Thurs 20th May 2010
Oh dear. I fell off again! Actually, I'm not bothered about falling off but I was very disappointed when I saw how nervous Duncs was afterwards and again found myself wishing he was more straight forward and a bit daunted at the work ahead! However, through this blog, I am starting to recognise a pattern in my own behaviour (aha - Light Bulb moment!)
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1. I hit a seemingly HUGE problem and start "Stinkin Thinkin (as Fly Lady says!). Today it was "D needs to do this every day, he needs more extreme Friendly Game, he's always going to be unreliable, I'm never going to have the time and resources to do this!"
2. I feel a bit crap and sorry for myself, maybe even for a few days. Think about giving up.
3. I think through the problem and start to think of ways to tackle it, call on past experience
4. I get determined that I'm not going to be beaten/give up!
The positive thing that I'm recognising is that I'm getting through these phases faster! Phew!
I'll start from the beginning. I went over to use J's school (marvellous!) and did quite a bit online. touch it, circling, weave. Lots of ponies about for D to look at which eh coped with very well. I felt very confident when I got on and Duncs went round taking things in his stride. We did PTP to start with then follow the rail (predictably fell in on the right rein). Lots of halt, back-up, flexing, disengaging. All Good.
Then, I trotted. Now, this may have been the turning point in D's confidence levels. I didn't notice!! We then went over to two bottles on a pedestal and D sniffed them as he had a number of times already.
As we walked away, D brushed a bottle with his tail or back end and it fell. He leapt forward in a way I'm starting to recognise. It's like a fighting bull or a bronc coming out of the stalls. They put their heads down and, with a huge push from behind, leap forwards with their heads down. There was a moment when I thought I was staying on but D put in another leap and I knew I was a goner! Rightly or not, I held on tight as I fell and as he shied at my falling body, he would have got a sock in the teeth. I did then let go before being dragged but i think that was enough to stop him farting off round the school. He took another jump sideways and stood looking at me!
Now, I actually felt fine. I hurt my left ring finger where my rings had squashed it and my right arm had been tugged but it was a lovely soft landing. What's more, I'm pleased to say I didn't feel nervous about getting back on. However, Duncs was not in the same frame of mind!!
As has been reported about his past behaviour, the rider falling off really rattles him and he didn't want to stand at the block for me to get back on. He was fidgeting about, wouldn't come alongside and, even when I put the block next to him, he moved away. I ran my stirrups up and trotted him up and down to get him moving. Ideally I would have put him back on-line but I didn't have time and I really wanted to get back on.
I got back on, no worries and D was "OK" but he was now hypersensitive and nervous. He spooked at a few things where he hadn't before and when I made a sucking noise (on my sore finger) he shuddered. I actually stopped then and rubbed madly while giving him a bit of a ticking off! I went round and about doing circles and keeping it all low-key but unfortunately, he didn't relax properly before I had to leave the school - although he was fine when I got off!! Ideally, I would have ridden round until he got pretty bored. Next time I need to ride earlier so I have spare time to work through issues.
I spoke to S soon after and was rather frustrated at how nervous D still is. She pointed out that I may never change that which, although true, was not what I wanted to hear! Actually, I think it can be changed but maybe not by me!!! We'll see.
Anyway, I've now got my thinking cap on and am wondering if I actually need to ride D forward a lot harder when he's nervous. I haven't as it's not what I would do with an unfit horse but I think tootling about is not a good thing for Duncs when he's in that frame of mind. What I would have done with Ollie was get into sitting trot and trot, bend, trot, bend, half halt, forward, back until he was dizzy with all my commands and, by then, forgotten about the spooky thing!
There's only one way to find out! I had a chat with J afterwards who was sympathetic and hopefully will let me use the school more frequently. I'm likely to have to slow down on my dressage dreams but I will see how we go in the next week.
Thursday 20 May 2010
Ride no 33 - Scarletts Lake. Stiff..
Weds 19th May 2010
On board at last! Walked out and D was full of the joys. He was trotting down hills and pulling out in front going up to Shepherds Grove. He was good to get on and very good on the ride but boy was he stiff!
