Sunday 13th December 09
On a time schedule as dropped R & E at a party and had to go collect in an hour and a half.
D not interested in me but happy to be haltered after I got a bag out!
Poor D so itchy, he could hardly get a few feet without biting himself on his girth and flank areas. (Chatted to S about this -lice? Too hot in rug?)
It was rather a distraction but maybe not that unhelpful as he had something else to think about other than the bag! This week's bag was bigger, a plastic feed sack. D very keen to grab it from me and toss it away. Still working on him giving it to me (had chat at Parelli meet re this. n.b. look for book by Tommy Turvey!)
He was a bit alarmed by the bag at first - fault - I went a bit quicker than last week I think -but having put the bag on him, I couldn't take it off until he relaxed. I remember thinking "you should have taken longer to get to this point but you're committed now!" Then I stood breathing out slowly staring at the floor. D did relax with waiting and, by the end of the walk, I had the bag up round his ears (had a bit of opposition here too but just kept at it). Pre-Clinton Anderson, I would never have been so bold with the desensitising and I do need to remember to go slow. However, the overriding principle is it's the release that teaches which I hadn't really got the full message of before.
Had a bit of tail lifting at the sight of (different) horses again but, as D kept his feet still, I just left hm to look and, after a minute or so, he went off into home of his own accord. Good boy.
Sunday 13 December 2009
Faffed around again! Interesting feedback.
Monday 7th December 09
It was cold, wet, windy, the fence was down, I didn't have long etc. excuses, excuses.
Did jobs. D played with the ball for a bit near the shed then went to the top field so I went up and put the cones and the tyre out up there.
D keen to play at liberty and was great at putting his feet in the tyre but...how interesting... he was really grumpy about the weave and after a couple of lines, he took himself off down to the shed!! When you're at liberty all there is is the truth eh?! BFO - I've put too much pressure on him with this game (and figure of 8).
It's obvious really as I know I've felt frustrated with him at times when I've thought he's a bit slow on the uptake. I think what it really is is when he's unconfident, he doesn't try. I'll have to think about how that all works later as I've only remembered this writing a week later!
Anyway, I didn't have the will to get D and go back up as I was nearly out of time so I just went down, gave him a scratch and called it a day! Bit feeble...
It was cold, wet, windy, the fence was down, I didn't have long etc. excuses, excuses.
Did jobs. D played with the ball for a bit near the shed then went to the top field so I went up and put the cones and the tyre out up there.
D keen to play at liberty and was great at putting his feet in the tyre but...how interesting... he was really grumpy about the weave and after a couple of lines, he took himself off down to the shed!! When you're at liberty all there is is the truth eh?! BFO - I've put too much pressure on him with this game (and figure of 8).
It's obvious really as I know I've felt frustrated with him at times when I've thought he's a bit slow on the uptake. I think what it really is is when he's unconfident, he doesn't try. I'll have to think about how that all works later as I've only remembered this writing a week later!
Anyway, I didn't have the will to get D and go back up as I was nearly out of time so I just went down, gave him a scratch and called it a day! Bit feeble...
Extreme FG and a walk
Sunday 6th December 09
Got toys out and D was straight over to investigate. Definitely the best way to get him interested before haltering!
Great walk down the lane & back, really good extreme FG with the orange bag which at frist caused D to freeze up. By the end I was flapping it on his back and back end, always removing when he relaxed. By the time we got home, he was not bothered by it at all. Hurrah. Got to thinking of the things I could use for extreme FG. Everything has got to have a handle or be easily carried so I can go out with it:
Helium balloons
space hopper
Sheet
Bin bag/feed bags
UMBRELLA!!
When we came back, I waited by Joan's to look at her horses. Oh boy, D got into stallion mode, Boy can his life come up quickly and his tail completely kinked over his back. Had to out the bag down and send him back and forth a lot until he stood still. Joan's horses were trotting about a bit and Moet started calling so it was all high energy.
This has got me thinking I must take D to some shows in the Summer, he's just beside himself with excitement at seeing strange horses. I expect it will be very challenging for me but it's got to be done!!!
Got toys out and D was straight over to investigate. Definitely the best way to get him interested before haltering!
Great walk down the lane & back, really good extreme FG with the orange bag which at frist caused D to freeze up. By the end I was flapping it on his back and back end, always removing when he relaxed. By the time we got home, he was not bothered by it at all. Hurrah. Got to thinking of the things I could use for extreme FG. Everything has got to have a handle or be easily carried so I can go out with it:
Helium balloons
space hopper
Sheet
Bin bag/feed bags
UMBRELLA!!
When we came back, I waited by Joan's to look at her horses. Oh boy, D got into stallion mode, Boy can his life come up quickly and his tail completely kinked over his back. Had to out the bag down and send him back and forth a lot until he stood still. Joan's horses were trotting about a bit and Moet started calling so it was all high energy.
This has got me thinking I must take D to some shows in the Summer, he's just beside himself with excitement at seeing strange horses. I expect it will be very challenging for me but it's got to be done!!!
Dismounted workshop!
Saturday 5th December 09
What a great day! Had a fab time. I'm runnning out of time so can't write much (try to come back to this) but the main things I learnt:
1. How quickly my life comes up - with a lot of aggression (scarey!)
2. How reassuring friendly game is (rubs when blindfolded!)
3. That when a horse is uncertain, they may need to be held a bit more
What a great day! Had a fab time. I'm runnning out of time so can't write much (try to come back to this) but the main things I learnt:
1. How quickly my life comes up - with a lot of aggression (scarey!)
2. How reassuring friendly game is (rubs when blindfolded!)
3. That when a horse is uncertain, they may need to be held a bit more
Just huddled in the shed!
Sunday 29th November 2009
I was ill after the Celebration with Swine Flu from Monday to Friday and still feeling feeble over the weekend.
Went up on the Sunday pm and it was wet, blowing a gale and freezing! I went up in joggers and wellies with no extra socks, no hat. Prior & proper preparation prevents p poor performance. Oops.
I was too cold to do anything except faff around in the shed with the horses. I soothed myself by saying it was good undemanding time. Thats it...!
I was ill after the Celebration with Swine Flu from Monday to Friday and still feeling feeble over the weekend.
Went up on the Sunday pm and it was wet, blowing a gale and freezing! I went up in joggers and wellies with no extra socks, no hat. Prior & proper preparation prevents p poor performance. Oops.
I was too cold to do anything except faff around in the shed with the horses. I soothed myself by saying it was good undemanding time. Thats it...!
Parelli Celebration!
21st/22nd November 2009
What a fantastic weekend as always. I'm now writing in December so my memory is a bit faded. Highlights - Lauren Barwick - not a dry eye in the house. What a girl.
Savvy spotlights were great - Rachel Morland brought the house down as did Alison Jones. Rachel lying phoenix down was another dewy eyed moment. The trust is amazing to see.
Pat played with a very difficult horse, the most challenging I've seen in terms of how long it resisted and returned to it's old patterns. It was certainly a lesson in persistence! Linda rode Carmen Zulaufs (spelling?!) horse and had a lesson from Walter Zettl which was interesting. However, despite Walter repeatedly saying he would explain why he did everything, he did not explain and I know some people in the audience were bemused which was a pity. Perhaps Linda could have added the student's perspective as they went along (shall I email her to suggest this?!)
What a fantastic weekend as always. I'm now writing in December so my memory is a bit faded. Highlights - Lauren Barwick - not a dry eye in the house. What a girl.
Savvy spotlights were great - Rachel Morland brought the house down as did Alison Jones. Rachel lying phoenix down was another dewy eyed moment. The trust is amazing to see.
Pat played with a very difficult horse, the most challenging I've seen in terms of how long it resisted and returned to it's old patterns. It was certainly a lesson in persistence! Linda rode Carmen Zulaufs (spelling?!) horse and had a lesson from Walter Zettl which was interesting. However, despite Walter repeatedly saying he would explain why he did everything, he did not explain and I know some people in the audience were bemused which was a pity. Perhaps Linda could have added the student's perspective as they went along (shall I email her to suggest this?!)
Thursday 19 November 2009
Delightful Duncan!
Thursday 19th Nov 09
What a lovely time I had with Duncs today. He was an absolute delight to be with and, if ever a pony could have proved his worth to be invested in, he did just that!
I had the day off as B & M were coming so housework to be done etc. I also wanted to fit a session in with D before going to the PARELLI CELEBRATION this weekend! Of course, because I did D in the afternoon, my time got squeezed so that I only had 1.5 hours before having to pick Ed up.
It was very windy when I arrived so I thought perhaps extreme FG might not be wise. I certainly couldn't have tossed the bags out in front for D to pick up in case they blew about & scared us or the ponies next door. I suddenly thought "Lets go out!" so that's what we did.
At first when I got all my tools out, D started yawning. Mm....I approached him with the halter soon after and he pit his ears back and looked unhappy so I walked off and moseyed around for a bit. D went and inspected my BB pad on the floor and started trying to pick it up with his teeth. Oh no! I moved it away towards the gate and he went eagerly after it and again investigated it at which point I could see he wanted to play and, sure enough, his ears were pricked and he had a soft eye when I haltered him. I think he just needs to be reassured we are going to play. Perhaps I need to go back to doing PTP at liberty again as we did a lot in the Summer. I could just put out a couple of different things for him to investigate each time.
We went down the road (Flick too, on longer lead on treat pouch belt - much easier) and into the woods. D was so happy to be out. His ears were forward the whole time, no nipping. he was responsive and easy to be with. I really felt comfortable with him - like we were just two friends going for a walk! It was how I used to feel with Ollie really.
I have once before shown D how to do shoulder-in from the ground and I repeated it today and wow, he got it straight away and, like sideways when he first got that, he wanted to keep doing it at the slightest suggestion! I can't emphasize how much he loves "tricks"! I am going to have to get much more imaginative and also learn how to teach him them properly! I tried the Spanish Walk again and although he lifts his near fore to copy me, he doesn't really lift the off fore. I think this is properly taught by tapping the horses legs. I'm sure I can find some more info on-line although I wasn't very successful with finding out how to get the horse to give you a retrieved object!
In the woods, D amused me by setting off down a path he wanted to go on (like Zebedee who loved to choose where to go!). Of course I indulged him and we had a very nice detour before time determined we had to go back. M was great today, only called twice before we left the property but carried on grazing so I didn't have to worry about going a bit further.
When we got back, D stopped outside the entrance and didn't want to go back in! Atta boy. He was FAB.
What a lovely time I had with Duncs today. He was an absolute delight to be with and, if ever a pony could have proved his worth to be invested in, he did just that!
I had the day off as B & M were coming so housework to be done etc. I also wanted to fit a session in with D before going to the PARELLI CELEBRATION this weekend! Of course, because I did D in the afternoon, my time got squeezed so that I only had 1.5 hours before having to pick Ed up.
It was very windy when I arrived so I thought perhaps extreme FG might not be wise. I certainly couldn't have tossed the bags out in front for D to pick up in case they blew about & scared us or the ponies next door. I suddenly thought "Lets go out!" so that's what we did.
At first when I got all my tools out, D started yawning. Mm....I approached him with the halter soon after and he pit his ears back and looked unhappy so I walked off and moseyed around for a bit. D went and inspected my BB pad on the floor and started trying to pick it up with his teeth. Oh no! I moved it away towards the gate and he went eagerly after it and again investigated it at which point I could see he wanted to play and, sure enough, his ears were pricked and he had a soft eye when I haltered him. I think he just needs to be reassured we are going to play. Perhaps I need to go back to doing PTP at liberty again as we did a lot in the Summer. I could just put out a couple of different things for him to investigate each time.
We went down the road (Flick too, on longer lead on treat pouch belt - much easier) and into the woods. D was so happy to be out. His ears were forward the whole time, no nipping. he was responsive and easy to be with. I really felt comfortable with him - like we were just two friends going for a walk! It was how I used to feel with Ollie really.
I have once before shown D how to do shoulder-in from the ground and I repeated it today and wow, he got it straight away and, like sideways when he first got that, he wanted to keep doing it at the slightest suggestion! I can't emphasize how much he loves "tricks"! I am going to have to get much more imaginative and also learn how to teach him them properly! I tried the Spanish Walk again and although he lifts his near fore to copy me, he doesn't really lift the off fore. I think this is properly taught by tapping the horses legs. I'm sure I can find some more info on-line although I wasn't very successful with finding out how to get the horse to give you a retrieved object!
In the woods, D amused me by setting off down a path he wanted to go on (like Zebedee who loved to choose where to go!). Of course I indulged him and we had a very nice detour before time determined we had to go back. M was great today, only called twice before we left the property but carried on grazing so I didn't have to worry about going a bit further.
When we got back, D stopped outside the entrance and didn't want to go back in! Atta boy. He was FAB.
Saturday 14 November 2009
Ride number 4! A change of attitude when mounting.
Saturday 15th Nov 09
It was blowing an absolute gale today and, in the "wind tunnel" where the field shelter is, you could hardly stand up. Good for the ground after the torrential downpour yesterday.
