is getting so much better at this. She is responding to me using the carrot stick to influence her front end. To cue her forward, I touch her low on her butt. In order to get her impulsion up, I did point to point driving from barrel to barrel. Misty caught on and after 6 rests, she was chugging right along at the walk. Over all, when I used it, I noticed that her tail driving needs work--I need to spend some time getting it to a MUCH lower phase.
On line: backing with tail needs work
On line: Saddling (! Yucky Stuff!)
Natural Horsewoman Out.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
A Surprise for the Horses
Official Records Information
Blu and Misty
45 minutes
5-8-10
evening
I had an exhausting day at work, so I was not going to be ambitious tonight. The horses had just gone out back (Ginger went up to the breeder's today, so while I was at work, my family was traveling. The horses got put out when they got home). Bridget and I were going to just go get the two horses we were going to play with and bring them up. . . but things changed.
Misty and Conner were together in an area and when Blu saw me, he joined us. Bridget began to play the catching game with Conner and I began to walk over to Misty. I respected and paused through each threshold, and she did not leave! Out back, where she could have thought I was going to push her up, where she can go a long way away and get away from me, when I had a halter and line in hand, she yielded her hindquarters away from me (a gentle phase one to get her head closer to me) and let me approach! That is very significant. I rubbed her, gave her treats, and walked around her--very not-sneaky. Then--and this was the kicker for her--I walked away, halter and line, and went to Blu. I did not do anything with her for the rest of the night.
Blu came right to me, of course, and I put his halter on. I walked him around as I watched Bridget play the catching game with Conner. I got on him and watched after a few minutes. He was swinging his head at me, but after he ran into my fingertips a few times, he stopped. When I got on, he began to walk off in the direction of going back up to the front pastures; I suspect this was because he was anticipating me taking him up there. I had to tell him it was ok to graze. I bet that was a shock to him, too.
Bridget and I decided that it was better to just let tonight be a "surprise" for the horses. Instead of getting them and doing something, we got them and did nothing. This will make the next session that much more successful. One of my favorite things that Linda Parelli said is "Ride for tomorrow." It means that everyday, you should know that there will be a next time, and that this session directly and indirectly affects tomorrow's session. We need to bare that in mind when we play with our horses. I ask myself "What will my horse be like tomorrow because of what I did today?"
Natural Horsewoman Out.
Blu and Misty
45 minutes
5-8-10
evening
I had an exhausting day at work, so I was not going to be ambitious tonight. The horses had just gone out back (Ginger went up to the breeder's today, so while I was at work, my family was traveling. The horses got put out when they got home). Bridget and I were going to just go get the two horses we were going to play with and bring them up. . . but things changed.
Misty and Conner were together in an area and when Blu saw me, he joined us. Bridget began to play the catching game with Conner and I began to walk over to Misty. I respected and paused through each threshold, and she did not leave! Out back, where she could have thought I was going to push her up, where she can go a long way away and get away from me, when I had a halter and line in hand, she yielded her hindquarters away from me (a gentle phase one to get her head closer to me) and let me approach! That is very significant. I rubbed her, gave her treats, and walked around her--very not-sneaky. Then--and this was the kicker for her--I walked away, halter and line, and went to Blu. I did not do anything with her for the rest of the night.
Blu came right to me, of course, and I put his halter on. I walked him around as I watched Bridget play the catching game with Conner. I got on him and watched after a few minutes. He was swinging his head at me, but after he ran into my fingertips a few times, he stopped. When I got on, he began to walk off in the direction of going back up to the front pastures; I suspect this was because he was anticipating me taking him up there. I had to tell him it was ok to graze. I bet that was a shock to him, too.
Bridget and I decided that it was better to just let tonight be a "surprise" for the horses. Instead of getting them and doing something, we got them and did nothing. This will make the next session that much more successful. One of my favorite things that Linda Parelli said is "Ride for tomorrow." It means that everyday, you should know that there will be a next time, and that this session directly and indirectly affects tomorrow's session. We need to bare that in mind when we play with our horses. I ask myself "What will my horse be like tomorrow because of what I did today?"
Natural Horsewoman Out.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Numbers
#2 I went to the farm to play with Blu, but the horses were out back so I had to bring them up. Misty came running up when she saw me coming out, thinking all the horses would start running up. I shut the gate so she could not go back out and after several minutes of frantically running around, she suddenly saw me and just calmly walked over to me and let me put the halter on. She enjoys bringing the horses up with me. It was good to realize this after yesterday’s questions about her. She knows what the job is and most of the time, I just get out of the way and let her do her thing.
#3 I played with Blu for a short while before going back to work. I had him saddled and my helmet on, but I only got through the preflight check before I had to go to work. It was still a good time and I got to ride Misty.
#4 Ginger got a 2 inch gash on her right flank/belly, aka her most ticklish spot. Ginger is my 17 year old sister’s horse. She is also Misty’s sister. Cute, huh? Ginger is the most sensitive horse I know, and tonight, she had to deal with 3 to 4 people crammed in her stall poking around and whatnot. I stayed out of the stall as much as I could and tried to keep my parents from raising their voices. My dad was down there to stitch it up or super glue it shut. Ginger is going to the breeders at the end of the week, so we would like it to heal up ASAP. It was very shallow, so super glue was enough. I was so proud of Ginger and my family for their cooperation.
#2
So, I had an...interesting internal monologue today when I was playing with Misty. I was working through my program for the day, and all of a sudden, I felt like she wanted me to just go away and never come back. So I went away and I sat there asking myself why I was doing this program with her if she does not like people. She has never gotten to pick anything. She has always just done whatever I wanted. Some time while I was talking myself through why I should not just buy her food and make sure she was always healthy, she peeked inside the door of the building I was sitting in. After that, I began to feel better and come up with reasons that playing with her is a good thing for her. I am a good person, you see. I have things to show her through our relationship about humans. I don't have to worry about these kinds of thoughts from Blu; he adores humans. He tells me what he likes and I know pretty well where we are going together. But Misty throws these at me all the time, and it makes me want to just set her free on a 4,000 acre pasture and not look back (not out of frustration, but out of feeling that is the right thing to do). I love her so much, so that would be hard, but I don't want us to be a thing that I do to her (even if I do it in the nicest way possible via PNH). I don't know, it was a provocative afternoon. (P.S. I went out and we had a good session, during which she gave me things at liberty I really had not expected).