Duncs' back felt like a plank of wood which I think was because he's wasn't stepping through from behind. He felt very crooked too with a tendency to lean on the left rein. Thinking back, he was like this when I first started riding him and I wasn't sure if it was a suppleness problem or emotional tension. I'm now sure it's a suppleness problem but I'm sure it can be overcome. He was going very nicely before the lay off but of course only in walk and intermittently well in trot. True to expectation from the walk, D's trot was back to the choppy head-up style. This is why he is reluctant to canter I'm sure, both on-line and ridden. Same as Ollie, another little bit of history repeating!
On the way back, I did not go on the lead rein for the road and was ahead when a HUGE car transporter came past within an inch of our nose. I thought "keep calm, keep calm!" and kept D's nose pointing towards it as it came. He shied but not too far (fence in the way but if he'd been totally RB I'm sure that wouldn't have stopped him). After that, he was rather keen to get back and my brakes and steering were not the best. We wandered into the road into oncoming traffic but luckily all was well - the fleuros helped!
On board at last! Walked out and D was full of the joys. He was trotting down hills and pulling out in front going up to Shepherds Grove. He was good to get on and very good on the ride but boy was he stiff!
Duncs' back felt like a plank of wood which I think was because he's wasn't stepping through from behind. He felt very crooked too with a tendency to lean on the left rein. Thinking back, he was like this when I first started riding him and I wasn't sure if it was a suppleness problem or emotional tension. I'm now sure it's a suppleness problem but I'm sure it can be overcome. He was going very nicely before the lay off but of course only in walk and intermittently well in trot. True to expectation from the walk, D's trot was back to the choppy head-up style. This is why he is reluctant to canter I'm sure, both on-line and ridden. Same as Ollie, another little bit of history repeating!
On the way back, I did not go on the lead rein for the road and was ahead when a HUGE car transporter came past within an inch of our nose. I thought "keep calm, keep calm!" and kept D's nose pointing towards it as it came. He shied but not too far (fence in the way but if he'd been totally RB I'm sure that wouldn't have stopped him). After that, he was rather keen to get back and my brakes and steering were not the best. We wandered into the road into oncoming traffic but luckily all was well - the fleuros helped!
Walk on-line
Mon 17th May 2010
Duncs was looking pretty OK on his feet but I thought I'd take him out on-line & possibly jump on if he looked OK. Most of the time he looked fine but there were a few "Ouch" moments - which he does have if his feet are a bit sore generally.
I didn't ride however. D was so high spirited and I hadn't ridden for a couple of weeks so I thought it would be sensible to wait and ride when a) he'd had a good bit of exercise first b) we were on the roads where he's less whizzy and c) with Sharon.
We went into the woods on the right and back through some different paths. D got a bit nervous off the beaten track but was so keen to be out, he didn't have time to think about too much!
Got some nice sideways going home.
Duncs was looking pretty OK on his feet but I thought I'd take him out on-line & possibly jump on if he looked OK. Most of the time he looked fine but there were a few "Ouch" moments - which he does have if his feet are a bit sore generally.
I didn't ride however. D was so high spirited and I hadn't ridden for a couple of weeks so I thought it would be sensible to wait and ride when a) he'd had a good bit of exercise first b) we were on the roads where he's less whizzy and c) with Sharon.
We went into the woods on the right and back through some different paths. D got a bit nervous off the beaten track but was so keen to be out, he didn't have time to think about too much!
Got some nice sideways going home.
Undemanding time. Rough Play!
Sun 16th May 2010
Went up in the evening, poo-picked & scratched (D, not myself!). Went up earlier in the week too and had a scratching session.
Very interesting... Duncs came over to investigate me and I gave him a leftover from my pocket. He went back to grazing but when Moet ventured a bit too close, D was at him, chasing him off quite hard. Both of them cantered about and came too close to me. I tried a bit of liberty to get him out of my space but D wanted to play - and play rough!
I quickly decided that it was not a good idea to "play" with Duncs as he reared up and struck out - PP I am not! Anyway, it was a "how interesting" moment as Duncs treated me like his property or should I say, one of his subordinates. I don't think it means I'm not the Alpha at any time (putting aside other evidence for a moment!) as he does it to Moet too, who is the Alpha of the two of them. Maybe it's just high spirits. Shows me I still don't know a lot about horse behaviour anyway!
Went up in the evening, poo-picked & scratched (D, not myself!). Went up earlier in the week too and had a scratching session.