Got to the field about 9.45 and we set off about 10.15. I was a bit concerned about the weather and if we might end up with a tree on our heads, but once out, it was a lot quieter. I thought D might be on his toes but he was actually the quietest he's been yet going out. He felt a bit stiff when I rode (as opposed to tense) or that could just be him when he's not fizzy! He was ok anyway and I knew he was going to be fine to ride as soon as we set off. The fact he tried to bite me a few times sealed it!
We went along the same route and I got on at the same handy bank. This time, D was noticeably different. In the moment between me sitting on and D walking on I usually get a coiled spring feeling and I'm relieved when S pulls us forwards! Today, he was chilled, no coiled spring, Still had to be pulled forwards but a different feeling - great! It may be tied in to him being less forward going today of course so I will be interested to see how he is next time.
D was great the whole ride. Kept criss-crossing behind M as usual on the way back but S and I are getting quite good at passing the rope back & forth! One discovery today...I started patting myself - as on the previous ride - to make a bit of noise and movement. D trotted again and suddenly I thought....hang on, this is what I do to up my phases to walk on, except I've got a rope in my hand. I also noticed D was trotting without tension. So, conclusion was to stop or I will desensitise him to my Go phases (I was stopping patting when he was walking!)!
So, I just moved my body around a bit, patted his bum a bit, swung my legs. Need to do some leaning forwards now. Thinking it over as I was riding I realised I don't actually need to do extreme FG on top of D and risk my neck. Everything I do on the ground will translate to what I'm doing on top - now where have I heard that before?! I do need to get him used to me moving but I can incorporate more movement each time I ride.
Back to the field, S got off and led us from the ground the last bit as M was really hard work today. I didn't feel like doing anything else hen we got back although I thought perhaps I should. Too cold and great to finish on a good note.
It was blowing an absolute gale today and, in the "wind tunnel" where the field shelter is, you could hardly stand up. Good for the ground after the torrential downpour yesterday.
Got to the field about 9.45 and we set off about 10.15. I was a bit concerned about the weather and if we might end up with a tree on our heads, but once out, it was a lot quieter. I thought D might be on his toes but he was actually the quietest he's been yet going out. He felt a bit stiff when I rode (as opposed to tense) or that could just be him when he's not fizzy! He was ok anyway and I knew he was going to be fine to ride as soon as we set off. The fact he tried to bite me a few times sealed it!
We went along the same route and I got on at the same handy bank. This time, D was noticeably different. In the moment between me sitting on and D walking on I usually get a coiled spring feeling and I'm relieved when S pulls us forwards! Today, he was chilled, no coiled spring, Still had to be pulled forwards but a different feeling - great! It may be tied in to him being less forward going today of course so I will be interested to see how he is next time.
D was great the whole ride. Kept criss-crossing behind M as usual on the way back but S and I are getting quite good at passing the rope back & forth! One discovery today...I started patting myself - as on the previous ride - to make a bit of noise and movement. D trotted again and suddenly I thought....hang on, this is what I do to up my phases to walk on, except I've got a rope in my hand. I also noticed D was trotting without tension. So, conclusion was to stop or I will desensitise him to my Go phases (I was stopping patting when he was walking!)!
So, I just moved my body around a bit, patted his bum a bit, swung my legs. Need to do some leaning forwards now. Thinking it over as I was riding I realised I don't actually need to do extreme FG on top of D and risk my neck. Everything I do on the ground will translate to what I'm doing on top - now where have I heard that before?! I do need to get him used to me moving but I can incorporate more movement each time I ride.
Back to the field, S got off and led us from the ground the last bit as M was really hard work today. I didn't feel like doing anything else hen we got back although I thought perhaps I should. Too cold and great to finish on a good note.
Sunday 8 November 2009
Extreme FG
Sat 7th Nov 09
A bit frustrating - I seem to be down to one day a week at the moment. Rich is now only off at weekends and at least one day we seem to be doing something all day. Hey ho, roll on January!
A lot has happened behind the scenes over the past few weeks which I haven't reported - wanted to wait until I knew what the outcome was.
Basically, I have had to take stock of where I am with D and that I'm not able to take part in the ridden section of Parelli clinics as he's nowhere near safe enough to join in with others and "doing my own thing" is not an option in case I have an accident. So, I approached James R, Parelli colt starter for help with me & D together. He said he couldn't help as, unless he knew the horse was safe, he couldn't teach me on a restart. He recommended having D restarted or, as a fall-back, getting myself to L4 on an easy horse and D to L3 on the ground before trying to restart him. This is all very good advice, echoed by T and B.
As to me getting to L4 on another horse, I don't want to abandon project D at this point to get my savvy up - although I am now realising I may not be doing D a favour by using him as my guinea pig! I do need to concentrate on the areas I know I'm not embedded enough - e.g. stopping with one rein & riding on a casual rein in times of trouble when -as a "normal" - I would usually get my leg on and ask the horse to collect and work laterally.
Getting D to level 3 on-line is definitely a good goal. I need to keep moving forward, it's easy to get stale and repeat the old favourites - although I'm dead chuffed at his bag-picking-up trick. I'm now trying to teach him to give it to me but the light-bulb hasn't gone on for him yet! I ought to try to make progress with the Spanish walk too! D really loves tricks - they make him so happy - climbing on things, pawing and biting things, touch it, anything which involves an object he can touch really.
Back to the behind the scenes....S and I have decided to seek help from Mandi Claxton, a Bruce Logan specialist experienced in colt starting. S has spoken to her and she remembers D and was very positive about him - as was Bruce when D went on the 3 day clinic with him. (Interestingly, apparently Bruce assessed D as having only tolerated being ridden, not accepted it.) I'm hoping to see Mandi teaching to see whether we're on the same page.
In the meantime, I've got so much work to do with D that I'm actually not in any hurry to get on with the riding beyond passengering at the moment. The passengering is invaluable but I now absolutely know the key is in extreme Friendly Game. I wouldn't have known that if I'd not done the passengering - although I should have done, I could have found that out by doing more EX FG. I used to do a lot of EX FG but I was overfacing D and he wasn't trusting me so I think I subconsciously gave it up as I wasn't confident doing it.
Well, now thanks to Clinton Anderson (cheers mate!), I feel very confident and I'm sure D knows it! I recorded CAs colt starting series on TV and it's been fab. To my untrained eye, it looks practically pure Parelli rebranded with the games given different names and done in a slightly different order. He really makes it look easy which, although it's obviously not, gives you the mental confidence to think "I can do that!" He always has a helper for the first 3 rides though
and these are done in the round pen. I'm trying to get his colt start DVDs as it's a step-by-step guide from start to ride 5.
So, I will finally get to what we did on Saturday:
1. Weave
2. Dragging the big white builder's bag round with D following then letting him go and bite it
3. Shaking it about a few feet from D until he a) stood still and b) relaxed (Ta again CA)
Well D has no problem with a) but I now realise just how long b) is coming and NOT TO QUIT!!!
It was really tempting a few times - it's OK to move the bag away a bit but you must keep up the rhythmic movement until relaxation comes, however small the sign. With D that is usually just a change in the expression in his eye. It's tiny but wow, what a feeling when you see it and quit.
4. Figure 8
5. Orange bag crinkling in the air around D and rubbing D with the bag interspersed with throwing the bag for D to retrieve - and trying to get him to hand it to me - not successful - will have to look up on the web.
6. Circling - kept it to walk & trot -too slippery for canter. Pretty good, I practised my "neutral"
7. White carrier bag on C/S - flapping about in the air and rubbing D with it
D was better with the carrier bag than the orange bag - he seems very sensitive to sound and the orange bag is very crackly. I was amused that the little pony in the field next door was terrified of the carrier bag exercise and trotted wildly round the field then stopping and snorting. I had to move further up the field away from him as he wouldn't eat his feed.
Anyway, at the end of all my playing I was out of time but I also didn't feel the need to get on D as I felt I'd done such a lot of good stuff towards riding. Goody goody, the future's bright, the future's an orange bag!
A bit frustrating - I seem to be down to one day a week at the moment. Rich is now only off at weekends and at least one day we seem to be doing something all day. Hey ho, roll on January!
A lot has happened behind the scenes over the past few weeks which I haven't reported - wanted to wait until I knew what the outcome was.
Basically, I have had to take stock of where I am with D and that I'm not able to take part in the ridden section of Parelli clinics as he's nowhere near safe enough to join in with others and "doing my own thing" is not an option in case I have an accident. So, I approached James R, Parelli colt starter for help with me & D together. He said he couldn't help as, unless he knew the horse was safe, he couldn't teach me on a restart. He recommended having D restarted or, as a fall-back, getting myself to L4 on an easy horse and D to L3 on the ground before trying to restart him. This is all very good advice, echoed by T and B.
As to me getting to L4 on another horse, I don't want to abandon project D at this point to get my savvy up - although I am now realising I may not be doing D a favour by using him as my guinea pig! I do need to concentrate on the areas I know I'm not embedded enough - e.g. stopping with one rein & riding on a casual rein in times of trouble when -as a "normal" - I would usually get my leg on and ask the horse to collect and work laterally.
Getting D to level 3 on-line is definitely a good goal. I need to keep moving forward, it's easy to get stale and repeat the old favourites - although I'm dead chuffed at his bag-picking-up trick. I'm now trying to teach him to give it to me but the light-bulb hasn't gone on for him yet! I ought to try to make progress with the Spanish walk too! D really loves tricks - they make him so happy - climbing on things, pawing and biting things, touch it, anything which involves an object he can touch really.
Back to the behind the scenes....S and I have decided to seek help from Mandi Claxton, a Bruce Logan specialist experienced in colt starting. S has spoken to her and she remembers D and was very positive about him - as was Bruce when D went on the 3 day clinic with him. (Interestingly, apparently Bruce assessed D as having only tolerated being ridden, not accepted it.) I'm hoping to see Mandi teaching to see whether we're on the same page.
In the meantime, I've got so much work to do with D that I'm actually not in any hurry to get on with the riding beyond passengering at the moment. The passengering is invaluable but I now absolutely know the key is in extreme Friendly Game. I wouldn't have known that if I'd not done the passengering - although I should have done, I could have found that out by doing more EX FG. I used to do a lot of EX FG but I was overfacing D and he wasn't trusting me so I think I subconsciously gave it up as I wasn't confident doing it.
Well, now thanks to Clinton Anderson (cheers mate!), I feel very confident and I'm sure D knows it! I recorded CAs colt starting series on TV and it's been fab. To my untrained eye, it looks practically pure Parelli rebranded with the games given different names and done in a slightly different order. He really makes it look easy which, although it's obviously not, gives you the mental confidence to think "I can do that!" He always has a helper for the first 3 rides though
and these are done in the round pen. I'm trying to get his colt start DVDs as it's a step-by-step guide from start to ride 5.
So, I will finally get to what we did on Saturday:
1. Weave
2. Dragging the big white builder's bag round with D following then letting him go and bite it
3. Shaking it about a few feet from D until he a) stood still and b) relaxed (Ta again CA)
Well D has no problem with a) but I now realise just how long b) is coming and NOT TO QUIT!!!
It was really tempting a few times - it's OK to move the bag away a bit but you must keep up the rhythmic movement until relaxation comes, however small the sign. With D that is usually just a change in the expression in his eye. It's tiny but wow, what a feeling when you see it and quit.
4. Figure 8
5. Orange bag crinkling in the air around D and rubbing D with the bag interspersed with throwing the bag for D to retrieve - and trying to get him to hand it to me - not successful - will have to look up on the web.
6. Circling - kept it to walk & trot -too slippery for canter. Pretty good, I practised my "neutral"
7. White carrier bag on C/S - flapping about in the air and rubbing D with it
D was better with the carrier bag than the orange bag - he seems very sensitive to sound and the orange bag is very crackly. I was amused that the little pony in the field next door was terrified of the carrier bag exercise and trotted wildly round the field then stopping and snorting. I had to move further up the field away from him as he wouldn't eat his feed.
Anyway, at the end of all my playing I was out of time but I also didn't feel the need to get on D as I felt I'd done such a lot of good stuff towards riding. Goody goody, the future's bright, the future's an orange bag!
Wednesday 4 November 2009
Ride No 3! More FG needed! Great new trick!
Sun 31st Oct 09
Met S at 3pm again. In the morning it was hammering with rain and blowing a hooley but by the afternoon the rain had stopped and wind dropped a lot. The horses were pretty spooky as there had been a huge bonfire across the road for Halloween the night before.
As the light fades quickly now, got a march on. D got a quick lick with a dandy and we were ready for the off. Went round Scarletts lake again. D was full of himself and on his toes but I didn't worry about getting on as he'd had time to take the edge off his energy as we have a 15 min walk before getting on.
D was fine with me getting on but he's always a little bit reluctant to step forward and I was glad when S kept a steady pressure on the rope to bring him forward - and which kept his head up too. I get the feeling that, in that pause, he's thinking about things and this is where the explosion could occur so you really need to get on and either go forward quickly or keep him flexed until he relaxes.
What was striking today was how much more jumpy D was with me moving around on him. I was patting myself and the pad and touching him. Each time, D broke into a trot and I kept up the patting until he walked then quit. There was a lot of licking & chewing going on! I think this was because he was on his toes today, not because he has become more sensitised. By the end of the ride, he was chilled again. Had some really nice trots - I'm very comfy on my bareback pad and love feeling everything going on underneath me. I can really feel when D is braced or relaxed.