Then, this evening, my mom and I went through the next lesson in Level one. Get this, last time she was starting level one, she was pretty yucked about having to do the whole "get good with the tools" thing because she wanted to go do something with Conner. Well, I was showing her a clip from Red Level One about learning/comfort zone. It happened to be about the tools, but I told her it applied to anything with her comfort zone. She said, "So, I get to use you as my whipping post?
" She was excited! How awesome is that everyone. And, she seemed a bit disappointed that we were done as I was packing everything up, but she wants to work with the carrot stick before going on to learn about the porcupine game. Complete turn around. Also, my "Hey, mom, do you want me to go get the level one out?" is getting a lot less awkward.
#3Well, onto me and why I was bright before I hit the forum:
Blu is the most loving horse. He comes to me and puts his head in my arms to snuggle. He speaks to me. He is a communicative horse. I don’t mean he nickers or calls, he just makes an effort to tell me things all the time. He says “Itch my butt,” he says, “I want you to come over here and play with me.” He tells me other things, and Misty does not, usually. Or at least she does not make such a big effort. She is a challenging horse. She much prefers other horses (specifically her boyfriend) to people, whereas Blu would move into my house if I let him. I am not saying he’s my favorite, it is just one of my favorite things about him. Misty has certain things that are special, but tonight, I am focusing my attention on adoring Blu.
I started out playing with Misty at liberty. She was making huge efforts to do what I asked from 50’ away. Ok, huge for her considering how she has been lately. I going to try and do most of my play at liberty in the pasture for a while as that seems to help build her trust in me. Someday, I will explain to you all why Misty and I have a fallout every spring/summer.
Well, Misty was pushing the ball and putting effort into it, so I let her eat her hay and went over and called Blu away from my mom who was itching him (he is itchy). Get this, he left her! He was practically in heaven. I was surprised. I played with Blu and ended with asking him to back into the trailer. This was session one, so I stopped when he confidently yoyoed straight back to it and until his legs touched the edge. Everyone should get to know a horse like Blu.
#4When I came back, Blu was laying down in the hay pile. I went out and laid on his belly. Then he told me he wanted to lay down so I went over and let him put his head in my lap. He fell asleep and began running with his legs, lol. Then he sat up so I went and sat down with my back to his belly again. After 5 minutes, he touched me and told me he wanted to lay down again. That time I let him lay on the dirt and I took some pictures with my cell phone. They are not the best, but better than nothing. Also, I don't know if I know how to or if I can upload them onto my computer... Then I laid my head on his neck and we took a nappy. He is so sweet. Misty does not do that with me
. But my little Blu-Boo does!!
I left Misty alone, though I might go out and play with her later...
Natural Horsewoman Out
#3 I played with Blu for a short while before going back to work. I had him saddled and my helmet on, but I only got through the preflight check before I had to go to work. It was still a good time and I got to ride Misty.
#4 Ginger got a 2 inch gash on her right flank/belly, aka her most ticklish spot. Ginger is my 17 year old sister’s horse. She is also Misty’s sister. Cute, huh? Ginger is the most sensitive horse I know, and tonight, she had to deal with 3 to 4 people crammed in her stall poking around and whatnot. I stayed out of the stall as much as I could and tried to keep my parents from raising their voices. My dad was down there to stitch it up or super glue it shut. Ginger is going to the breeders at the end of the week, so we would like it to heal up ASAP. It was very shallow, so super glue was enough. I was so proud of Ginger and my family for their cooperation.
#2
So, I had an...interesting internal monologue today when I was playing with Misty. I was working through my program for the day, and all of a sudden, I felt like she wanted me to just go away and never come back. So I went away and I sat there asking myself why I was doing this program with her if she does not like people. She has never gotten to pick anything. She has always just done whatever I wanted. Some time while I was talking myself through why I should not just buy her food and make sure she was always healthy, she peeked inside the door of the building I was sitting in. After that, I began to feel better and come up with reasons that playing with her is a good thing for her. I am a good person, you see. I have things to show her through our relationship about humans. I don't have to worry about these kinds of thoughts from Blu; he adores humans. He tells me what he likes and I know pretty well where we are going together. But Misty throws these at me all the time, and it makes me want to just set her free on a 4,000 acre pasture and not look back (not out of frustration, but out of feeling that is the right thing to do). I love her so much, so that would be hard, but I don't want us to be a thing that I do to her (even if I do it in the nicest way possible via PNH). I don't know, it was a provocative afternoon. (P.S. I went out and we had a good session, during which she gave me things at liberty I really had not expected).
Then, this evening, my mom and I went through the next lesson in Level one. Get this, last time she was starting level one, she was pretty yucked about having to do the whole "get good with the tools" thing because she wanted to go do something with Conner. Well, I was showing her a clip from Red Level One about learning/comfort zone. It happened to be about the tools, but I told her it applied to anything with her comfort zone. She said, "So, I get to use you as my whipping post?
" She was excited! How awesome is that everyone. And, she seemed a bit disappointed that we were done as I was packing everything up, but she wants to work with the carrot stick before going on to learn about the porcupine game. Complete turn around. Also, my "Hey, mom, do you want me to go get the level one out?" is getting a lot less awkward.#3Well, onto me and why I was bright before I hit the forum:
Blu is the most loving horse. He comes to me and puts his head in my arms to snuggle. He speaks to me. He is a communicative horse. I don’t mean he nickers or calls, he just makes an effort to tell me things all the time. He says “Itch my butt,” he says, “I want you to come over here and play with me.” He tells me other things, and Misty does not, usually. Or at least she does not make such a big effort. She is a challenging horse. She much prefers other horses (specifically her boyfriend) to people, whereas Blu would move into my house if I let him. I am not saying he’s my favorite, it is just one of my favorite things about him. Misty has certain things that are special, but tonight, I am focusing my attention on adoring Blu.