Very interesting... Duncs came over to investigate me and I gave him a leftover from my pocket. He went back to grazing but when Moet ventured a bit too close, D was at him, chasing him off quite hard. Both of them cantered about and came too close to me. I tried a bit of liberty to get him out of my space but D wanted to play - and play rough!
I quickly decided that it was not a good idea to "play" with Duncs as he reared up and struck out - PP I am not! Anyway, it was a "how interesting" moment as Duncs treated me like his property or should I say, one of his subordinates. I don't think it means I'm not the Alpha at any time (putting aside other evidence for a moment!) as he does it to Moet too, who is the Alpha of the two of them. Maybe it's just high spirits. Shows me I still don't know a lot about horse behaviour anyway!
Wednesday 12 May 2010
Duncan's lame! Thresholds explained by LP. Don't let him stay there too long!
Mon 10th May 2010
Having mentally committed to 29th May dressage, taken courage to ask J if I could use her school - she said yes!! Got tacked up ready to go and use said school, I found poor D was hopping lame on his off-fore! Looks like an abscess brewing.
Disappointed but not surprised. He seems prone to them in the summer. They usually resolve themselves but it could take a couple of weeks. I've been hoping he won't get one right before something important like my Parelli course days so, maybe he's getting it out of the way now! We can always put the dressage back. Next one is 12th June.
Just found some fab stuff on Linda Parelli's blog about thresholds. I'm sure she won't mind me copying them in here to remind me what I need to do - or what not to do! Slightly alter to fit all scenarios as she is talking about trailer loading but it applies to everything!
1. It has to be the horse’s idea to cross the threshold, don’t push him over it in any way or you destroy trust and confidence.
2. Making him uncomfortable outside of the trailer only causes a horse to load into the trailer to get away from that rather than having him really want to be in the trailer. That’s why we don’t use that approach. It certainly would not be using Love, Language and Leadership!
3. “The next move is his”. So once he’s at the threshold, we WAIT until he does something – either moves forwards or wants to come out again. And if he stays there too long, we bring him out and simply ask him to reapproach.
4. Never push him forwards once he’s stopped, you can only encourage his thoughts otherwise you are forcing the horse. The bottom line is that the horse has to be able to TRUST that you won’t push him “over the cliff”, that you will allow it to be his decision to go there. When you can do that, your horse will try his heart out for you. He will trust you and feel safe with you, and the effects will be felt in everything else you do with him too. Anyone can force a horse to get in, the real art is in helping him to develop the confidence to load himself.
Wow! That's really got me thinking again about Duncan's thresholds. When he stops, I watch his expression to see when he's ready to move forward of his own accord or is confident enough to be directed. He will either look soft in the eye or grumpy! I know I don't get it right all the time - Duncan tells me so! - so this is a good reminder for me.
Actually, re 3 above, I have been doing "don't let him stay there too long" without realising why. I've been asking D to back up, disengage or flex but NOT go forward. Fantastic, this is answering all the questions I had floating around. In fact, I'd emailed Kat asking her for a synopsis of what was covered in a "what to do when my horse is unconfident" session they had on a recent course. Whoopie do! Now, here's the funny thing. If D hadn't been lame, I wouldn't be sitting here writing my blog (now Weds), I'd be riding but probably not figuring things out the way I am now.
Every cloud has a silver lining....!
Having mentally committed to 29th May dressage, taken courage to ask J if I could use her school - she said yes!! Got tacked up ready to go and use said school, I found poor D was hopping lame on his off-fore! Looks like an abscess brewing.
Disappointed but not surprised. He seems prone to them in the summer. They usually resolve themselves but it could take a couple of weeks. I've been hoping he won't get one right before something important like my Parelli course days so, maybe he's getting it out of the way now! We can always put the dressage back. Next one is 12th June.
Just found some fab stuff on Linda Parelli's blog about thresholds. I'm sure she won't mind me copying them in here to remind me what I need to do - or what not to do! Slightly alter to fit all scenarios as she is talking about trailer loading but it applies to everything!
1. It has to be the horse’s idea to cross the threshold, don’t push him over it in any way or you destroy trust and confidence.
2. Making him uncomfortable outside of the trailer only causes a horse to load into the trailer to get away from that rather than having him really want to be in the trailer. That’s why we don’t use that approach. It certainly would not be using Love, Language and Leadership!
3. “The next move is his”. So once he’s at the threshold, we WAIT until he does something – either moves forwards or wants to come out again. And if he stays there too long, we bring him out and simply ask him to reapproach.