Oh no - a pat on the bum sent him shooting forward and I grabbed TWO reins!! I didn't actually pull them, just gathered them - I'd had no contact at all - but there's a pattern I must break. In fact, if I only break one "traditional" pattern, that's the one. In my defence, I'm not a puller, but I have always micro-managed my horses and got them working in an outline when they got spooky. Although effective, this is not good practice as I must be able to do everything freestyle.
So, more, more more extreme FG needed and FG on the move (thanks Beth). I'm proud to say Duncs has picked up his newest trick very quickly (about 3 sessions). He can now walk to the thick orange Sainsburys bag, pick it up with his teeth and give it a good shake! Very amusing and, as I'd hoped, he has also become much more relaxed about having the bag on him. Must now try it walking along.....
Met S at 3pm again. In the morning it was hammering with rain and blowing a hooley but by the afternoon the rain had stopped and wind dropped a lot. The horses were pretty spooky as there had been a huge bonfire across the road for Halloween the night before.
As the light fades quickly now, got a march on. D got a quick lick with a dandy and we were ready for the off. Went round Scarletts lake again. D was full of himself and on his toes but I didn't worry about getting on as he'd had time to take the edge off his energy as we have a 15 min walk before getting on.
D was fine with me getting on but he's always a little bit reluctant to step forward and I was glad when S kept a steady pressure on the rope to bring him forward - and which kept his head up too. I get the feeling that, in that pause, he's thinking about things and this is where the explosion could occur so you really need to get on and either go forward quickly or keep him flexed until he relaxes.
What was striking today was how much more jumpy D was with me moving around on him. I was patting myself and the pad and touching him. Each time, D broke into a trot and I kept up the patting until he walked then quit. There was a lot of licking & chewing going on! I think this was because he was on his toes today, not because he has become more sensitised. By the end of the ride, he was chilled again. Had some really nice trots - I'm very comfy on my bareback pad and love feeling everything going on underneath me. I can really feel when D is braced or relaxed.
Oh no - a pat on the bum sent him shooting forward and I grabbed TWO reins!! I didn't actually pull them, just gathered them - I'd had no contact at all - but there's a pattern I must break. In fact, if I only break one "traditional" pattern, that's the one. In my defence, I'm not a puller, but I have always micro-managed my horses and got them working in an outline when they got spooky. Although effective, this is not good practice as I must be able to do everything freestyle.
So, more, more more extreme FG needed and FG on the move (thanks Beth). I'm proud to say Duncs has picked up his newest trick very quickly (about 3 sessions). He can now walk to the thick orange Sainsburys bag, pick it up with his teeth and give it a good shake! Very amusing and, as I'd hoped, he has also become much more relaxed about having the bag on him. Must now try it walking along.....
Monday 26 October 2009
Great ride No 2!
Sunday 25th October 09
Just what the doctor ordered! Had a fab ride round Scarletts lake. Same route as before. D totally chilled, not even tense when I got on. Walked & trotted. We went on the outside on the way back on the road.
Sharon "let me off" when we got back and I got stuck with D's head down munching. I felt like a little kid!! Had to go to Ph 4 to get him to walk on and when he did he was bracey. I said "Look, he's worried" but even as I said it I revised it to "I bet he's fed up, he wants to eat the grass"! S confirmed this to be the case which was good, piggy rather than panicky! He was a really good boy.
Just what the doctor ordered! Had a fab ride round Scarletts lake. Same route as before. D totally chilled, not even tense when I got on. Walked & trotted. We went on the outside on the way back on the road.
Sharon "let me off" when we got back and I got stuck with D's head down munching. I felt like a little kid!! Had to go to Ph 4 to get him to walk on and when he did he was bracey. I said "Look, he's worried" but even as I said it I revised it to "I bet he's fed up, he wants to eat the grass"! S confirmed this to be the case which was good, piggy rather than panicky! He was a really good boy.
More oh dears!
Friday 24th october 09
I felt mouldy and it was rainy & blowy. D was both spooky RB and dominant LB, flicking from one state to another in a moment. I was not patient at all and tried to push him through extreme FG with the bag (actually ok with that) then too soon into driving from Z4 - he didn't want to go here then there and I kept going to Ph 4 then he'd get spooky, lots of trying to get away and kicking his heels up. I really was not in the mood and ended up having a little weep I was so frustrated and wishing D was more straight forward.
Pulled myself together and chilled out a bit, at least the procupines from the nose were nice today! Got some nice sideways but D was not impressed with me and neither was I! No way riding was an option so we left on a reasonable note ('though the next visit he turned and walked away from me which he hasn't done for ages!!! I looked at S and said "feedback!")
I felt like I was on a slippery slope down until I thought about the situation in "normal" terms - that is within my previous pre-parelli riding experience. If a horse was spooky (which O often was), I would ride round & round changing direction, moving forwards, transitions etc in an area of the school or field they felt safe in until the horse was with me & listening. I would not use my stick & try to force them where they did not want to go. So why was I doing that on the ground?
Felt a lot better as it all started to make sense and I could see where I'd gone wrong. Must try harder..............!
I felt mouldy and it was rainy & blowy. D was both spooky RB and dominant LB, flicking from one state to another in a moment. I was not patient at all and tried to push him through extreme FG with the bag (actually ok with that) then too soon into driving from Z4 - he didn't want to go here then there and I kept going to Ph 4 then he'd get spooky, lots of trying to get away and kicking his heels up. I really was not in the mood and ended up having a little weep I was so frustrated and wishing D was more straight forward.
Pulled myself together and chilled out a bit, at least the procupines from the nose were nice today! Got some nice sideways but D was not impressed with me and neither was I! No way riding was an option so we left on a reasonable note ('though the next visit he turned and walked away from me which he hasn't done for ages!!! I looked at S and said "feedback!")
I felt like I was on a slippery slope down until I thought about the situation in "normal" terms - that is within my previous pre-parelli riding experience. If a horse was spooky (which O often was), I would ride round & round changing direction, moving forwards, transitions etc in an area of the school or field they felt safe in until the horse was with me & listening. I would not use my stick & try to force them where they did not want to go. So why was I doing that on the ground?
Felt a lot better as it all started to make sense and I could see where I'd gone wrong. Must try harder..............!
Oh dear day
Monday 19th October 09
This are going to be brief as must get to bed but I'm 3 entries behind! I deliberately left this one as I was pretty mad with myself afterwards. This is what I emailed to T afterwards:
I had terrible trouble today with Duncs throwing his head up and even biting my coat sleeves when I touched his face. I'm afraid I got totally predatorial and frustrated and even (horrors!) jerked on the rope a few times before getting a grip of myself. So, so much for my porcupining before touching. I was very disheartened and resorted to giving him a treat after he'd been soft which meant he was soft because he wanted the treat, not because he respected me - but it broke my cycle of frustration if nothing else (no if about it!)
There were some positives - lovely driving from Z4 and good circling. Did some more with the Sainsbury's bag too. However, D was disappointingly tense when I got on - though marginally quicker to relax and actually moved about a bit while grazing. I was not proud of myself today :(
This are going to be brief as must get to bed but I'm 3 entries behind! I deliberately left this one as I was pretty mad with myself afterwards. This is what I emailed to T afterwards:
I had terrible trouble today with Duncs throwing his head up and even biting my coat sleeves when I touched his face. I'm afraid I got totally predatorial and frustrated and even (horrors!) jerked on the rope a few times before getting a grip of myself. So, so much for my porcupining before touching. I was very disheartened and resorted to giving him a treat after he'd been soft which meant he was soft because he wanted the treat, not because he respected me - but it broke my cycle of frustration if nothing else (no if about it!)
There were some positives - lovely driving from Z4 and good circling. Did some more with the Sainsbury's bag too. However, D was disappointingly tense when I got on - though marginally quicker to relax and actually moved about a bit while grazing. I was not proud of myself today :(
Sunday 18 October 2009
Fan-tas-tic da-a-ay!
Sun 16th Oct 09 - My FIRST PROPER RIDE!!
I had negotiated 2.5 hrs time off this pm but hadn't quite decided what to do yet when I spoke to Sharon who said she was taking M round Scarletts lake. I said maybe I would come too and the thought popped into my mind that I could possibly ride a bit of the way, especially when S said "It's quite a long way to walk!"
We met up at the field and agreed to go out and that I would have a sit on and be led for some of the way. I did a tiny warm up of porcupining Z1, foot on the mounting block and circling before we set off. We turned left and went along the main road then right into Shepherds Grove. D was quite joggy but I thought he would run out of steam quite quickly and, sure enough, by the time we turned into Scarletts lake lane, he was quiet.
I gave S the lead rope and stood on a hillock to mount. D was fine about the mounting but quickly became very tense at the signal to move off. He fidgeted and squashed my leg into M a bit which then made him jump a bit. I would describe him as being on "high alert" and very touchy but he held it together. After a minute or so S said he was licking & chewing a lot which I was glad to hear (quick too). He stayed pretty tense through his back until we got to the lovely old house but then he lowered his head and got into the rhythm. I must say, I felt very safe in S's hands - but still clutched the front of the B/B pad with one hand & the neckstrap and D's mane with the other!!!
We had a few trots which at first were very staccato and made me laugh as I was bumping! By the end of the ride we had both relaxed enough so that there was a swing coming through from behind and, at one point, I felt a really lovely powerful trot. What a fantastic feeling it was to be riding D after all this time. It was a moment I'd imagined for so long - but so unexpected that it should happen today! It was a gorgeous afternoon too. We rode back along the main road and right back to the field where Rob took a picture of the momentous occasion!
I almost didn't go for it as I thought I should really "stick to my plan". Of course I shall stick to my plan in the field but if we can do this even once a week it will be fantastic for Ds confidence and I'm sure he will start to be a bit bolder with me in the field too. Wow whee! On top of the world!
I had negotiated 2.5 hrs time off this pm but hadn't quite decided what to do yet when I spoke to Sharon who said she was taking M round Scarletts lake. I said maybe I would come too and the thought popped into my mind that I could possibly ride a bit of the way, especially when S said "It's quite a long way to walk!"
We met up at the field and agreed to go out and that I would have a sit on and be led for some of the way. I did a tiny warm up of porcupining Z1, foot on the mounting block and circling before we set off. We turned left and went along the main road then right into Shepherds Grove. D was quite joggy but I thought he would run out of steam quite quickly and, sure enough, by the time we turned into Scarletts lake lane, he was quiet.
I gave S the lead rope and stood on a hillock to mount. D was fine about the mounting but quickly became very tense at the signal to move off. He fidgeted and squashed my leg into M a bit which then made him jump a bit. I would describe him as being on "high alert" and very touchy but he held it together. After a minute or so S said he was licking & chewing a lot which I was glad to hear (quick too). He stayed pretty tense through his back until we got to the lovely old house but then he lowered his head and got into the rhythm. I must say, I felt very safe in S's hands - but still clutched the front of the B/B pad with one hand & the neckstrap and D's mane with the other!!!
We had a few trots which at first were very staccato and made me laugh as I was bumping! By the end of the ride we had both relaxed enough so that there was a swing coming through from behind and, at one point, I felt a really lovely powerful trot. What a fantastic feeling it was to be riding D after all this time. It was a moment I'd imagined for so long - but so unexpected that it should happen today! It was a gorgeous afternoon too. We rode back along the main road and right back to the field where Rob took a picture of the momentous occasion!
I almost didn't go for it as I thought I should really "stick to my plan". Of course I shall stick to my plan in the field but if we can do this even once a week it will be fantastic for Ds confidence and I'm sure he will start to be a bit bolder with me in the field too. Wow whee! On top of the world!
Saturday 17 October 2009
Confidence & honesty! It's a long one......
Sat 15th Oct 09
Got so much in my head I hardly know where to start! So, in the words of Julie Andrews.."lets start at the very beginning, a very good place to start"!
Warmed up fairly strong in terms of speed and zero tolerance towards the head flip (returned plus some today which gave me a good indication of D's mood!) Had to really hang on to the rope until he released down. It did work over the session though so I'm keeping to this method as it's the most effective yet. Did some weave, porcupine, extreme FG with pad and C/S, foot up onto mounting block then set off for a walk intending to do sideways and driving from z4 while out & circling when I got back.
D was great out, a lot of the walk our footsteps were completely in time. I practised my singing as my throat is - at last- feeling better (& I've got til Mon to learn as "As long as he needs me!") and D seemed to like it so that was encouraging! Very little grass diving, great climbing on the banks, good in the woods - more confident than last time - so really pleased with him. On the way back, I felt really happy that, at last, things are starting to be more intuitive for me in this system. Like driving a car, I don't have to think about every thing I do any more.
I was keen to get back, get on & do nothing so, being short of time, when I got back to the field, I skipped circling. I know you're supposed to walk, trot & canter on-line before you get on but going for a walk will always show up any demons lurking so I felt safe to get on.
So, this is where it started to get interesting - as I learned a lot about me today......both because of today - and reflecting on my lesson.
To start with, my lesson....I was dead keen to get on D but, thinking about it now, when I got up, I really only wanted to do what I wanted to do, which was to sit still, do lateral flexion and interrupt any brace. I think this is a) because I have a plan which I am convinced will work long term - therefore I am comfortable with it and b) I feel safe with this plan.