I started out playing with Misty at liberty. She was making huge efforts to do what I asked from 50’ away. Ok, huge for her considering how she has been lately. I going to try and do most of my play at liberty in the pasture for a while as that seems to help build her trust in me. Someday, I will explain to you all why Misty and I have a fallout every spring/summer.
Well, Misty was pushing the ball and putting effort into it, so I let her eat her hay and went over and called Blu away from my mom who was itching him (he is itchy). Get this, he left her! He was practically in heaven. I was surprised. I played with Blu and ended with asking him to back into the trailer. This was session one, so I stopped when he confidently yoyoed straight back to it and until his legs touched the edge. Everyone should get to know a horse like Blu.
#4When I came back, Blu was laying down in the hay pile. I went out and laid on his belly. Then he told me he wanted to lay down so I went over and let him put his head in my lap. He fell asleep and began running with his legs, lol. Then he sat up so I went and sat down with my back to his belly again. After 5 minutes, he touched me and told me he wanted to lay down again. That time I let him lay on the dirt and I took some pictures with my cell phone. They are not the best, but better than nothing. Also, I don't know if I know how to or if I can upload them onto my computer... Then I laid my head on his neck and we took a nappy. He is so sweet. Misty does not do that with me
. But my little Blu-Boo does!!I left Misty alone, though I might go out and play with her later...
Natural Horsewoman Out
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Reprieve
Official Records Information
Misty 1 hour 5/5/10 evening
Up until 6:40, I was having a rotten day. I seriously contemplated not going to the farm because if Misty was going to do a "not talking to you," I did not know if I was going to be able to handle it. I resolved that I would go down and help Bridget with Conner and just relax.
Getting out of the BarnKat (my truck) at the farm was a huge weight off my shoulders in and of itself. The South Pasture horses were out in the back so we had to bring them up, I was told. I took the 12' line and the halter out with the front pocket of my hoodie full of candy canes. Britney and I went out to the pasture and Conner and Misty were at the back side (they are the North Pasture horses, so they were not in the back pasture) grazing. I paid attention to Misty's body language and watched for her to make the decision to avoid me, but she did'nt. I stopped and she walked to me. I backed up and she walked faster to catch up to me. She carefully stepped over ground poles in her way. I gave her a piece of candy cane and itched her. Then I did what I did yesterday with the travel wraps, only now I did it with the halter and line. First I gave her a candy can bit for touching the line several times. Then I gave her a candy cane bit for touching the halter. I took a couple minutes to itch her, then because she was looking skeptical. When I picked up the halter again, she confidently touched it for her treat. Finally, I began to go through the motions of putting the halter on to see if she would stay through that. She leaned away the first time I took the halter back off, but when I yielded her hindquarters gently, she turned right back to me and touched the halter confidently again for a treat. The next time I put the halter on, she chased it with her nose for the treat. I stood and gave her treats and itches for a few minutes.
I wanted to assess her motivation and attitude with me, so I drove her from zone 3 to the big tire pedestal. That drive went really well, and within a few minutes, she had thought her way onto the pedestal with all four feet not only on the tire, but completely inside the middle. I was in happy shock. This was way better than I had thought it would be!
Bridget and I took our horses out back to round up the horses, on the ground on line. First, I backed her out the gate. She was very responsive to the yoyo. I drove Misty from zone 5 with the one line and she was amazing. She would go sideways, turn right or left off of tiny hand signals, back up, and even speed up. I frequently stopped for grass, and although in the beginning she was stopping for grass without asking, after 5 minutes she was not really doing that. The communication and willingness was a serious joy.
I let Misty go and Bridget and I worked on her vault onto Conner. First we had to play with him to get him comfortable with Bridget running into him and flopping onto his barrel so that as she practiced he did not get upset. He has this great itchy spot and we were able to keep him from going introverted and used to Bridget's antics. When I learned to vault onto Misty, I had her ground tied while I did all of that and I had no one to hold her while I ran at and into her and flopped around. That made me smile thinking of that, and I am glad. Bridget was really wonderful. She got herself on two times. The first time she almost flew over the other side, but then she did it once more and did much better.
The whole time we were playing with Conner, Misty was hanging around. That also made me happy.
Natural Horsewoman Out.
Misty 1 hour 5/5/10 evening
Up until 6:40, I was having a rotten day. I seriously contemplated not going to the farm because if Misty was going to do a "not talking to you," I did not know if I was going to be able to handle it. I resolved that I would go down and help Bridget with Conner and just relax.
Getting out of the BarnKat (my truck) at the farm was a huge weight off my shoulders in and of itself. The South Pasture horses were out in the back so we had to bring them up, I was told. I took the 12' line and the halter out with the front pocket of my hoodie full of candy canes. Britney and I went out to the pasture and Conner and Misty were at the back side (they are the North Pasture horses, so they were not in the back pasture) grazing. I paid attention to Misty's body language and watched for her to make the decision to avoid me, but she did'nt. I stopped and she walked to me. I backed up and she walked faster to catch up to me. She carefully stepped over ground poles in her way. I gave her a piece of candy cane and itched her. Then I did what I did yesterday with the travel wraps, only now I did it with the halter and line. First I gave her a candy can bit for touching the line several times. Then I gave her a candy cane bit for touching the halter. I took a couple minutes to itch her, then because she was looking skeptical. When I picked up the halter again, she confidently touched it for her treat. Finally, I began to go through the motions of putting the halter on to see if she would stay through that. She leaned away the first time I took the halter back off, but when I yielded her hindquarters gently, she turned right back to me and touched the halter confidently again for a treat. The next time I put the halter on, she chased it with her nose for the treat. I stood and gave her treats and itches for a few minutes.
I wanted to assess her motivation and attitude with me, so I drove her from zone 3 to the big tire pedestal. That drive went really well, and within a few minutes, she had thought her way onto the pedestal with all four feet not only on the tire, but completely inside the middle. I was in happy shock. This was way better than I had thought it would be!
Bridget and I took our horses out back to round up the horses, on the ground on line. First, I backed her out the gate. She was very responsive to the yoyo. I drove Misty from zone 5 with the one line and she was amazing. She would go sideways, turn right or left off of tiny hand signals, back up, and even speed up. I frequently stopped for grass, and although in the beginning she was stopping for grass without asking, after 5 minutes she was not really doing that. The communication and willingness was a serious joy.