4. Never push him forwards once he’s stopped, you can only encourage his thoughts otherwise you are forcing the horse. The bottom line is that the horse has to be able to TRUST that you won’t push him “over the cliff”, that you will allow it to be his decision to go there. When you can do that, your horse will try his heart out for you. He will trust you and feel safe with you, and the effects will be felt in everything else you do with him too. Anyone can force a horse to get in, the real art is in helping him to develop the confidence to load himself.
Wow! That's really got me thinking again about Duncan's thresholds. When he stops, I watch his expression to see when he's ready to move forward of his own accord or is confident enough to be directed. He will either look soft in the eye or grumpy! I know I don't get it right all the time - Duncan tells me so! - so this is a good reminder for me.
Actually, re 3 above, I have been doing "don't let him stay there too long" without realising why. I've been asking D to back up, disengage or flex but NOT go forward. Fantastic, this is answering all the questions I had floating around. In fact, I'd emailed Kat asking her for a synopsis of what was covered in a "what to do when my horse is unconfident" session they had on a recent course. Whoopie do! Now, here's the funny thing. If D hadn't been lame, I wouldn't be sitting here writing my blog (now Weds), I'd be riding but probably not figuring things out the way I am now.
Every cloud has a silver lining....!
More hand-holding needed! Ride no 32 alone, woods & horse alley
Thurs 6th May 2010
Well, after thinking about riding D with a firmer but moving contact, I decided to try it today.
It's hard to explain this without demonstrating it but you hold the reins firmer in your hands but follow the horses head movement more exaggeratedly with your arms. This means there is a firmer feeling in the horses mouth but their head and neck movement is not restricted at all. Often horses will back off this contact so then more leg is needed to get them going forward into it. Once the horse takes the contact and is going forward, you can go back to a lighter hold on the reins.
I have used this self-discovered method (I'm sure other riders do this but no-one ever told me about it!) on horses who evade the contact by being above the bit or leaning on it whilst motoring forward without using their HQs (typically RBEs). It used to work fantastically on Tia who, looking back was RBI but became RBE out on a hack. On a loose rein she was a crazy jogger, on a restrictive rein she would fight (or others would go behind the bit) but this gave her confidence without feeling trapped.
So, surprise, surprise again with young Duncs. Who would have thought he needed this much hand-holding - well not me anyway! He's so much more confident when I'm on the ground or he's with Moet but he really is a different horse when you're on top.
I'm now realising (how fascinating) that being RB or LB defines a horse far more than the way they behave i.e. introverted or extroverted. This might sound so obvious but to me it's been a total revelation (TG and Linda P for Horsenalities).
To put it in traditional language, the fact that I need to treat Duncan, a "quiet" horse, exactly like a nervous "crazy" horse is very surprising. And that is why RBIs are the most difficult horses to understand and why so many are misunderstood I guess.
So, back to the plot, Duncan was far more willing to trust me today. He was NOT confident. That will come in time but he was willing to try whereas last time I felt he had to be cajoled, even forced a bit, which troubled me and is agin the Parelli ethos of course.
I got on at the bottom of the lane. D wanted to go into the woods on the left (where we had the "horse" incident). With my new exaggerated riding, he walked further before I felt him baulking and, when he stopped, he walked forward sooner and of his own accord, apart from twice I think. We walked up to the walled garden and then came back on the parallel path. D sped up going back but was not panicky nervous and I was able to keep his focus (there was a bonfire and a crowd of people coming up from H'Wood to distract him!).
I rode up the road, past all the building going on at P's and then down "horse alley". On a scale of 1-10, last time I went down the horse path, he was willing at about 2. As his willingness tends to reflect his confidence, you can see how unconfident he was. This time, he started at about 5 and went up to about 7.
I know I have to take into account that repetition builds confidence but I got a whole different feeling from Duncan today and could really feel that riding him on more of a contact is going to be the way forward for a while. By the end of our "up and down" the path, D was blowing out nicely and felt nicely relaxed (not totally!). One thing, I forgot...at the first snack point, D was reluctant to walk on and, without thinking, I gave him an unceremonious "boot"! Very Un-PNH! Whoops. Duncs actually let out a "humph" and was a bit affronted but he did get moving and maybe that added to his try!