So, had I thought this through before, I could have said to Terri that that was all I wanted to do and we could have had a nice chat while I sat and did (hopefully!) nothing. Anyway, as I wrote, we tried to get D to walk about a tiny bit but he was very bracey & skeptical - starting from me disengaging the HQs - which I have deliberately avoided for ages as I have decided to only passenger for as long as it takes D to be confident to walk about.
So, whilst D was tense, I'm sure I could have contributed to his negativity by not being up for it myself! I was also aware that I wanted to bend him every time he got tense. Terri said "just rub him, don't grab him all the time or he'll come to expect it and this could set up a brace". I didn't like this advice much at the time as I don't feel safe when the brace sets in - it's the fear of what might happen next - so I'd rather make a pre-emptive strike. If I'm honest, I thought to myself later that I might not take that advice as me feeling safe was my number one priority!!!!
Fast forward to today, I got on and sat - singing - (not easy sitting down!) waiting for D to relax. He did not! I can feel the tension in his back and the fact that he was not grazing said it all. We've gone backwards a bit in this respect. I'd given myself more time today as, since it's been getting dark, my "ridden" time has been squeezed a lot as I've been loathe to cut down on the groundwork.
After about 10 minutes, D plucked up the courage to graze and even walked a bit after Moet which is when the first spook happened. I had already got off and back on a couple of times when i could see D staring intently at things yonder. We got so close to M, I brushed my foot against his rug. M jumped and so did D. That was it, no more. but I quickly disengaged & got off. D wasn't bothered by this I'm glad to say. I got back on straight away.
D fluctuated between grazing and gazing and then came the next spook. A bird flew up out from behind the shed. M jumped & so did D. This time, because I'd sat the jump and survived, I didn't feel the need to get off! I just sat & rubbed & sang! Aha.....something was starting to shift in my mind, memories of similar feelings bubbling to the surface. Eureka!!!! I remembered that when I started to sit on Ollie in the field, I would jump off at the slightest whiff of danger...and I mean slightest! Over time, each time I got off and saw that, actually Ollie was not going to P off round the field just because Mollie did etc, I grew in confidence and next time, stayed on longer.
Now, here's the big revelation...I thought back to why I was unconfident on Ollie when I got him back. It wasn't because of the napping. That's not scary, it's annoying. It was because a) I was in a big field with a lot of running space and b) I was sitting on a bareback pad with a rope halter for brakes!!!
So Terri was so right when she said we could really do with a round pen! That would fix concern A - which is a valid one. As far as concern B goes, I have got to deal with my own insecurities about falling off due to losing my balance and lack of control as this is nothing to do with D. I have always been worried about my balance - which is why I bought a big western saddle for Ollie - I wanted to hold on to the pommel in an emergency!!! Also, Let's face it, my number of hours riding in a halter on a BB pad are minimal compared to years with saddle & bridle.
Well, as I'm not about to saddle & bridle D up, I have to recognize these fears and deal with them as best I can. For me, that means, the more success I have and the more I don't fall off or get run off with, the more confident I become. I do know a lot more about balance now through Parelli but I need to work on this all the time.
So, I was having a huge lick & chew after the "survived spook" & at last, D was starting to relax too (connected?!! Cesar would say so!) he did LOADS of yawning and then started to blow out to which I gave him a lot of "Good Boys" as he really responds to this. Alas the clock was ticking but i stayed on another 5 mins then got off thoroughly pleased with D - and myself too if I'm honest. And why not...I've bared my soul here today which has been therapeutic. I hope it will also be cathartic!
Got so much in my head I hardly know where to start! So, in the words of Julie Andrews.."lets start at the very beginning, a very good place to start"!
Warmed up fairly strong in terms of speed and zero tolerance towards the head flip (returned plus some today which gave me a good indication of D's mood!) Had to really hang on to the rope until he released down. It did work over the session though so I'm keeping to this method as it's the most effective yet. Did some weave, porcupine, extreme FG with pad and C/S, foot up onto mounting block then set off for a walk intending to do sideways and driving from z4 while out & circling when I got back.
D was great out, a lot of the walk our footsteps were completely in time. I practised my singing as my throat is - at last- feeling better (& I've got til Mon to learn as "As long as he needs me!") and D seemed to like it so that was encouraging! Very little grass diving, great climbing on the banks, good in the woods - more confident than last time - so really pleased with him. On the way back, I felt really happy that, at last, things are starting to be more intuitive for me in this system. Like driving a car, I don't have to think about every thing I do any more.
I was keen to get back, get on & do nothing so, being short of time, when I got back to the field, I skipped circling. I know you're supposed to walk, trot & canter on-line before you get on but going for a walk will always show up any demons lurking so I felt safe to get on.
So, this is where it started to get interesting - as I learned a lot about me today......both because of today - and reflecting on my lesson.
To start with, my lesson....I was dead keen to get on D but, thinking about it now, when I got up, I really only wanted to do what I wanted to do, which was to sit still, do lateral flexion and interrupt any brace. I think this is a) because I have a plan which I am convinced will work long term - therefore I am comfortable with it and b) I feel safe with this plan.
So, had I thought this through before, I could have said to Terri that that was all I wanted to do and we could have had a nice chat while I sat and did (hopefully!) nothing. Anyway, as I wrote, we tried to get D to walk about a tiny bit but he was very bracey & skeptical - starting from me disengaging the HQs - which I have deliberately avoided for ages as I have decided to only passenger for as long as it takes D to be confident to walk about.
So, whilst D was tense, I'm sure I could have contributed to his negativity by not being up for it myself! I was also aware that I wanted to bend him every time he got tense. Terri said "just rub him, don't grab him all the time or he'll come to expect it and this could set up a brace". I didn't like this advice much at the time as I don't feel safe when the brace sets in - it's the fear of what might happen next - so I'd rather make a pre-emptive strike. If I'm honest, I thought to myself later that I might not take that advice as me feeling safe was my number one priority!!!!
Fast forward to today, I got on and sat - singing - (not easy sitting down!) waiting for D to relax. He did not! I can feel the tension in his back and the fact that he was not grazing said it all. We've gone backwards a bit in this respect. I'd given myself more time today as, since it's been getting dark, my "ridden" time has been squeezed a lot as I've been loathe to cut down on the groundwork.
After about 10 minutes, D plucked up the courage to graze and even walked a bit after Moet which is when the first spook happened. I had already got off and back on a couple of times when i could see D staring intently at things yonder. We got so close to M, I brushed my foot against his rug. M jumped and so did D. That was it, no more. but I quickly disengaged & got off. D wasn't bothered by this I'm glad to say. I got back on straight away.
D fluctuated between grazing and gazing and then came the next spook. A bird flew up out from behind the shed. M jumped & so did D. This time, because I'd sat the jump and survived, I didn't feel the need to get off! I just sat & rubbed & sang! Aha.....something was starting to shift in my mind, memories of similar feelings bubbling to the surface. Eureka!!!! I remembered that when I started to sit on Ollie in the field, I would jump off at the slightest whiff of danger...and I mean slightest! Over time, each time I got off and saw that, actually Ollie was not going to P off round the field just because Mollie did etc, I grew in confidence and next time, stayed on longer.
Now, here's the big revelation...I thought back to why I was unconfident on Ollie when I got him back. It wasn't because of the napping. That's not scary, it's annoying. It was because a) I was in a big field with a lot of running space and b) I was sitting on a bareback pad with a rope halter for brakes!!!
So Terri was so right when she said we could really do with a round pen! That would fix concern A - which is a valid one. As far as concern B goes, I have got to deal with my own insecurities about falling off due to losing my balance and lack of control as this is nothing to do with D. I have always been worried about my balance - which is why I bought a big western saddle for Ollie - I wanted to hold on to the pommel in an emergency!!! Also, Let's face it, my number of hours riding in a halter on a BB pad are minimal compared to years with saddle & bridle.
Well, as I'm not about to saddle & bridle D up, I have to recognize these fears and deal with them as best I can. For me, that means, the more success I have and the more I don't fall off or get run off with, the more confident I become. I do know a lot more about balance now through Parelli but I need to work on this all the time.
So, I was having a huge lick & chew after the "survived spook" & at last, D was starting to relax too (connected?!! Cesar would say so!) he did LOADS of yawning and then started to blow out to which I gave him a lot of "Good Boys" as he really responds to this. Alas the clock was ticking but i stayed on another 5 mins then got off thoroughly pleased with D - and myself too if I'm honest. And why not...I've bared my soul here today which has been therapeutic. I hope it will also be cathartic!
Tuesday 13 October 2009
Lesson with Terri
Tues 14th Oct 09
Not much time to write so will try to be succinct!
Had a great lesson with loads to work on now on the ground:
On board was interesting, D great to get on, was relaxed and confident - impatient to eat! This changed after I asked him to disengage the HQs - which I haven't done for a while (deliberately as it's asking him to move his feet!) D became unconfident which made me a bit unconfident too. Had to get off and run up and down a bit. I'm seeing a theme of changing the pattern leading to skepticism and braciness.
I got back on and T put a string round Ms neck to see if D would follow him a few steps but, right away, D's head came right up and neck braced so I got off and we changed tack as I wasn't getting a good feeling about it! I had to circle D a bit until we got back to where he was emotionally before (although he was still a bit tense in his back).
Weird, I noticed again that D is quite happy to walk about with me lying over him but when I sit up, he doesn't want to move his feet. This is either a) because he has not accepted the human being up so high or b) sitting up means riding whereas lying over does not. If I didn't know D, I'd think the latter was a bit imaginative but, as he knows putting a hat on means riding, it's quite plausible.
Interesting, when he walked off with me lying over however, he took me to the shed again!! Would have taken me in if I hadn't jumped off!
We finished with me just sitting, Terri got D interested in her by nibbling treats, then he followed her about a bit - during which time he was very relaxed. In an ideal world, we'd have a round pen with good footing to get D used to going forward without too much space for mischief. For the moment, however, I'm going to keep going with my sitting passenger and emergency dismounts. I figure that D will eventually get confident enough to walk about. Maybe I will have to put aside 2 days for it!
Ooh, mustn't forget...Fab porcpines from the nose, barely any resistance and very little rope chewing today either. Hurrah! Progress!!!
Not much time to write so will try to be succinct!
Had a great lesson with loads to work on now on the ground:
- Extreme FG - used an orange bag - D unconfident being touched with it and when made a scrunchy sound. Also do more banging around with BB pad. Careful not to put too much pressure on tho & cause D to go extreme RBI
- Driving from Z4- this was really fun. D liked it too - less crabby than when I'm in Z2/3. Had some lovely back-ups too.
- Weave from a distance - T had to hold the back of my jeans to stop me drifting forward with the drive! Also gotta remember to go to neutral when D doing the right thing so he learns pattern by himself
- Circling - Find NEUTRAL! I'm still egging D on after he's moved up a gear! D was really good on circling today - been getting progressively better (with treats for a small effort!)
- Don't porcupine back onto things if D unconfident - this could be too much pressure
On board was interesting, D great to get on, was relaxed and confident - impatient to eat! This changed after I asked him to disengage the HQs - which I haven't done for a while (deliberately as it's asking him to move his feet!) D became unconfident which made me a bit unconfident too. Had to get off and run up and down a bit. I'm seeing a theme of changing the pattern leading to skepticism and braciness.
I got back on and T put a string round Ms neck to see if D would follow him a few steps but, right away, D's head came right up and neck braced so I got off and we changed tack as I wasn't getting a good feeling about it! I had to circle D a bit until we got back to where he was emotionally before (although he was still a bit tense in his back).
Weird, I noticed again that D is quite happy to walk about with me lying over him but when I sit up, he doesn't want to move his feet. This is either a) because he has not accepted the human being up so high or b) sitting up means riding whereas lying over does not. If I didn't know D, I'd think the latter was a bit imaginative but, as he knows putting a hat on means riding, it's quite plausible.
Interesting, when he walked off with me lying over however, he took me to the shed again!! Would have taken me in if I hadn't jumped off!
We finished with me just sitting, Terri got D interested in her by nibbling treats, then he followed her about a bit - during which time he was very relaxed. In an ideal world, we'd have a round pen with good footing to get D used to going forward without too much space for mischief. For the moment, however, I'm going to keep going with my sitting passenger and emergency dismounts. I figure that D will eventually get confident enough to walk about. Maybe I will have to put aside 2 days for it!
Ooh, mustn't forget...Fab porcpines from the nose, barely any resistance and very little rope chewing today either. Hurrah! Progress!!!
Sunday 11 October 2009
Play day watching!
Sun 10th Oct 09
Had a lovely day. Went to Bletchingly to watch a play day. I had E all day as R nights so couldn't have taken D - plus transport still tricky.
Took Sue and Alex along and we had a picnic (as soon as we arrived!). Very impressed with the standard of all the participants, met a few new people including the woman who took my/Ollie's place at Fiona's. Small world! Everyone very welcoming. After an hour or so, we went inside (minus horses) for Parelli cake and spritzers - four of the girls were celebrating their L2 on-line passes. The kids were really good and played on the hay and with a little sand pit. Fantastic...Louise retied my hackamore following the instructions I'd printed from the Parelli webiste earlier. I did help a bit....honest!