I let Misty go and Bridget and I worked on her vault onto Conner. First we had to play with him to get him comfortable with Bridget running into him and flopping onto his barrel so that as she practiced he did not get upset. He has this great itchy spot and we were able to keep him from going introverted and used to Bridget's antics. When I learned to vault onto Misty, I had her ground tied while I did all of that and I had no one to hold her while I ran at and into her and flopped around. That made me smile thinking of that, and I am glad. Bridget was really wonderful. She got herself on two times. The first time she almost flew over the other side, but then she did it once more and did much better.
The whole time we were playing with Conner, Misty was hanging around. That also made me happy.
Natural Horsewoman Out.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Got Creative with Leg Wraps
Official Records Information
Misty
5/4/10
30 minutes
evening
Of late, I have adapted myself to thinking of Misty very delicately. I do not want to force her to do anything, because any success I had would be tainted--where is the beauty in anything without dignity? With Misty, I want her to do things for me and with me of her own volition. One of the greatest reasons for the switch from all the "epic" sessions in winter to this is because spring and summer is show season, and Misty knows what I have turned into in the past, so she completely changes. I am not going to go there this year, but of course she does not know that. So, where I stand is trying to prove to her that I am not going to be changing any time soon...
I went out to take pictures in the afternoon and I put some treats in my pockets in case she came up to me. She did not, but I forgot to take the treats out, so the next time I went to photograph the artwork I was working on, I still had them. I was taking pictures and very focused on that act when all of a sudden, she was there--and shying at the drawing! I got some photos of that. She had been coming up to see what I was up to and did not notice the drawing until it was gonna get her! Anyways, I gave her treats and scratched her itches.
Later, I gave her some more treats at the fence when I was working around there.
When I came out for an evening session, I took out the travel wraps, halter, and 12' line. I was surprised when she did not immediately walk away when she saw me, but she stayed. I itched her and put a wrap on. I stepped back because I wanted her to know that no one was keeping her there--I could feel her getting emotional about the leg wraps (leg wraps lead to trailers, which lead to me changing). She did walk away: to the corn crib. I stood for a moment before following her. She turned to me at first, but was distracted by something way off in the distance. I rolled a wrap at her hindquarters and she jumped and looked back at me again. Then I went to the gate that separates the two pastures and sat down with the wraps and ropes.
Blu came to the fence and got scratches. Misty wandered around the pasture aimlessly, one leg wrapped. She stood with in 10 feet of me every now and then, like she was trying to figure me out. Then off she'd go, and I still felt like she was testing me, to see if I would follow her...but I never did; I just sat there, often with my back to her, itching Blu. Blu was loving it: when he wanted me to itch somewhere, he would put it close the fence; when he wante me to get his other side, he walked forward, turned on his forehand, and walked back to me (he could not just turn around on the spot because Ginger was squeezing him between her and the fence. He is too funny.
Misty stopped once, took a cookie, and left. This was ok. This is what she needs. I can feel so much skepticism coming from her. She thinks that at any moment I will snatch her up and become a different person. . . and it is my responsibility to show her that will not happen.
I walked to the front fence, because I was going to call it a night, what with stiff hips and back from sitting. She followed me up there, though. I did not turn to face her, I just smiled at her. She came up and touched a wrap in my hand, and I gave her a cookie straight away. Then I decided to make a game out of this to build her confidence in the wraps. I kind of turned the wrap into a vending machine. I really liked the way that I could see her getting more confident. The wraps were no longer wraps, they were just a target for her nose. I was even able to wrap and unwrap her legs a few times. She also touched the wraps while I was wrapping her legs. It was all very provocative for her. Before leaving, I put a wrap on the ground and pointed to it, while I stayed on my knees. There was a long wait before she figured it out, licked and chewed, and touched it.
Tonight, that was success.
Natural Horsewoman Out.
Misty
5/4/10
30 minutes
evening
Of late, I have adapted myself to thinking of Misty very delicately. I do not want to force her to do anything, because any success I had would be tainted--where is the beauty in anything without dignity? With Misty, I want her to do things for me and with me of her own volition. One of the greatest reasons for the switch from all the "epic" sessions in winter to this is because spring and summer is show season, and Misty knows what I have turned into in the past, so she completely changes. I am not going to go there this year, but of course she does not know that. So, where I stand is trying to prove to her that I am not going to be changing any time soon...
I went out to take pictures in the afternoon and I put some treats in my pockets in case she came up to me. She did not, but I forgot to take the treats out, so the next time I went to photograph the artwork I was working on, I still had them. I was taking pictures and very focused on that act when all of a sudden, she was there--and shying at the drawing! I got some photos of that. She had been coming up to see what I was up to and did not notice the drawing until it was gonna get her! Anyways, I gave her treats and scratched her itches.
Later, I gave her some more treats at the fence when I was working around there.
When I came out for an evening session, I took out the travel wraps, halter, and 12' line. I was surprised when she did not immediately walk away when she saw me, but she stayed. I itched her and put a wrap on. I stepped back because I wanted her to know that no one was keeping her there--I could feel her getting emotional about the leg wraps (leg wraps lead to trailers, which lead to me changing). She did walk away: to the corn crib. I stood for a moment before following her. She turned to me at first, but was distracted by something way off in the distance. I rolled a wrap at her hindquarters and she jumped and looked back at me again. Then I went to the gate that separates the two pastures and sat down with the wraps and ropes.
Blu came to the fence and got scratches. Misty wandered around the pasture aimlessly, one leg wrapped. She stood with in 10 feet of me every now and then, like she was trying to figure me out. Then off she'd go, and I still felt like she was testing me, to see if I would follow her...but I never did; I just sat there, often with my back to her, itching Blu. Blu was loving it: when he wanted me to itch somewhere, he would put it close the fence; when he wante me to get his other side, he walked forward, turned on his forehand, and walked back to me (he could not just turn around on the spot because Ginger was squeezing him between her and the fence. He is too funny.