Another mini triumph, we met CJ on her grey horse going out and back. We stopped and had a chat and Duncs was great. We were on safe territory both times - on the road. I was at pains to tell her her I don't usually ride without a hat (forgot to put it on and couldn't be bothered to go back and get it which is naughty but does demonstrate that I have more trust in D these days!!)
A very good ride, delighted with Duncs and can't wait til the next time!
Well, after thinking about riding D with a firmer but moving contact, I decided to try it today.
It's hard to explain this without demonstrating it but you hold the reins firmer in your hands but follow the horses head movement more exaggeratedly with your arms. This means there is a firmer feeling in the horses mouth but their head and neck movement is not restricted at all. Often horses will back off this contact so then more leg is needed to get them going forward into it. Once the horse takes the contact and is going forward, you can go back to a lighter hold on the reins.
I have used this self-discovered method (I'm sure other riders do this but no-one ever told me about it!) on horses who evade the contact by being above the bit or leaning on it whilst motoring forward without using their HQs (typically RBEs). It used to work fantastically on Tia who, looking back was RBI but became RBE out on a hack. On a loose rein she was a crazy jogger, on a restrictive rein she would fight (or others would go behind the bit) but this gave her confidence without feeling trapped.
So, surprise, surprise again with young Duncs. Who would have thought he needed this much hand-holding - well not me anyway! He's so much more confident when I'm on the ground or he's with Moet but he really is a different horse when you're on top.
I'm now realising (how fascinating) that being RB or LB defines a horse far more than the way they behave i.e. introverted or extroverted. This might sound so obvious but to me it's been a total revelation (TG and Linda P for Horsenalities).
To put it in traditional language, the fact that I need to treat Duncan, a "quiet" horse, exactly like a nervous "crazy" horse is very surprising. And that is why RBIs are the most difficult horses to understand and why so many are misunderstood I guess.
So, back to the plot, Duncan was far more willing to trust me today. He was NOT confident. That will come in time but he was willing to try whereas last time I felt he had to be cajoled, even forced a bit, which troubled me and is agin the Parelli ethos of course.
I got on at the bottom of the lane. D wanted to go into the woods on the left (where we had the "horse" incident). With my new exaggerated riding, he walked further before I felt him baulking and, when he stopped, he walked forward sooner and of his own accord, apart from twice I think. We walked up to the walled garden and then came back on the parallel path. D sped up going back but was not panicky nervous and I was able to keep his focus (there was a bonfire and a crowd of people coming up from H'Wood to distract him!).
I rode up the road, past all the building going on at P's and then down "horse alley". On a scale of 1-10, last time I went down the horse path, he was willing at about 2. As his willingness tends to reflect his confidence, you can see how unconfident he was. This time, he started at about 5 and went up to about 7.
I know I have to take into account that repetition builds confidence but I got a whole different feeling from Duncan today and could really feel that riding him on more of a contact is going to be the way forward for a while. By the end of our "up and down" the path, D was blowing out nicely and felt nicely relaxed (not totally!). One thing, I forgot...at the first snack point, D was reluctant to walk on and, without thinking, I gave him an unceremonious "boot"! Very Un-PNH! Whoops. Duncs actually let out a "humph" and was a bit affronted but he did get moving and maybe that added to his try!
Another mini triumph, we met CJ on her grey horse going out and back. We stopped and had a chat and Duncs was great. We were on safe territory both times - on the road. I was at pains to tell her her I don't usually ride without a hat (forgot to put it on and couldn't be bothered to go back and get it which is naughty but does demonstrate that I have more trust in D these days!!)
A very good ride, delighted with Duncs and can't wait til the next time!
Tuesday 4 May 2010
Ride no 31 - wobbly canter in the woods!
Tues 4th May 2010
Later addition here - Forgot to say, I wondered whether the last 2 rides would have jaded D's view of me and, when I arrived he was in the back field by himself, having had his breakfast. I walked up to him with the halter but actually didn't need to put it on as he stopped eating, came to me, then turned and started going down to the shed by himself with me walking next to him! I must admit I thought "Phew, nothing broken!"
Only time for a quick ride again due to my time schedule ( bank hol yesterday. didn't ride). D a bit grumpy going out - may be feet again, usually that's the reason if he's lagging. Once we got to the woods however, he was off! Fab ride, D really forwards - as was M today. Went downhill a long way and through the overgrown path which originally prompted me to ride off the lead rein. S and I had a little reminisce!