We went home after this in a quit while you're ahead mood!
Had a lovely day. Went to Bletchingly to watch a play day. I had E all day as R nights so couldn't have taken D - plus transport still tricky.
Took Sue and Alex along and we had a picnic (as soon as we arrived!). Very impressed with the standard of all the participants, met a few new people including the woman who took my/Ollie's place at Fiona's. Small world! Everyone very welcoming. After an hour or so, we went inside (minus horses) for Parelli cake and spritzers - four of the girls were celebrating their L2 on-line passes. The kids were really good and played on the hay and with a little sand pit. Fantastic...Louise retied my hackamore following the instructions I'd printed from the Parelli webiste earlier. I did help a bit....honest!
We went home after this in a quit while you're ahead mood!
I think I'm on to something! Plus first time in hackamore
Sat 9th Oct 09
Had a great time with D yesterday. Lovely day which always helps! Only had 2 hrs so didn't go out. Had a plan...warm up with loads of lateral flexion, get on and do loads of lateral flexion. The reason for this was I had been watching Clinton Anderson (G'day Mate!) who is not my favourite presenter but does follow all the Parelli principles with the added bonus that, because he works with horses in clinic format, with each episode following on with the same horse, you get a clear picture of the steps he takes and his long term goals.
Well, Clinton was working with a stiff, bracey, horse with not much go or whoah. He banged on and on about flexion and said he would do lateral flexion every day for 7 days over and over again until the horse was feather light. I notice C is very hard on the horses at times but they know completely where they stand and don't get upset because the release is always perfectly timed - and it's the release that teaches of course.
So added to my 7 day plan of:
Had a great time with D yesterday. Lovely day which always helps! Only had 2 hrs so didn't go out. Had a plan...warm up with loads of lateral flexion, get on and do loads of lateral flexion. The reason for this was I had been watching Clinton Anderson (G'day Mate!) who is not my favourite presenter but does follow all the Parelli principles with the added bonus that, because he works with horses in clinic format, with each episode following on with the same horse, you get a clear picture of the steps he takes and his long term goals.
Well, Clinton was working with a stiff, bracey, horse with not much go or whoah. He banged on and on about flexion and said he would do lateral flexion every day for 7 days over and over again until the horse was feather light. I notice C is very hard on the horses at times but they know completely where they stand and don't get upset because the release is always perfectly timed - and it's the release that teaches of course.
So added to my 7 day plan of:
- porcupine back from nose
- driving Z1
- sideways at trot
- circling
- backing to touch things with back feet
- lateral flexion to emergency dismount
- extreme FG and flank ropes
- Was.......more, more, more lateral flexion!
D was really keen to play today. I'm really liking this positive feedback as he will always let you know if he didn't enjoy himself the last time you played! He did great with all the above, especially porcupining from the nose (after asking him to lower head). He did toss his head up a bit but it was less violent and diminished greatly throughout the session. Got some great back-ups like this.
Had a funny moment - put a water carrier out as a touch-it object. D wanted to dribble it like the ball and managed to get it rolling along which pleased him as he then looked expectantly for his treat! Had some lovely sideways though D does still drag his HQs because he's a bit stiff. He tried his hardest anyway.
Any time D got tight and fixed on a distant object, I flexed him sideways or gave him a feel to follow. Now is this is micro-managing.....I don't know.....it's following the Cesar principle of not letting things escalate and creating the behaviour you want. Up until now, I would have just waited or asked him to do something else which may of course have had the effect of getting him to soften. But this is different, it's saying "don't brace your neck!" I guess time will tell but at the moment, I really feel I'm onto something (I'm looking for the Holy Grail!)
I did a lot of flexion on the ground and by the time I came to mount, D was totally up for it and chilled. In fact, he was so good, I was very tempted to stray from my plan and ask him to walk about. But I didn't! More excellent LF from on top (now in my strangely-tied hackamore), great dismounts (with some height now!) and D walking about a tiny bit of his own accord. I was delighted with him and hopped off just in time to get away and meet my 6pm curfew!
Oh, and the rope chewing and biting was low level today so I just ignored it.
Monday 5 October 2009
How to get effective without getting mean, mad or moody?
Mon 4th Oct 09
.....that is the question!
I didn't have a lot of time today and had already recognized that I was irritable (I'd allowed E to seriously rattle me and lost my cool!) So, I decided to go for the easy option and just go for a walk down the road.
It was raining, D was soaked and muddy so I didn't fancy putting the bareback pad on. Also didn't have time for "riding" so it didn't really matter. We warmed up with more porcupine, sideways and driving then set off slowly. D was a little RB at times but he flips so quickly you have to be on the ball the whole time in order to prevent the brace setting in. Fortunately, it's usually over quickly but then the diving at grass and hedges begins. This really got on my nerves today!
I confess, I was not as tolerant today and went too quickly through the phases a few times BUT - D seemed to respond pretty well considering. At times, I had the most lovely walk, head low, ears pricked, soft eyes. He was in the same frame of mind at times as he was by the end of the Essex course when I had to be "hard" on him to stay safe. He also did a lot less of the rope biting, face pulling (though this could be because he was less confident today).
I am noticing that there seems to be a cycle of:
1. LB pushy behaviour
2. I get a bit mean
3. D gets a bit RB
4. I work him harder
5. He gets softer and more obedient
6. I drop my guard
7. He gets more confident
8. He gets a pushy again
I found this on return from Essex...I have to scare D a bit to get respect. I really don't know how to pitch it at times as he can lose confidence so quickly over a couple of sessions (as with all horses) it's important to gauge it just right. I'll ask Terri!
So, back to the first question. How do I get effective without getting mean, mad or moody?
At the moment, I don't know the answer.....
.....that is the question!
I didn't have a lot of time today and had already recognized that I was irritable (I'd allowed E to seriously rattle me and lost my cool!) So, I decided to go for the easy option and just go for a walk down the road.
It was raining, D was soaked and muddy so I didn't fancy putting the bareback pad on. Also didn't have time for "riding" so it didn't really matter. We warmed up with more porcupine, sideways and driving then set off slowly. D was a little RB at times but he flips so quickly you have to be on the ball the whole time in order to prevent the brace setting in. Fortunately, it's usually over quickly but then the diving at grass and hedges begins. This really got on my nerves today!
I confess, I was not as tolerant today and went too quickly through the phases a few times BUT - D seemed to respond pretty well considering. At times, I had the most lovely walk, head low, ears pricked, soft eyes. He was in the same frame of mind at times as he was by the end of the Essex course when I had to be "hard" on him to stay safe. He also did a lot less of the rope biting, face pulling (though this could be because he was less confident today).
I am noticing that there seems to be a cycle of:
1. LB pushy behaviour
2. I get a bit mean
3. D gets a bit RB
4. I work him harder
5. He gets softer and more obedient
6. I drop my guard
7. He gets more confident
8. He gets a pushy again
I found this on return from Essex...I have to scare D a bit to get respect. I really don't know how to pitch it at times as he can lose confidence so quickly over a couple of sessions (as with all horses) it's important to gauge it just right. I'll ask Terri!
So, back to the first question. How do I get effective without getting mean, mad or moody?
At the moment, I don't know the answer.....
Sunday 4 October 2009
Phew...Nothing's broken. Aha & Ouch!
Sun 4th Oct 09
I had about 3 hrs today as R took E to the British Wildlife Centre, dropping me off first. I had decided to go out down the lane as had the dog. D was more interested in me today - good feedback from yesterday!
He is now happy to be haltered which is a great improvement to the early days when I used to follow him round for 10 minutes before I got enough interest to put the halter on with ears pricked. I gave him a quick brush and put the bareback pad on. There was quite a lot of yawning going on so I took my time.
I warmed up in the bottom paddock around the trees and, as usual, D was his strange mixture of RB/LB, switching from one moment to the next. He didn't like going round the trees (circling!) and pushed his shoulders in, shaking his head at me. I decided to back him up downhill towards the barn and found a weak spot in our foundation! He was quite unconfident and not sure what I wanted. After a few goes, I decided to porcupine him back so I could control his direction of travel more easily. This brought on the old argument about whether I can put my hand on his face.
I had already come to the conclusion that my exaggerated head rubbing in response to D's shove-off was not working. I suspected he was enjoying it and it was becoming a pattern all of it's own! So, today, I followed on from yesterday with porcupining his head down when he resisted. We left the field LB and had a very nice walk down the road. D loves climbing up a bank at the end. It's really high at one point but he gets straight up there all pleased with himself!
In my new quest to keep him calm-submissive at all times, whenever D got a bit RB, I got his attention back by zig-zagging across the road. This was great for follow-the feel which I also realised I need to do much much more of so that he's really light. Should also help with any napping issues. On the way back, D rushed a bit but I was able to slow him right down by asking him to match my "moon walk" which was fun. At times, I find him surprisingly responsive - I'm always grateful!
M called a few times, as usual D didn't respond once which is nice! When we got back, M was grazing, another good step forward. We went into the shed. D & I had a drink and then went into the top right field below the church. He was a bit apprehensive but I got him busy and went slow!
Over the session, I had a huge Aha! Now this is nothing I haven't heard before but it really hit home today. I have got to have dominance over Z1 in order to get D's respect. Fantastic! It's such a concrete outcome to work towards. I don't think he'll give it up easily but when it comes, I think it could change everything!!!! A few more ahas:
I had about 3 hrs today as R took E to the British Wildlife Centre, dropping me off first. I had decided to go out down the lane as had the dog. D was more interested in me today - good feedback from yesterday!
He is now happy to be haltered which is a great improvement to the early days when I used to follow him round for 10 minutes before I got enough interest to put the halter on with ears pricked. I gave him a quick brush and put the bareback pad on. There was quite a lot of yawning going on so I took my time.
I warmed up in the bottom paddock around the trees and, as usual, D was his strange mixture of RB/LB, switching from one moment to the next. He didn't like going round the trees (circling!) and pushed his shoulders in, shaking his head at me. I decided to back him up downhill towards the barn and found a weak spot in our foundation! He was quite unconfident and not sure what I wanted. After a few goes, I decided to porcupine him back so I could control his direction of travel more easily. This brought on the old argument about whether I can put my hand on his face.
I had already come to the conclusion that my exaggerated head rubbing in response to D's shove-off was not working. I suspected he was enjoying it and it was becoming a pattern all of it's own! So, today, I followed on from yesterday with porcupining his head down when he resisted. We left the field LB and had a very nice walk down the road. D loves climbing up a bank at the end. It's really high at one point but he gets straight up there all pleased with himself!
In my new quest to keep him calm-submissive at all times, whenever D got a bit RB, I got his attention back by zig-zagging across the road. This was great for follow-the feel which I also realised I need to do much much more of so that he's really light. Should also help with any napping issues. On the way back, D rushed a bit but I was able to slow him right down by asking him to match my "moon walk" which was fun. At times, I find him surprisingly responsive - I'm always grateful!
M called a few times, as usual D didn't respond once which is nice! When we got back, M was grazing, another good step forward. We went into the shed. D & I had a drink and then went into the top right field below the church. He was a bit apprehensive but I got him busy and went slow!
Over the session, I had a huge Aha! Now this is nothing I haven't heard before but it really hit home today. I have got to have dominance over Z1 in order to get D's respect. Fantastic! It's such a concrete outcome to work towards. I don't think he'll give it up easily but when it comes, I think it could change everything!!!! A few more ahas:
- Go slow when D is unsure but don't let him dwell - disengage/transitions etc.
- Keep control of his head head & neck - don't allow a brace to continue uncorrected
- Work towards complete dominance over Zone 1! by:
- Lots of backing up from the nose
- Driving the front end round
Now for the ouch moment! I broke my thumb nail right off! Serves me right, it was too long anyway but...how interesting...it was an extreme head flip-up that did it as I put my hand on his nose. So now I have a reminder! I was a bit cross as I thought he'd become a bit more accepting. I got him to back up all over the place from his nose after that! Some really soft ones too.
However, what I did notice was, as D became more subdued in the head tossing department, he became more fixated on biting the rope below his chin. He seemed to be replacing one dominant protest with another! He would get the rope right into his mouth and give it a good chomp. Initially I sawed it to and fro to try to get him to think "no thanks" but, a bit like the extreme head rubbing, he seemed to like it rough! Being a bit cross, I reverted into dog training mode and fixed a gimlet eye on D with a "Tsss" noise as he went for the rope. I have to say this was more effective (followed by a diversion) but I'm not sure how this fits in with Parelli! Will find out...........
Onto the mounting...it went really well and nothing's broken. (Phew!!!) I followed the new mantra of aiming always for calm-submission so didn't allow more than a moment of brace. I either porcupined D down, got him to flex right round or just follow a tiny feel enough to take the brace out of his neck. Amazing! What a change in attitude! All this is really starting to make sense to me from a dressage perspective now. You never ever ride or even warm up with a brace as it's completely counter-productive. I know we're always being told that everything on the ground relates to what you do on top but I think you've (I've!) got to experience it for it to become reality.