Misty stopped once, took a cookie, and left. This was ok. This is what she needs. I can feel so much skepticism coming from her. She thinks that at any moment I will snatch her up and become a different person. . . and it is my responsibility to show her that will not happen.
I walked to the front fence, because I was going to call it a night, what with stiff hips and back from sitting. She followed me up there, though. I did not turn to face her, I just smiled at her. She came up and touched a wrap in my hand, and I gave her a cookie straight away. Then I decided to make a game out of this to build her confidence in the wraps. I kind of turned the wrap into a vending machine. I really liked the way that I could see her getting more confident. The wraps were no longer wraps, they were just a target for her nose. I was even able to wrap and unwrap her legs a few times. She also touched the wraps while I was wrapping her legs. It was all very provocative for her. Before leaving, I put a wrap on the ground and pointed to it, while I stayed on my knees. There was a long wait before she figured it out, licked and chewed, and touched it.
Tonight, that was success.
Natural Horsewoman Out.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
3-in-1 Horse Play Day
Official Records Information
Connor 5-1-10 afternoon 1 hour 20 min
Misty 5-1-10 Afternoon 40 min
Blu 5-1-10 afternoon 40 min
I was a busy body today!
I did not let myself leave the barn until I had a plan, but I got out there and completely ditched the plan pretty quick, as I realized it was a stupid one (it was too ambitious for Misty, who needed a shorter session). When I am making plans for what to do with my horses, I take into mind their horsenality as well as our relationship. Misty is a Left-Brain Introvert and, of late, I have been getting a lot of skeptical and antisocial vibes and negative feedback from her, lately, so I have not really been doing a lot with her, and when I do, I make it a short period of high quality time. My initial plan had too many things in it. I ended up doing only two things with her for 40 minutes. But first, I had to catch her without "catching" her. I wanted her to be compliant to having the halter on. Things started on a very good note. She met my eyes as I came from the car and came to the fence. I gave her some grass when she met me at the fence. I came back and stood at a barrel and she came right over with her ears up. I gave her a cookie and scratched her head for her. The green ball was about 15 feet from us, and I pointed to it. She started to walk to it, but about half way to it, I felt her break the connection with me. It is weird how tangible the nonphysical connection begins to feel, now. Anyways, she obviously left, and I made no attempt to stop her. This is not about me asserting myself on her. This is about her making a concious decision to be with me. So, I gave her about 5 minutes before I decided to move on. Other days I have proceeded to just sit there or wander around the pasture, but today I decided to move on. I mean, we have 4 other horses!
Instead of playing with Blu, I played with Connor, the horse that Bridget plays with (my mom's horse). Bridget is learning how to neck rein, and even though Conner already knows how, I wanted to see if I could polish it a bit so Bridget could make her cues more subtle. Here is a list of the gear that I put on Connor after catching him (I yielded his hindquarters back and forth several times before I just approached him and gave him a lot of scratches):
An O-ring/egg butt snaffle head stall so he could have it in and get used to something inside his mouth while we were playing.
Rope Halter
12' line
Savvy string around neck
Western Saddle & Pad
He was fine for saddling and for the in between tightening checks, I did some showmanship practice with him. He is getting very good at setting up. He is very responsive compared to other big horses I know. Of course, the other big horses I know don't have Parelli or natural horsemanship principled handlers. He is getting snappier trot departures and more consistent pivots, though he still goes a bit crooked sometimes. Also, his back up needs a lot of work. Bridget will have an easy time of getting him ready, though.
I had 5 barrels set up in a line, about 10' apart that I wanted him to weave through. I used the savvy string as a phase one, switched to neck reining lightly with the reins, then more ounces into the rein, then I added a finger to the rein for direct reining support. We got the weave at the walk pretty quick. I decided to give him a break from the weave pattern and let him lope around the pasture in big loops. He relaxed a lot and did a lot of blowing out of his nose. While we were rolling around the pasture, I guided him over an 18'' jump, and he just went right over. I was still prepared for the jog weave to be much more difficult, but it seemed that the preparation at the walk was helpful, and I was able to get him responding to leg and light savvy string pressure. I had an image of Bridget riding Connor bareback and bridleless. To finish our ride, I had him back up from the weave barrels. I had some initial opposition reflex, but then he relaxed and slid back. It is no wonder that his back up in the saddle is not the best seeing how it is not the best on the ground. I will pass that along to Bridget. If she can get him more responsive with that, I bet quite a few of his dominant behaviors will dissolve for her.
I dismounted after he backed up so nicely. After the bit was out and the saddle off, I took him out of the pasture to walk him around (it was 80 degrees here in the Lower Peninsula!) because he was pretty hot. I let him grab a couple mouthfuls of grass before I began walking him out. Bridget was asking me about practicing road safety, so I decided to walk him around the U-driveway and the stretch of road between the drives for the walk out. He did not care about the cars that flew by--and they were going 60 mph. I was pretty sure he was pretty road safe. So, Bridget just needs to work on feeling safe on the road herself. He is such a swell horse.
I gave him a bath after walking him out. He stood stock still and really enjoyed it. Then we grazed for a good 5 minutes and I put him in the dog pen where there is good grazing available. He stayed in there till I finished with Blu and Misty.
Misty was still not coming to see me, so I walked over to the gate between the pastures and let Blu (who walked over from where he was to greet me, as usual) onto Misty's side. She came over to me, probably to see if Blu was getting candy. I told Blu to go toodle off after some itches, and he did. Misty was walking away to stand in a corner, but could definitely feel that she was maintaining a connection...almost like she was telling me to stop her (?). I yielded her hind quarters and backed up and smiled and she came right over. I did not make to give her candy or pet her, I just leaned on the fence and kicked up a leg. She and I stood like that for good bit before I put the halter on with her permission. She really felt good when I put that thing on her. She searched for the halter and really cooperated.