Coming back up, S suggested a canter. Oooh! I felt a slight moment of trepidation but that quickly changed to excitement! However, D was not at all happy at the prospect of cantering and just ran faster and faster with his head up. M was already cantering so S came past at which point I managed to get D to canter (very ungracefully!) but he shot forward throwing his head about despite the fact my reins were very loose. He felt to me just like many horses I've ridden who are afraid of cantering because they are worried about being socked in the mouth. He broke very quickly into a raggedy trot and then got into an ENORMOUS stride up the rest of the hill!
Mm. He may need me to ride him into more of a contact which is exaggeratedly fluid so he knows what to expect. Or he may need me to get off his back - in which case, I will defo need a short contact in case he decides to try a buck. S knows of a good long, narrow, uphill path where we can try our next canter. Goodo! Feeling very riding-school-kid, looking forward to my next canter!!
Nice ride back, feeling good...
Later addition here - Forgot to say, I wondered whether the last 2 rides would have jaded D's view of me and, when I arrived he was in the back field by himself, having had his breakfast. I walked up to him with the halter but actually didn't need to put it on as he stopped eating, came to me, then turned and started going down to the shed by himself with me walking next to him! I must admit I thought "Phew, nothing broken!"
Only time for a quick ride again due to my time schedule ( bank hol yesterday. didn't ride). D a bit grumpy going out - may be feet again, usually that's the reason if he's lagging. Once we got to the woods however, he was off! Fab ride, D really forwards - as was M today. Went downhill a long way and through the overgrown path which originally prompted me to ride off the lead rein. S and I had a little reminisce!
Coming back up, S suggested a canter. Oooh! I felt a slight moment of trepidation but that quickly changed to excitement! However, D was not at all happy at the prospect of cantering and just ran faster and faster with his head up. M was already cantering so S came past at which point I managed to get D to canter (very ungracefully!) but he shot forward throwing his head about despite the fact my reins were very loose. He felt to me just like many horses I've ridden who are afraid of cantering because they are worried about being socked in the mouth. He broke very quickly into a raggedy trot and then got into an ENORMOUS stride up the rest of the hill!
Mm. He may need me to ride him into more of a contact which is exaggeratedly fluid so he knows what to expect. Or he may need me to get off his back - in which case, I will defo need a short contact in case he decides to try a buck. S knows of a good long, narrow, uphill path where we can try our next canter. Goodo! Feeling very riding-school-kid, looking forward to my next canter!!
Nice ride back, feeling good...
Ride no 30 - in field by self. Duncan's feedback!!!
Mon 3rd May 2010
Rode in the evening, already 8pm when I got there and blooming freezing! Felt tempted not to do anything as I was so tired after a stressful weekend (thought I'd killed the dog!) but gave myself a talking to and committed to 10 minutes at least.
D was very whizzy in the field and tossed his head plunging it to the ground in a very LB manner. I took my long-neglected 22' line and was pleased that, although I held it too short, it did not feel the lead weight it always used to, even after a break. Had a carrier bag on my C/S so did some FG with that. Moved onto figure 8. What a difference...because D was whizzy, I didn't need to chase him with the stick. Because I didn't even lift my stick, he stayed a lot sweeter and went charging round the cones with some verbal encouragement from me! I felt like we were in the pony club dis-mounted games!
Did some circling afterwards. D cantered both ways but quickly fell back to trot each time. Got a nice change of rein and then time to get on. I must admit I had second thoughts as he was so forward but then I thought "If you're worried about getting on here, what chance will you have at Oldencraig?!" So, on I got and, I needn't have worried, because D didn't want to go anywhere at all!
So, what was all that about? Maybe feedback from the last ride down horse alley (likely). Maybe getting bored with the field stuff (don't think so). Maybe a bit unconfident due to the weather (possibly). Anyway, I didn't have a whip-whap which turned out to be a blessing a a soft touch seemed to be the way forward here. In fact, he was so like riding Ollie, it was weird. Exactly the same feeling of "I don't want to" but, once I got him unstuck, he was much happier. I did a pattern of disengaging the HQ, walkign to a cone, treat, rest, repeat.