I sat on today with no worries at all and each time, did a slow-motion emergency dismount, D's getting much softer and quicker to flex which is making it much easier. The only thing which is a slight concern is this pre-occupation with biting the rope - or indeed me! D is not averse to trying to grab my boots, joggers or anything within reach so he's not there emotionally yet. That said, as these are all LB behaviours, I'd rather have those than the RB tension any day. In a perverse way, it's flattering he feels confident enough to try it on!
Saturday 3 October 2009
Eureka! More Cesar moments!
Sat 4th Oct 09
Before I went up today I was feeling a bit frustrated as I hadn't been able to play with Duncan for 2 weeks. Our last play got me worried and thinking a lots and I couldn't wait ('though a bit apprehensively) to see how much had been "broken". Thinking sensibly, I didn't think I'd have to go back to square one - but I couldn't rest until I saw/felt for myself just where we were.
I didn't go out as didn't arrive until 5.45. I decided to concentrate on calm-assertive behaviour on my part and getting calm-submission from D and keep the patterns low-key. All went fairly well in the warm up - D was very keen to play - PTP, porcupine, touch it with back feet. He was stressed though as he kept yawning through all the games.
I did find myself getting a bit agitated as there was a concert going on at Hammerwood church with men in dayglo jackets directing traffic, an orchestra warming up and a gaggle of kids running round shrieking (tho' to be fair D didn't mind the kids!). I confess I thought "My one night and all this is going on! I'm not going to be able to get on D tonight" I managed to get a grip of myself and remind myself that it was all about the relationship not about whether I got on or not!!!
If I thought D was being calm-submissive, when I asked him to circle it became apparent he was not, he'd just been humouring me because it was easy! He objected strongly, doing his bronc act -head between legs - quite funny because his back end doesn't actually kick up much but I can see how you could fall off - one to remember!! He also stopped a couple of times and turned in defiantly. Fortunately I maintained my Cesar persona and he gave in quite quickly. I'm always surprised he doesn't make a good effort to leave actually, his resistance is pretty half-hearted (I'm glad to say!).
After this outburst, he remained at a higher alert state and took off a couple of times before I'd asked. I think there may be a little bit of anxiety there but there's a lot of LB behaviour going on - head low to the ground, head tossing, and trying to bite the rope to name a few! After getting a noce attitide circle in trot, I quit and went back to driving, yielding HQ then front end and porcupine. The eureka bit is coming soon, honest!
After all the above, D seemed pretty chilled so I thought I would do some mounting prep and just lie over today. After chilled flexions and FG, I lay over him. Up came his head and back came the tense look. I got off the block and did some falling leaf during which he was quite agitated and LBE but tense.
I don't know what the trigger for the eureka was but I'd been having a bit of an argument with D about me touching his face again - he won't tolerate it without jerking his head up in a very dominant way. Previously I'd tried ignoring it but lately I'd been getting very busy rubbing his face, going quiet when he kept still then removing my hand. This had been fairly successful but I guess but abscence always brings the old challenges out again. Today, I was tpuching then quickly adding pressure on the halter rope to get D to yield downwards before taking my hand off. He got it really quickly.
Well, as I got back on the block and D's head came up with that huge brace underneath his neck, I suddenly had the idea to get off and get him to porcupine down. Then I got back on the block and he stayed there!!! I jumped up and leaned over him, flexed his head round towards me, got off and walked backwards (v slow emergency dismount). He stayed totally chilled.
I did the same thing again a few times, porcupined his head down then jumped up & lay over. His expression truly seemed to be as if he was saying "Well why didn't you say that was what you wanted?!!" He seemed so relieved if that's not being too anthropomorphic. I sat down on the mounting block and almost had a little weep because I felt for him so much. I pulled myself together because I remembered Cesar and the fact that crying can make you a weak energy source!
I think I finished right there but it was quite a long time before D gave up trying to investigate me sitting on the block. I had to enforce my personal space a few times! It was dark by now and the whole family came across the field from S & S's bearing torches, going to the church. D looked on with interest while M, bold as ever, went over to say hello! Whilst I was chatting to Sarah, D began eating and I thought "Good, I can go home now!"
I still have a few more thoughts but it's past midnight so time for bed! The main thoughts are - Quote Cesar: "You create the behaviour you want" and "It doesn't matter what technique you use if your energy is wrong". Can't resit adding this other great Cesar quote: "You don't always get the dog (horse?!) you want, but you get the dog you need!" Love it!
Before I went up today I was feeling a bit frustrated as I hadn't been able to play with Duncan for 2 weeks. Our last play got me worried and thinking a lots and I couldn't wait ('though a bit apprehensively) to see how much had been "broken". Thinking sensibly, I didn't think I'd have to go back to square one - but I couldn't rest until I saw/felt for myself just where we were.
I didn't go out as didn't arrive until 5.45. I decided to concentrate on calm-assertive behaviour on my part and getting calm-submission from D and keep the patterns low-key. All went fairly well in the warm up - D was very keen to play - PTP, porcupine, touch it with back feet. He was stressed though as he kept yawning through all the games.
I did find myself getting a bit agitated as there was a concert going on at Hammerwood church with men in dayglo jackets directing traffic, an orchestra warming up and a gaggle of kids running round shrieking (tho' to be fair D didn't mind the kids!). I confess I thought "My one night and all this is going on! I'm not going to be able to get on D tonight" I managed to get a grip of myself and remind myself that it was all about the relationship not about whether I got on or not!!!
If I thought D was being calm-submissive, when I asked him to circle it became apparent he was not, he'd just been humouring me because it was easy! He objected strongly, doing his bronc act -head between legs - quite funny because his back end doesn't actually kick up much but I can see how you could fall off - one to remember!! He also stopped a couple of times and turned in defiantly. Fortunately I maintained my Cesar persona and he gave in quite quickly. I'm always surprised he doesn't make a good effort to leave actually, his resistance is pretty half-hearted (I'm glad to say!).
After this outburst, he remained at a higher alert state and took off a couple of times before I'd asked. I think there may be a little bit of anxiety there but there's a lot of LB behaviour going on - head low to the ground, head tossing, and trying to bite the rope to name a few! After getting a noce attitide circle in trot, I quit and went back to driving, yielding HQ then front end and porcupine. The eureka bit is coming soon, honest!
After all the above, D seemed pretty chilled so I thought I would do some mounting prep and just lie over today. After chilled flexions and FG, I lay over him. Up came his head and back came the tense look. I got off the block and did some falling leaf during which he was quite agitated and LBE but tense.
I don't know what the trigger for the eureka was but I'd been having a bit of an argument with D about me touching his face again - he won't tolerate it without jerking his head up in a very dominant way. Previously I'd tried ignoring it but lately I'd been getting very busy rubbing his face, going quiet when he kept still then removing my hand. This had been fairly successful but I guess but abscence always brings the old challenges out again. Today, I was tpuching then quickly adding pressure on the halter rope to get D to yield downwards before taking my hand off. He got it really quickly.
Well, as I got back on the block and D's head came up with that huge brace underneath his neck, I suddenly had the idea to get off and get him to porcupine down. Then I got back on the block and he stayed there!!! I jumped up and leaned over him, flexed his head round towards me, got off and walked backwards (v slow emergency dismount). He stayed totally chilled.
I did the same thing again a few times, porcupined his head down then jumped up & lay over. His expression truly seemed to be as if he was saying "Well why didn't you say that was what you wanted?!!" He seemed so relieved if that's not being too anthropomorphic. I sat down on the mounting block and almost had a little weep because I felt for him so much. I pulled myself together because I remembered Cesar and the fact that crying can make you a weak energy source!
I think I finished right there but it was quite a long time before D gave up trying to investigate me sitting on the block. I had to enforce my personal space a few times! It was dark by now and the whole family came across the field from S & S's bearing torches, going to the church. D looked on with interest while M, bold as ever, went over to say hello! Whilst I was chatting to Sarah, D began eating and I thought "Good, I can go home now!"
I still have a few more thoughts but it's past midnight so time for bed! The main thoughts are - Quote Cesar: "You create the behaviour you want" and "It doesn't matter what technique you use if your energy is wrong". Can't resit adding this other great Cesar quote: "You don't always get the dog (horse?!) you want, but you get the dog you need!" Love it!
Monday 28 September 2009
More Cesar thoughts....
28 Sept 09
Didn't get to play all weekend as Rich working. Today, just went up to feed & took G in her wheelchair. Got the ball out for D to show off his dribbling skills to her as she'd been wanting to see this for some time! He was obliging but the best bit was he carried on after I went into the shed to make the feeds! Edmund wanted a ride so good old M was called upon and obliged by carrying him back to his grazing spot.
My blog is therefore just about thinking! Steady! When Cesar works with unbalanced dogs, his aim is for them to be calm-submissive. I was thinking about how this translates to D and here's my thinking on his moods compared to the doggie states of mind.
Didn't get to play all weekend as Rich working. Today, just went up to feed & took G in her wheelchair. Got the ball out for D to show off his dribbling skills to her as she'd been wanting to see this for some time! He was obliging but the best bit was he carried on after I went into the shed to make the feeds! Edmund wanted a ride so good old M was called upon and obliged by carrying him back to his grazing spot.
My blog is therefore just about thinking! Steady! When Cesar works with unbalanced dogs, his aim is for them to be calm-submissive. I was thinking about how this translates to D and here's my thinking on his moods compared to the doggie states of mind.
- Calm-submissive - definitely had this attitude on the ground when we filmed our audition. He was willing and frequently looked at me with a questioning expression.
- Calm-dominant - see this often when driving & circling. D makes faces, ears back and the occasional challenge.
- Excited-dominant - D was in this mood at the Essex course to start off with and seems to get this way when other horses are around - flamboyant, energetic, calling, not listening to me.
- Excited -submissive - I'm not so sure about this in relation to horses. I think excited-submisive would be a nervous introverted state so I guess this will be when D's tense & bracey which in turn will become sharp, spooky then extrovert if not diffused.
Soooo, I've been thinking about what emotional state I need D to be in at all times for me to stay safe and for him to feel secure? Calm-submissive of course. And I really must not settle for anything less for the sake of perceived progress as it will only set us back. My focus has got to be on how to create that state of mind rather than the patterns I have become focussed on lately. Yes! Done it again, become task orientated!!
Therefore, I must go back to the original plan of passengering until D is comfortable with that. He had become calm-submissive (i.e. confident!) about me mounting but had not got the confidence to walk about with me sitting up before I started asking him to walk (which is where it started to go downhill!). So rewind needed.............
Monday 21 September 2009
Oh the highs & lows!
Mon 21st Sept 09
Where to start?! Well, I know it's negative (and we shouldn't start with the negative) but, as it's fresh in my mind (and I have had a very useful chat with T), here's where I went wrong:
- Didn't address right brain issues strongly enough whilst out on walk
- Didn't challenge D enough when back in field
- Didn't check that he was rideable - in fact could see that he wasn't
- Didn't change plan quickly enough when this was apparent
- Failed to keep D's attention on me
But don't panic readers, I have not had a Nasty Accident but a shot across the bows - for which I am thankful as it may help me to avoid a N.A. later on!
So, I took D on a walk up the road which he is not so confident about (lot going on up there at times). We warmed up very gently - good squeeze past the trampoline - D not bothered. Once out, D became RB almost immediately so - clue - I didn't warm up strong enough to assert my leadership. I also had the dog tied to me which I could not easily deposit as the car was on the main road - doh!
Anyway, the sound of the resident bird of prey's bell tinkling and the handler shouting "hold it" (and who knows what else audible to the equine ear) got him goggling and digging his toes in. NB - next time go back to the field and start again! The dog kept getting under my feet so I tied her on a gate and got D circling in the road, backing and doing sideways plus extreme FG until he walked on reasonably calmly. Unfortunately a very annoying woman then came up the road and drove right up Ds backside revving her engine. He tittupetted and looked round - as did I - but my glowers seemed only to encourage her so I stopped and gestured to her to keep back - which she did not! We arrived in Tricia's gateway a bit ruffled.
When we got into the little paddock leading back to the field, I did the quickest circling game you've ever seen - clue - D still RB as was very compliant (for him!) and cantered when asked!! Got some nice canter - trot - change rein at trot - halt - treat, mind you!
Into our riding field and rejoined with M, D was still (tho' I ignored it) RB but had gone into bracey mode. I was totally focussed on my 7 day pattern & getting on & kicking that ball around - and I didn't have much time either! Did a short kick about with the ball, briefest of mounting prep and soon sitting up. D had his head up and eyes looking a bit worried but I thought "he's just worrying about what might happen as usual and, if I just carry on, he will deal with it". Lucy, Lucy, Lucy....what happened to approach & retreat? D, The RBI as he was at that time should NOT be pushed through thresholds!
Anyway, on I pushed (!), got some lovely lateral flexion off a light touch and then, without me even asking D he started kicking the ball with gusto and even started to think about trotting. Now I don't know why except that he does this when he's got a lot of pent-up emotion but he suddenly shied off to the right (ball not near him and anyway he's dominant with the ball so it wasn't that). I leapt off to the left so although 1. Good, I got off in one piece 2. I did not disengage him first so he carried on into a bigger shy as he was scared of me leaping through the air!