She followed with a nice connection to the set up of barrels. This time, I was going to use them as targets for going sideways. I set her up and started to ask her to go sideways to the first barrel, but I had to gently clarify what I was asking as she was pretty darn sure I was asking her to come to me. I did not get fast or upset, I just rubbed her and started over gently. She tried going forward and tried to come sideways to me a few more times. When the light bulb went on, it was pretty clear to me: she went right to the barrel. I let her relax at each barrel for 30 seconds to 2 minutes. The next barrel was much easier to go sideways to, so I then asked her to come sideways to me. I had the savvy string over her back for that time, and she did it just fine, but I wondered if I could get her to come to me by just wiggling the stick over her back, and when I had success with that, I tried it with just the carrot stick raised while I backed away. Tah dah! Meanwhile, Misty was really relaxing, and I was enjoying the look on her face. Every barrel had a cookie on it, by the way. Also, I followed a pattern of two barrels forward (away from me), one barrel back (to me).
As we were getting to the end of the barrels, a huge explosion went off at the neighbors. Misty jumped in her skin, her head went up, and she took a few steps, but she did not "go anywhere." I did not ask anything of her or hold her back at all. That was important, I think. I let her stand for a while before I began backing up and lifted the stick. She bobbed her head, licked her lips, and came sideways to me. The connection was reestablished, and I was so proud of her. I had even been frightened by the explosion! I decided that we could not have a better ending spot than that for the sideways part of our session.
I took the halter and line off and itched her head for her. Then I pointed to the ball. This time, I had set up us for success with the ball closer. She went right to it and we began our going along. She got a cookie everytime she touched the ball, then as she became more motivated, I did not give her a cookie until she got it to roll. We did that and parted on very good terms. In fact, after I caught Blu and brought him to the barrels, she was all up in our stuff and trying to do what I was asking Blu to do!
I went and picked up the halter and line to go get Blu. He was over by the Northern fence line. As I approached, he began to eat faster, something I notice they do when they know I am going to come and take them from the grass. I let him eat until he slowed down again. Then I rubbed his itchy spots. I stepped back and yielded his hindquarters, and he immediately connected with his eyes, but very calmly. I walked backwards and he began to walk then trot to me when I began to trot. I did not put the halter for a little bit and I did some stick to me to evaluate the quality of his connection with me. He seemed very relaxed and happy.
I took Blu to the line of barrels and had him weave through them in a new way: I had him follow me instead of driving him through them. That was pretty rough at first until he caught on! He was frustrated in the beginning when he did not know what I was asking him, so I slowed down. Once he mastered that, I stopped weaving through, but I continued to have him follow me as I backed up. He got that fast. Next, I went straight forward by his side and drove and drew him through the weave at the trot. Piece of cake.
I was going to get on, but I decided that I wanted to try the 18'' jump while I rode, so I played with the jump on the ground, first. I started with the circling game. Went over very nicely several times. I switched to the squeeze game to add the turn face and wait factor so he would recognize the pattern when I was on his back. After 1 or 2 nice ones, then he seemed to decide that it was better to just kick it over and step over. Too, smart! I was satisfied that he was confident with it, so I got on by vaulting on. He stood still very nicely.
I rode through the weave, and today, he was so much more relaxed and responsive than the last time. He even jogged through and steered very nicely. Then I began to make a bigger loop around one of the barrels and line him up with the jump. He went right over. I liked it, but I only asked for about 3 jumps because we were just doing so nicely!
I took Blu out to the road to do what I did earlier with Connor. Blu is usually very reactive to traffic, but I had a plan. He was pretty worn out from our session, and the grass is really nice by the road. . . Well, we got out there, and I was focusing him on what surface he was on to keep his mind occupied. That really did seem to work because he was too busy trying to step on and off the pavement to pay much attention to the cars. Then, when I asked him to go down in the ditch, he said "Ah!!" and jumped over it, very right-brained. Hmm! So, I made it my goal to have him going through the ditch with confidence. While we worked on that, many cars went by, and he did not care. The whole road thing took about 7 minutes.
I gave Blu a rinse with the hose to cool him off and too set up my last goal in the session: the lay down. I let him go in the dusty part of the pasture and walked along with him, mirroring him. Then, when he lay down, I did, too. Tra lah lah! He was silly and tripped as he lay down. Too cute! My plan is to continue this pattern of rinsing him off and then laying down with him. I also go out when he is napping and sit with him and itch him. We have had some great moments when we were hanging out together. Someday, I will be able to lay down, and it will cue him to mirror me.
Hurrah, this post is finally over! What an ordeal! 2 days in the making...
Here is another version of this post:
I went to the farm and Misty met me at the fence and I gave her a handful of grass. I stood at a barrel and she came up to me and I gave her a cookie and scratches, but when I sent her to the ball, it was just too far away and she got half way there and decided to leave. So I spent an hour and twenty minutes playing with Connor. Britney has to learn how to neck rein, so I polished that a bit. I also worked on showmanship things like setting up for inspection. He was very well behaved and compliant. He really took to the savvy string rein-ring. (We did other relaxing things, too)
Next, I let Blu into Misty and Connor's pasture for later and played with Misty for 40 minutes. Most of it was chilling and getting scratched, but I have some choice things to share with you. A load of jackasses were at our neighbor's house doing everything they could to scare the horses. I did two things with Misty: I had spaced out barrels to target for going sideways to and from me on line, and then I took off her halter and we chased the ball at liberty. The boys shot or exploded something and it shook the ground. Misty's head came up and she took a few steps, but after a few seconds, started to back away from her and then I lifted the carrot stick and she bobbed her head, licked her lips, and came sideways to me. Connection reestablished! Then, they did it again when I was at liberty. Somehow, I did not jump that time, and Misty just spasmed and continued to focus on the ball. I saw one of the boys look over to see if she did anything. He looked disappointed and went back to the group of idiots. Ha, find another farm to terrorize, kid! These is PNH hosses!! .
Then I played with Blu. He is too cute, all the time. His highlight was after I bathed and grazed him, let him go in the dirty, bare part of the pasture. I walked around with him, waiting for the inevitable. When he started to go down, I laid down. He tripped on his way down and he fell. He is the only horse that I know who TRIPS AND FALLS DOWN WHEN HE IS TRYING TO LAY DOWN. That is comparable to tripping and falling into a chair as you are trying to sit in it
. Anyhow, we are making some very natural progress toward him learning to lay down on cue.