Damn, damn, damn, thought I, I've just undone months of work. Now I'll have to redo all those months of mounting prep. Argh! I beat myself up for a few minutes whilst my adrenaline dropped then thought I had better get back to sitting on again. D worried at the block and looking all over the place now so I came away and played hard (inc backing up to touch the ball - 1st time) then went back. I got back on with the plan to get on and dismount a few times but, as I dismounted, he again spooked away.
By this time, I realised I was not going to be able to fix this straight away and, from too much experience of trying to end on a "good note" realised it was best to go back a stage and leave it there for the day (ah, a bit of savvy at last!). I lay over him until he relaxed & ate some grass from both sides & then led him in for tea.
So, what have I learnt - or remembered - apart from the mistakes I made! The way forward....
- Warm up strong to ride soft
- More mental challenges needed e.g. moving feet
- Don't proceed when D is bracey!
- More extreme FG and flank rope exercises required
- Disengage/emergency dismount must become second nature to me - do simulations - then D - build up slowly
- Don't lose his focus for a minute (been told this by both Lyla & T!)
Sunday 20 September 2009
Thanks Cesar!
Had a great session today. Went up about 3.30 and took D out for a walk. Did a bit of playing before we went as usual & he was very brave sniffing the trampoline which was now in our path. If it stays there, there is a very good squeeze for another day!
Moet called a few times but just wandered about or stood waiting for our return. Went down the bottom of the lane and into the woods path on the left. We stopped for a graze after the secret garden (walled, derelict, even has a little door!) then came back. I walked in front as the path was narrow and waved my stick around to stop D coming too close which worked very well. He only made one concerted effort to overtake which I quickly quashed. D really enjoyed himself and again, didn't want to come home and put up a half-hearted resistance near the pond.
How interesting.....when we got back, I went into the shed and put my hat on & fiddled about a bit. As I started walking with D back towards the field, he started yawning...then he stopped in the passage back to the field and did not want to go any further. Smart pony! This time instead of getting him to play hard then make going to the field easy, I asked him to walk forward but go really, really slowly. That did the trick and he then wanted to go after all!
I had the 2 cones out again and put the ball out as it's his favourite toy to "jolly him up". As we played with the ball, I had an idea that I could use the ball to get him to walk forward - with me on top! It was a Cesar Milan inspired thought (he often uses something in the environment which he gets a feeling will help move a dog forwards).
So, after mounting quite near the ball, I focussed on it and off D went, dribbling all over the place! It was brilliant! As he kept stopping to wait for treats, I had loads of opportunities to ask him to walk on again. He was super keen and I didn't go to a phase 4 once. What's more, I hardly had to touch with the leg. Strange, I got the feeling that he was actually a little unsure of how far to walk when I wasn't using my leg so he will have to learn to tune into my energy...talking of which - I managed to keep my life up as he stepped forward today but I'm not sure how much to "move in my body" as what feels mild to me could be shouting!
Had some super lateral flexions and disengaging HQs today but the icing on the cake was when I asked D, as a bit of an experiment. to walk towards a cone about 10m away. On my first ask, he braced & turned the opposite way then stopped even though my body was facing directly towards the cone. I felt a bit disheartened after the high of the dribbling but had another go and really bored my eyes into the cone. Off he went, straight to the cone where I leapt off in delight and finished!
Spent another enjoyable hour feeding, brushing, poo-picking and felt like a proper horse owner again! (Sharon's away for a few days so I'm "in charge"!) BIG smiles today :)
Moet called a few times but just wandered about or stood waiting for our return. Went down the bottom of the lane and into the woods path on the left. We stopped for a graze after the secret garden (walled, derelict, even has a little door!) then came back. I walked in front as the path was narrow and waved my stick around to stop D coming too close which worked very well. He only made one concerted effort to overtake which I quickly quashed. D really enjoyed himself and again, didn't want to come home and put up a half-hearted resistance near the pond.
How interesting.....when we got back, I went into the shed and put my hat on & fiddled about a bit. As I started walking with D back towards the field, he started yawning...then he stopped in the passage back to the field and did not want to go any further. Smart pony! This time instead of getting him to play hard then make going to the field easy, I asked him to walk forward but go really, really slowly. That did the trick and he then wanted to go after all!
I had the 2 cones out again and put the ball out as it's his favourite toy to "jolly him up". As we played with the ball, I had an idea that I could use the ball to get him to walk forward - with me on top! It was a Cesar Milan inspired thought (he often uses something in the environment which he gets a feeling will help move a dog forwards).
So, after mounting quite near the ball, I focussed on it and off D went, dribbling all over the place! It was brilliant! As he kept stopping to wait for treats, I had loads of opportunities to ask him to walk on again. He was super keen and I didn't go to a phase 4 once. What's more, I hardly had to touch with the leg. Strange, I got the feeling that he was actually a little unsure of how far to walk when I wasn't using my leg so he will have to learn to tune into my energy...talking of which - I managed to keep my life up as he stepped forward today but I'm not sure how much to "move in my body" as what feels mild to me could be shouting!
Had some super lateral flexions and disengaging HQs today but the icing on the cake was when I asked D, as a bit of an experiment. to walk towards a cone about 10m away. On my first ask, he braced & turned the opposite way then stopped even though my body was facing directly towards the cone. I felt a bit disheartened after the high of the dribbling but had another go and really bored my eyes into the cone. Off he went, straight to the cone where I leapt off in delight and finished!
Spent another enjoyable hour feeding, brushing, poo-picking and felt like a proper horse owner again! (Sharon's away for a few days so I'm "in charge"!) BIG smiles today :)
Tuesday 15 September 2009
Fantastic halts
Mon 14th Sept 09
D didn't come over when I arrived but both horses came down to the shed. D suspicious of bareback pad today but OK to have on after a bit of FG.
Went for a walk first again. It was a bit blustery but dry. Did a bit in the home wood again. Need to play to establish leadership & gets M used to the idea we're going out too. Went up the road this time. D not quite so relaxed this way but listening well and played PTP. Went into the village hall car park, no trailer here today, & then into the little paddock. M only called a few times and, despite having the whole field (too windy to shut him in the barn area) didn't run about or even canter up to us when we got back.
Did some circling & cantering. D resents cantering and always pulls a face & kicks out, bum in, so I'm doing a pattern of 2 strides then halt & reward which he likes! I'm on day 4 with that. He's figuring out that the sooner he canters, the sooner he gets the treat! Will change soon, I think canter-trot, change direction then treat.
Off to the bottom field and I got on. Overall, D was very bracey, he seemed LB but then, as he was reluctant to eat, he must have actually been worried. Thee endless yawning confirmed it! I had thought a lot about the way forward. I'd considered what I did with Ollie (lots of passenger) but decided against this as I have already done a lot of that. We really need to:
· Establish clear phases & what they mean
· Sort out my breathing!
· Reward the slightest try
· Reassure D that there’s something in it for him
· Take small steps
I’m still thinking about how the “cause his idea to become your idea but respect his idea first” works if I’m being marched down to the barn!
Thinking of PP and the mule he motivated to become a champion with 3 buckets of grain, I put 2 cones out about 40m apart. That, as it turned out, was too ambitious! I should have placed them 2 feet apart as that’s as far as I got! But hey, it was forward momentum! (I was back to 1 rein and no C/S as to avoid getting in a tangle – or getting too strong. Need to work on the C/S driving Z 1 on the ground again).
So, to go forward, I started with lift life, smile with all 4 cheeks, bit of a wiggle, legs on then into wip-wap with the rope (decided on this method rather than C/S as easier to use one tool).
D did respond but it seemed to take forever and I had to resist the urge to give up and try something else!
One “problem” I have is that I’ve "trained" D to slow/stop when I breathe out loudly/drop my life. It has replaced “whoa”. Oh dear, as I relaxed a bit from extreme life-up/"Lets go"!, I couldn’t help but exhale and we stopped instantly (yeah, I know, be great for sliding stops later!) I then made a conscious effort not to drop my life and move my body with him and we got a few stagnant steps! As he was so bracey and reluctant to even eat, I did a lot of friendly and left it there. He seemed very relieved when I got off and put his head right down. I wish I knew what was going on in his head! Feel the need for a lesson!
D didn't come over when I arrived but both horses came down to the shed. D suspicious of bareback pad today but OK to have on after a bit of FG.
Went for a walk first again. It was a bit blustery but dry. Did a bit in the home wood again. Need to play to establish leadership & gets M used to the idea we're going out too. Went up the road this time. D not quite so relaxed this way but listening well and played PTP. Went into the village hall car park, no trailer here today, & then into the little paddock. M only called a few times and, despite having the whole field (too windy to shut him in the barn area) didn't run about or even canter up to us when we got back.
Did some circling & cantering. D resents cantering and always pulls a face & kicks out, bum in, so I'm doing a pattern of 2 strides then halt & reward which he likes! I'm on day 4 with that. He's figuring out that the sooner he canters, the sooner he gets the treat! Will change soon, I think canter-trot, change direction then treat.
Off to the bottom field and I got on. Overall, D was very bracey, he seemed LB but then, as he was reluctant to eat, he must have actually been worried. Thee endless yawning confirmed it! I had thought a lot about the way forward. I'd considered what I did with Ollie (lots of passenger) but decided against this as I have already done a lot of that. We really need to:
· Establish clear phases & what they mean
· Sort out my breathing!
· Reward the slightest try
· Reassure D that there’s something in it for him
· Take small steps
I’m still thinking about how the “cause his idea to become your idea but respect his idea first” works if I’m being marched down to the barn!
Thinking of PP and the mule he motivated to become a champion with 3 buckets of grain, I put 2 cones out about 40m apart. That, as it turned out, was too ambitious! I should have placed them 2 feet apart as that’s as far as I got! But hey, it was forward momentum! (I was back to 1 rein and no C/S as to avoid getting in a tangle – or getting too strong. Need to work on the C/S driving Z 1 on the ground again).
So, to go forward, I started with lift life, smile with all 4 cheeks, bit of a wiggle, legs on then into wip-wap with the rope (decided on this method rather than C/S as easier to use one tool).
D did respond but it seemed to take forever and I had to resist the urge to give up and try something else!
One “problem” I have is that I’ve "trained" D to slow/stop when I breathe out loudly/drop my life. It has replaced “whoa”. Oh dear, as I relaxed a bit from extreme life-up/"Lets go"!, I couldn’t help but exhale and we stopped instantly (yeah, I know, be great for sliding stops later!) I then made a conscious effort not to drop my life and move my body with him and we got a few stagnant steps! As he was so bracey and reluctant to even eat, I did a lot of friendly and left it there. He seemed very relieved when I got off and put his head right down. I wish I knew what was going on in his head! Feel the need for a lesson!
Monday 14 September 2009
Riding Revelations - talk about Feedback!
Sat 11th Sept 09
Took D for a walk, he was great. Played in the "home wood" first (little clump of trees great for squeeze, backups & little figure 8s). Went down the road playing touch it. D a bit unconfident at times but got over it quickly due to curiosity. He became quite RB before the woods but I played with him at the entrance until he was ok to go and did falling leaf on the way back as he was rushing a bit. Great climbing onto the banks on the way back. Pedestal should be no problem if we keep that up! M only called a bit & didn't run about.
Back at the field we played a bit more and prepared for mounting. All fine and up I got. I originally tied my 12' line up so I had 2 reins and also had my C/S. However I ended up back with 1 rein and no C/S which is how I shall prob continue.
Where to start...D backed up beautifully (to avoid my phone on the ground!) but then when I asked him forward, he went back again. OK I thought, he's confused so I waited, it was all very low key, all the usual exercises too. I did manage to get him to walk a short way towards M but had to go to ph 4 with C/S on my leg. After reaching M and a quick graze, D set off with a purpose across the field. He pooed in the poo spot then wee'd in the wee spot before grazing again. No problem as I was passenger.
At my next attempt at forward motion, D turned round & set off purposefully down the field. Ah, thought I, not this time so I tried to turn - eyes, belly button, legs, rein, stick, harder with stick, disengage! It was a bit ugly. A repeat followed. I was thinking hard & the next time D set off, I relented and thought perhaps he wanted a drink so I'd let him go to see what he did. He marched down to the bottom of the field, through the run and into the bottom field where he stopped by the barn. No drink, he was just saying "Your ride is over!"
I was very curious now especially as, when I tried to get him to go back up the field, he planted his feet in utter defiance. I had to smile, he looked so grumpy. I did the "ok you want to stay here, me too, let's play hard" which usually works and luckily did here. I couldn't believe the absolute clarity of the meaning of his actions - "I'm not up for this, I don't like being ridden and you're not going to make me!" Wow! Lots of thoughts on this:
Now I thank God for my experience with Ollie again. Before Ollie, I would never have believed that such a kind horse could be made to become so defiant - a nervous wreck yes - but not so bolshey. This knowledge gives me empathy for D. Whether D was ever as generous as Ollie, I don't know but I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt!
One thing I do now know for sure is that D is very smart and I admire that greatly in a horse. Also, because it was funny rather than threatening, I felt safe - and I like to feel safe!
Well, back on board at the top of the field, D again started off on his downward path. I was now back to one rein and no C/S and I disengaged each time (3, I think) until he gave up and went back to grazing. I have to say he pulled some terribly grumpy faces though which made me laugh. Talk about expressive!
Lots for me to lick & chew on. Had a slight "Uh Oh, this is a level 4 horse, I'm out of my depth" wobble again but then I know (bless you, Ollie) that with Parelli, I can turn this round. It's going to take me longer than a more experienced student of course but hopefully the relationship we've already got will help. I've just got to figure out how to get D's mind with me..... I think that food is going to play a major part!
Took D for a walk, he was great. Played in the "home wood" first (little clump of trees great for squeeze, backups & little figure 8s). Went down the road playing touch it. D a bit unconfident at times but got over it quickly due to curiosity. He became quite RB before the woods but I played with him at the entrance until he was ok to go and did falling leaf on the way back as he was rushing a bit. Great climbing onto the banks on the way back. Pedestal should be no problem if we keep that up! M only called a bit & didn't run about.
Back at the field we played a bit more and prepared for mounting. All fine and up I got. I originally tied my 12' line up so I had 2 reins and also had my C/S. However I ended up back with 1 rein and no C/S which is how I shall prob continue.
Where to start...D backed up beautifully (to avoid my phone on the ground!) but then when I asked him forward, he went back again. OK I thought, he's confused so I waited, it was all very low key, all the usual exercises too. I did manage to get him to walk a short way towards M but had to go to ph 4 with C/S on my leg. After reaching M and a quick graze, D set off with a purpose across the field. He pooed in the poo spot then wee'd in the wee spot before grazing again. No problem as I was passenger.
At my next attempt at forward motion, D turned round & set off purposefully down the field. Ah, thought I, not this time so I tried to turn - eyes, belly button, legs, rein, stick, harder with stick, disengage! It was a bit ugly. A repeat followed. I was thinking hard & the next time D set off, I relented and thought perhaps he wanted a drink so I'd let him go to see what he did. He marched down to the bottom of the field, through the run and into the bottom field where he stopped by the barn. No drink, he was just saying "Your ride is over!"
I was very curious now especially as, when I tried to get him to go back up the field, he planted his feet in utter defiance. I had to smile, he looked so grumpy. I did the "ok you want to stay here, me too, let's play hard" which usually works and luckily did here. I couldn't believe the absolute clarity of the meaning of his actions - "I'm not up for this, I don't like being ridden and you're not going to make me!" Wow! Lots of thoughts on this:
- What utterly fantastic feedback!
- How kind D was given his strength of feeling on the subject!
- Why is he like this?
- How can I change his mind?
Now I thank God for my experience with Ollie again. Before Ollie, I would never have believed that such a kind horse could be made to become so defiant - a nervous wreck yes - but not so bolshey. This knowledge gives me empathy for D. Whether D was ever as generous as Ollie, I don't know but I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt!
One thing I do now know for sure is that D is very smart and I admire that greatly in a horse. Also, because it was funny rather than threatening, I felt safe - and I like to feel safe!
Well, back on board at the top of the field, D again started off on his downward path. I was now back to one rein and no C/S and I disengaged each time (3, I think) until he gave up and went back to grazing. I have to say he pulled some terribly grumpy faces though which made me laugh. Talk about expressive!
Lots for me to lick & chew on. Had a slight "Uh Oh, this is a level 4 horse, I'm out of my depth" wobble again but then I know (bless you, Ollie) that with Parelli, I can turn this round. It's going to take me longer than a more experienced student of course but hopefully the relationship we've already got will help. I've just got to figure out how to get D's mind with me..... I think that food is going to play a major part!
Sunday 13 September 2009
A blog at last!
September 09
It's been a year since I started playing with Duncan, a 13.hh-ish New Forest pony. We follow the Parelli system of training and have mainly been playing on the ground and with mounting preparation. I've finally got round to starting this blog because we're just starting ridden stuff now and I can tell it's going to be interesting! Over the year, I have had lots of help from my friends Beth, Elsa & Terri (a PNH instructor - lucky me!). I definitely wouldn't have progressed so far without them. This entry is just a rundown of our progress so far:
8th August 08 - first scratching/friendly session. D very wary of me, sensitive and had a real issue with being touched on the withers/back. Loads of extreme yawning in the early days.
6th Sept 08 - D reared up at me when I approached him with too much energy. Realised (after chats) he was a lot more unconfident than I thought. The fact that he was so "mardy" to be led from the ground was also misleading as he played all sorts of dominance games. Hated circling too. Over the past year I have realised he is essentially a LBI but is RBI as a learner hence the marked distinction when we do things similar to those has done in his former training.
13th Sept 08 - Beth came and I was amazed at soft she was with D. He really liked her! She opened my eyes to him being RBI, a real turning point.
1st Oct 08 - breakdown of trust. I had been going to fast for D, it happened over a few sessions where he gradually became more RB and jumpy, not wanting to come to me. Managed to fix with a few friendly sessions, TG.
4th Nov 08 - trust building now. Lessons with Terri have really helped my energy/phases and technical skills.
22nd Dec 08 - 1st time out with M. D great, really saw another side to him, so confident & curious. He really listened to me too! Had a bit of a hairy time passing a field of horses when D got his blood up like an arab stallion but that passed without incident!
3rd Jan 08 - umbrella incident! At lat I can recall this without a twist in my stomach (guilt!). Poor D got handle of huge golfing brolly stuck up under his halter. Galloped round field, jumped a 5 bar gate, galloped round next field with M. Bless them both, they only did 1 circuit and I caught D with some food & he let me take the brolly off. Horrible day!
29th Jan 09 - 1st ride at felbridge showground. D pretty tense but well behaved. I was really nervouse which didn't help. After this I realised that my nervousness was founded as D was still worried about me mounting. At time of writing I can happily say we are past that after hours of mounting prep - lying over, rubbing and acrobatics!
14-16th Feb 09 - sitting up properly!
19th feb - 2nd ride at fab local indoor school. D more relaxed but disappointingly grumpy. Really noticing the two characters of D by now - RB bracey, head high, wide eyes. LB bolshey, nippy, stubborn, occasional challenges by charging or turning bum.
14th March 09 - starting with a bit of liberty each session. D loves PTP and kicking the ball!
19th April 09 - Level 1 filming! I had fallen down the stairs a few weeks before but managed to hobble my way through our audition. D was great. In July we heard we had passed not only L1 but L2 on-line too. What a result!
16th May - Tarp day. D walked confidently all over the tarp. Didn't take long, the 3rd time of the pattern. Smart kid! Especially good as a few days earlier he'd been wanting to leave me quite a bit - doh! Had been going too fast again.
3rd June - I realise that I don't like repeating patterns. Did a 5 day stint of making myself repeat patterns (had a marked effect on D's confidence!) Oh dear. I am a LBE - but that's no excuse! Starting to do more at trot now which D is not impressed with. He's definitely a low energy boy - unless it's his idea!
3rd June 09 - my Duncan diary stops - got a bit left behind then lost momentum. Shame as on...
10/11th July 09 - Lyla Cansfield course! Dear Beth took us all the way to Essex for the weekend. And what a weekend! The first morning D was totally extrovert - LB I think mixed in with nervousness about some of the obstacles. Anyway I had a VERY uncomfortable few hours. I'd been taming my energy for months and now I had to bring my life right back up then add some! I didn't ride D but I felt I could have done. Got lots of tips re pushing him a bit harder - which he responded to well. First cantering on-line! He was perfect pony by the end of the weekend.
July/August 09 - holidays and working meant I didn't get as much time with D as I would have liked but I did take D out by myself twice. The first time was not fun as he was extremely cross at being separated from M and I made the mistake of not playing before I went out. D kept spinning and kicking out at me, much worse than Essex! The next time was great, played before I went, went by ourselves, D chilled and didn't call at all. In fact, he didn't want to go home. Atta boy!
Riding coming along - can now happily mount and sit on. Direct and indirect rein's good plus lateral flexion and disengaging the HQ. I do notice D's reluctant to go forward, even worried - think it's because I've concentrated so much on disengaging & decide to wait until I see Terri to try going forwards!
Sept 5/6th 09 - girls sleepover at Terri's! What fun! D brill to travel, much more chilled than our Essex outing. Had a good old play on day 1. Got some good ideas re being more particular when he is LBI and going slower when he's in RBI mode (reversing through the roadworks!) I got on and RODE forward in the direction of my choice! I did feel a brace in him though, like dear Ollie after his sides had been hammered. Yes....felt a bit "nappy" to put it in traditional terms!
It's been a year since I started playing with Duncan, a 13.hh-ish New Forest pony. We follow the Parelli system of training and have mainly been playing on the ground and with mounting preparation. I've finally got round to starting this blog because we're just starting ridden stuff now and I can tell it's going to be interesting! Over the year, I have had lots of help from my friends Beth, Elsa & Terri (a PNH instructor - lucky me!). I definitely wouldn't have progressed so far without them. This entry is just a rundown of our progress so far:
8th August 08 - first scratching/friendly session. D very wary of me, sensitive and had a real issue with being touched on the withers/back. Loads of extreme yawning in the early days.
6th Sept 08 - D reared up at me when I approached him with too much energy. Realised (after chats) he was a lot more unconfident than I thought. The fact that he was so "mardy" to be led from the ground was also misleading as he played all sorts of dominance games. Hated circling too. Over the past year I have realised he is essentially a LBI but is RBI as a learner hence the marked distinction when we do things similar to those has done in his former training.
13th Sept 08 - Beth came and I was amazed at soft she was with D. He really liked her! She opened my eyes to him being RBI, a real turning point.
1st Oct 08 - breakdown of trust. I had been going to fast for D, it happened over a few sessions where he gradually became more RB and jumpy, not wanting to come to me. Managed to fix with a few friendly sessions, TG.
4th Nov 08 - trust building now. Lessons with Terri have really helped my energy/phases and technical skills.
22nd Dec 08 - 1st time out with M. D great, really saw another side to him, so confident & curious. He really listened to me too! Had a bit of a hairy time passing a field of horses when D got his blood up like an arab stallion but that passed without incident!
3rd Jan 08 - umbrella incident! At lat I can recall this without a twist in my stomach (guilt!). Poor D got handle of huge golfing brolly stuck up under his halter. Galloped round field, jumped a 5 bar gate, galloped round next field with M. Bless them both, they only did 1 circuit and I caught D with some food & he let me take the brolly off. Horrible day!
29th Jan 09 - 1st ride at felbridge showground. D pretty tense but well behaved. I was really nervouse which didn't help. After this I realised that my nervousness was founded as D was still worried about me mounting. At time of writing I can happily say we are past that after hours of mounting prep - lying over, rubbing and acrobatics!
14-16th Feb 09 - sitting up properly!
19th feb - 2nd ride at fab local indoor school. D more relaxed but disappointingly grumpy. Really noticing the two characters of D by now - RB bracey, head high, wide eyes. LB bolshey, nippy, stubborn, occasional challenges by charging or turning bum.
14th March 09 - starting with a bit of liberty each session. D loves PTP and kicking the ball!
19th April 09 - Level 1 filming! I had fallen down the stairs a few weeks before but managed to hobble my way through our audition. D was great. In July we heard we had passed not only L1 but L2 on-line too. What a result!
16th May - Tarp day. D walked confidently all over the tarp. Didn't take long, the 3rd time of the pattern. Smart kid! Especially good as a few days earlier he'd been wanting to leave me quite a bit - doh! Had been going too fast again.
3rd June - I realise that I don't like repeating patterns. Did a 5 day stint of making myself repeat patterns (had a marked effect on D's confidence!) Oh dear. I am a LBE - but that's no excuse! Starting to do more at trot now which D is not impressed with. He's definitely a low energy boy - unless it's his idea!
3rd June 09 - my Duncan diary stops - got a bit left behind then lost momentum. Shame as on...
10/11th July 09 - Lyla Cansfield course! Dear Beth took us all the way to Essex for the weekend. And what a weekend! The first morning D was totally extrovert - LB I think mixed in with nervousness about some of the obstacles. Anyway I had a VERY uncomfortable few hours. I'd been taming my energy for months and now I had to bring my life right back up then add some! I didn't ride D but I felt I could have done. Got lots of tips re pushing him a bit harder - which he responded to well. First cantering on-line! He was perfect pony by the end of the weekend.
July/August 09 - holidays and working meant I didn't get as much time with D as I would have liked but I did take D out by myself twice. The first time was not fun as he was extremely cross at being separated from M and I made the mistake of not playing before I went out. D kept spinning and kicking out at me, much worse than Essex! The next time was great, played before I went, went by ourselves, D chilled and didn't call at all. In fact, he didn't want to go home. Atta boy!
Riding coming along - can now happily mount and sit on. Direct and indirect rein's good plus lateral flexion and disengaging the HQ. I do notice D's reluctant to go forward, even worried - think it's because I've concentrated so much on disengaging & decide to wait until I see Terri to try going forwards!
Sept 5/6th 09 - girls sleepover at Terri's! What fun! D brill to travel, much more chilled than our Essex outing. Had a good old play on day 1. Got some good ideas re being more particular when he is LBI and going slower when he's in RBI mode (reversing through the roadworks!) I got on and RODE forward in the direction of my choice! I did feel a brace in him though, like dear Ollie after his sides had been hammered. Yes....felt a bit "nappy" to put it in traditional terms!
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