I made it back inside in time for the Derby. I love that jockey (Calvin Borel). He has practically no teeth, he always cries when they sing My Old Kentucky Home, and his general antics are just so funny. I still really don't like the TB racing industry, but I think that Bayou character is hilarious (obviously).
Natural Horsewoman Out.
Connor 5-1-10 afternoon 1 hour 20 min
Misty 5-1-10 Afternoon 40 min
Blu 5-1-10 afternoon 40 min
I was a busy body today!
I did not let myself leave the barn until I had a plan, but I got out there and completely ditched the plan pretty quick, as I realized it was a stupid one (it was too ambitious for Misty, who needed a shorter session). When I am making plans for what to do with my horses, I take into mind their horsenality as well as our relationship. Misty is a Left-Brain Introvert and, of late, I have been getting a lot of skeptical and antisocial vibes and negative feedback from her, lately, so I have not really been doing a lot with her, and when I do, I make it a short period of high quality time. My initial plan had too many things in it. I ended up doing only two things with her for 40 minutes. But first, I had to catch her without "catching" her. I wanted her to be compliant to having the halter on. Things started on a very good note. She met my eyes as I came from the car and came to the fence. I gave her some grass when she met me at the fence. I came back and stood at a barrel and she came right over with her ears up. I gave her a cookie and scratched her head for her. The green ball was about 15 feet from us, and I pointed to it. She started to walk to it, but about half way to it, I felt her break the connection with me. It is weird how tangible the nonphysical connection begins to feel, now. Anyways, she obviously left, and I made no attempt to stop her. This is not about me asserting myself on her. This is about her making a concious decision to be with me. So, I gave her about 5 minutes before I decided to move on. Other days I have proceeded to just sit there or wander around the pasture, but today I decided to move on. I mean, we have 4 other horses!
Instead of playing with Blu, I played with Connor, the horse that Bridget plays with (my mom's horse). Bridget is learning how to neck rein, and even though Conner already knows how, I wanted to see if I could polish it a bit so Bridget could make her cues more subtle. Here is a list of the gear that I put on Connor after catching him (I yielded his hindquarters back and forth several times before I just approached him and gave him a lot of scratches):
An O-ring/egg butt snaffle head stall so he could have it in and get used to something inside his mouth while we were playing.
Rope Halter
12' line
Savvy string around neck
Western Saddle & Pad
He was fine for saddling and for the in between tightening checks, I did some showmanship practice with him. He is getting very good at setting up. He is very responsive compared to other big horses I know. Of course, the other big horses I know don't have Parelli or natural horsemanship principled handlers. He is getting snappier trot departures and more consistent pivots, though he still goes a bit crooked sometimes. Also, his back up needs a lot of work. Bridget will have an easy time of getting him ready, though.
I had 5 barrels set up in a line, about 10' apart that I wanted him to weave through. I used the savvy string as a phase one, switched to neck reining lightly with the reins, then more ounces into the rein, then I added a finger to the rein for direct reining support. We got the weave at the walk pretty quick. I decided to give him a break from the weave pattern and let him lope around the pasture in big loops. He relaxed a lot and did a lot of blowing out of his nose. While we were rolling around the pasture, I guided him over an 18'' jump, and he just went right over. I was still prepared for the jog weave to be much more difficult, but it seemed that the preparation at the walk was helpful, and I was able to get him responding to leg and light savvy string pressure. I had an image of Bridget riding Connor bareback and bridleless. To finish our ride, I had him back up from the weave barrels. I had some initial opposition reflex, but then he relaxed and slid back. It is no wonder that his back up in the saddle is not the best seeing how it is not the best on the ground. I will pass that along to Bridget. If she can get him more responsive with that, I bet quite a few of his dominant behaviors will dissolve for her.
I dismounted after he backed up so nicely. After the bit was out and the saddle off, I took him out of the pasture to walk him around (it was 80 degrees here in the Lower Peninsula!) because he was pretty hot. I let him grab a couple mouthfuls of grass before I began walking him out. Bridget was asking me about practicing road safety, so I decided to walk him around the U-driveway and the stretch of road between the drives for the walk out. He did not care about the cars that flew by--and they were going 60 mph. I was pretty sure he was pretty road safe. So, Bridget just needs to work on feeling safe on the road herself. He is such a swell horse.
I gave him a bath after walking him out. He stood stock still and really enjoyed it. Then we grazed for a good 5 minutes and I put him in the dog pen where there is good grazing available. He stayed in there till I finished with Blu and Misty.
Misty was still not coming to see me, so I walked over to the gate between the pastures and let Blu (who walked over from where he was to greet me, as usual) onto Misty's side. She came over to me, probably to see if Blu was getting candy. I told Blu to go toodle off after some itches, and he did. Misty was walking away to stand in a corner, but could definitely feel that she was maintaining a connection...almost like she was telling me to stop her (?). I yielded her hind quarters and backed up and smiled and she came right over. I did not make to give her candy or pet her, I just leaned on the fence and kicked up a leg. She and I stood like that for good bit before I put the halter on with her permission. She really felt good when I put that thing on her. She searched for the halter and really cooperated.
She followed with a nice connection to the set up of barrels. This time, I was going to use them as targets for going sideways. I set her up and started to ask her to go sideways to the first barrel, but I had to gently clarify what I was asking as she was pretty darn sure I was asking her to come to me. I did not get fast or upset, I just rubbed her and started over gently. She tried going forward and tried to come sideways to me a few more times. When the light bulb went on, it was pretty clear to me: she went right to the barrel. I let her relax at each barrel for 30 seconds to 2 minutes. The next barrel was much easier to go sideways to, so I then asked her to come sideways to me. I had the savvy string over her back for that time, and she did it just fine, but I wondered if I could get her to come to me by just wiggling the stick over her back, and when I had success with that, I tried it with just the carrot stick raised while I backed away. Tah dah! Meanwhile, Misty was really relaxing, and I was enjoying the look on her face. Every barrel had a cookie on it, by the way. Also, I followed a pattern of two barrels forward (away from me), one barrel back (to me).
As we were getting to the end of the barrels, a huge explosion went off at the neighbors. Misty jumped in her skin, her head went up, and she took a few steps, but she did not "go anywhere." I did not ask anything of her or hold her back at all. That was important, I think. I let her stand for a while before I began backing up and lifted the stick. She bobbed her head, licked her lips, and came sideways to me. The connection was reestablished, and I was so proud of her. I had even been frightened by the explosion! I decided that we could not have a better ending spot than that for the sideways part of our session.
I took the halter and line off and itched her head for her. Then I pointed to the ball. This time, I had set up us for success with the ball closer. She went right to it and we began our going along. She got a cookie everytime she touched the ball, then as she became more motivated, I did not give her a cookie until she got it to roll. We did that and parted on very good terms. In fact, after I caught Blu and brought him to the barrels, she was all up in our stuff and trying to do what I was asking Blu to do!
I went and picked up the halter and line to go get Blu. He was over by the Northern fence line. As I approached, he began to eat faster, something I notice they do when they know I am going to come and take them from the grass. I let him eat until he slowed down again. Then I rubbed his itchy spots. I stepped back and yielded his hindquarters, and he immediately connected with his eyes, but very calmly. I walked backwards and he began to walk then trot to me when I began to trot. I did not put the halter for a little bit and I did some stick to me to evaluate the quality of his connection with me. He seemed very relaxed and happy.
I took Blu to the line of barrels and had him weave through them in a new way: I had him follow me instead of driving him through them. That was pretty rough at first until he caught on! He was frustrated in the beginning when he did not know what I was asking him, so I slowed down. Once he mastered that, I stopped weaving through, but I continued to have him follow me as I backed up. He got that fast. Next, I went straight forward by his side and drove and drew him through the weave at the trot. Piece of cake.
I was going to get on, but I decided that I wanted to try the 18'' jump while I rode, so I played with the jump on the ground, first. I started with the circling game. Went over very nicely several times. I switched to the squeeze game to add the turn face and wait factor so he would recognize the pattern when I was on his back. After 1 or 2 nice ones, then he seemed to decide that it was better to just kick it over and step over. Too, smart! I was satisfied that he was confident with it, so I got on by vaulting on. He stood still very nicely.
I rode through the weave, and today, he was so much more relaxed and responsive than the last time. He even jogged through and steered very nicely. Then I began to make a bigger loop around one of the barrels and line him up with the jump. He went right over. I liked it, but I only asked for about 3 jumps because we were just doing so nicely!
I took Blu out to the road to do what I did earlier with Connor. Blu is usually very reactive to traffic, but I had a plan. He was pretty worn out from our session, and the grass is really nice by the road. . . Well, we got out there, and I was focusing him on what surface he was on to keep his mind occupied. That really did seem to work because he was too busy trying to step on and off the pavement to pay much attention to the cars. Then, when I asked him to go down in the ditch, he said "Ah!!" and jumped over it, very right-brained. Hmm! So, I made it my goal to have him going through the ditch with confidence. While we worked on that, many cars went by, and he did not care. The whole road thing took about 7 minutes.
I gave Blu a rinse with the hose to cool him off and too set up my last goal in the session: the lay down. I let him go in the dusty part of the pasture and walked along with him, mirroring him. Then, when he lay down, I did, too. Tra lah lah! He was silly and tripped as he lay down. Too cute! My plan is to continue this pattern of rinsing him off and then laying down with him. I also go out when he is napping and sit with him and itch him. We have had some great moments when we were hanging out together. Someday, I will be able to lay down, and it will cue him to mirror me.
Hurrah, this post is finally over! What an ordeal! 2 days in the making...
Here is another version of this post:
I went to the farm and Misty met me at the fence and I gave her a handful of grass. I stood at a barrel and she came up to me and I gave her a cookie and scratches, but when I sent her to the ball, it was just too far away and she got half way there and decided to leave. So I spent an hour and twenty minutes playing with Connor. Britney has to learn how to neck rein, so I polished that a bit. I also worked on showmanship things like setting up for inspection. He was very well behaved and compliant. He really took to the savvy string rein-ring. (We did other relaxing things, too)
Next, I let Blu into Misty and Connor's pasture for later and played with Misty for 40 minutes. Most of it was chilling and getting scratched, but I have some choice things to share with you. A load of jackasses were at our neighbor's house doing everything they could to scare the horses. I did two things with Misty: I had spaced out barrels to target for going sideways to and from me on line, and then I took off her halter and we chased the ball at liberty. The boys shot or exploded something and it shook the ground. Misty's head came up and she took a few steps, but after a few seconds, started to back away from her and then I lifted the carrot stick and she bobbed her head, licked her lips, and came sideways to me. Connection reestablished! Then, they did it again when I was at liberty. Somehow, I did not jump that time, and Misty just spasmed and continued to focus on the ball. I saw one of the boys look over to see if she did anything. He looked disappointed and went back to the group of idiots.
Ha, find another farm to terrorize, kid! These is PNH hosses!! .Then I played with Blu. He is too cute, all the time. His highlight was after I bathed and grazed him, let him go in the dirty, bare part of the pasture. I walked around with him, waiting for the inevitable. When he started to go down, I laid down. He tripped on his way down and he fell. He is the only horse that I know who TRIPS AND FALLS DOWN WHEN HE IS TRYING TO LAY DOWN. That is comparable to tripping and falling into a chair as you are trying to sit in it
. Anyhow, we are making some very natural progress toward him learning to lay down on cue.I made it back inside in time for the Derby. I love that jockey (Calvin Borel). He has practically no teeth, he always cries when they sing My Old Kentucky Home, and his general antics are just so funny. I still really don't like the TB racing industry, but I think that Bayou character is hilarious (obviously).
Natural Horsewoman Out.
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About Me
- HorsesNaturally
- I am a young horsewoman with a million things on my mind. I have been a student of the horse all my life. As a little girl, I had a desire to understand horses on deeper levels. I believed that there was no such thing as a bad horse, and I believed that all horses were beautiful. One might say that I was a naive child, but I guess I don't have an excuse anymore, because I still believe all of that, and Parelli Natural Horsemanship is helping expand on this perspective.