OK, I admit to feeling like I was going back in time a bit having to repeat the treat at a cone exercise but I was pleased that I was able to respond to do what D needed even if it meant changing my plans (was hoping to trot in the field today). I also omitted the rein back of the last pattern as he was thinking too backwards already.
After a while, D became much less sticky and then I could feel he was unconfident rather than lazy. I then walked the circle pattern, round, and round and round. Duncan was so forward going and sweet. Wow, what a strange feeling! It really is like Duncan is going through the changes my Ollie went through in reverse. To explain briefly; Ollie was my sweet forward-going horse who became unrecognisable to me because he was ridden with too much leg and rein. He became downright stubborn and nappy. Duncan started out downright stubborn and nappy and is becoming sweeter and more forward-going all the time. Absolutely fascinating!
Rode in the evening, already 8pm when I got there and blooming freezing! Felt tempted not to do anything as I was so tired after a stressful weekend (thought I'd killed the dog!) but gave myself a talking to and committed to 10 minutes at least.
D was very whizzy in the field and tossed his head plunging it to the ground in a very LB manner. I took my long-neglected 22' line and was pleased that, although I held it too short, it did not feel the lead weight it always used to, even after a break. Had a carrier bag on my C/S so did some FG with that. Moved onto figure 8. What a difference...because D was whizzy, I didn't need to chase him with the stick. Because I didn't even lift my stick, he stayed a lot sweeter and went charging round the cones with some verbal encouragement from me! I felt like we were in the pony club dis-mounted games!
Did some circling afterwards. D cantered both ways but quickly fell back to trot each time. Got a nice change of rein and then time to get on. I must admit I had second thoughts as he was so forward but then I thought "If you're worried about getting on here, what chance will you have at Oldencraig?!" So, on I got and, I needn't have worried, because D didn't want to go anywhere at all!
So, what was all that about? Maybe feedback from the last ride down horse alley (likely). Maybe getting bored with the field stuff (don't think so). Maybe a bit unconfident due to the weather (possibly). Anyway, I didn't have a whip-whap which turned out to be a blessing a a soft touch seemed to be the way forward here. In fact, he was so like riding Ollie, it was weird. Exactly the same feeling of "I don't want to" but, once I got him unstuck, he was much happier. I did a pattern of disengaging the HQ, walkign to a cone, treat, rest, repeat.
OK, I admit to feeling like I was going back in time a bit having to repeat the treat at a cone exercise but I was pleased that I was able to respond to do what D needed even if it meant changing my plans (was hoping to trot in the field today). I also omitted the rein back of the last pattern as he was thinking too backwards already.
After a while, D became much less sticky and then I could feel he was unconfident rather than lazy. I then walked the circle pattern, round, and round and round. Duncan was so forward going and sweet. Wow, what a strange feeling! It really is like Duncan is going through the changes my Ollie went through in reverse. To explain briefly; Ollie was my sweet forward-going horse who became unrecognisable to me because he was ridden with too much leg and rein. He became downright stubborn and nappy. Duncan started out downright stubborn and nappy and is becoming sweeter and more forward-going all the time. Absolutely fascinating!
Ride no 29 - Horse Alley. Not a pleasant ride!
Thurs 29th April 2010
An Oh Dear day....
Took D for a walk then came back and went down horse alley. After passing the last house before the horse fields, I got on. D very good as a horsebox was starting up in the drive next to us.
I had decided to ride D away from home down horse alley to push him out of his comfort zone a bit. My thinking was that this is the best way to test where we are with the relationship - i.e. how well he trusts me. Mmm. I know what the answer is.......Duncan couldn't wait to get home after this episode and even called out to M which is cast iron feedback that 1. he did not enjoy himself and 2. Did not feel safe with me. Bummer. This journey is a bit frustrating at times!!!
So, what we did. Progressed very slowly but D had such sticky feet that I had to keep disengaging his HQ to get him to walk forward - which he would then do very reluctantly. I would then let him eat before disengaging his HQ and repeating the whole thing. In this pattern, we spent at least half an hour and I thought he was simmering down when a woman with a dog came up from the scout camp and D went on high alert.
I really could have done with spending another hour there but Alas, due to a kitchen flood my time was short so after leaving on a not-too-bad note (or so I thought), we hurried home very quickly!
An Oh Dear day....
Took D for a walk then came back and went down horse alley. After passing the last house before the horse fields, I got on. D very good as a horsebox was starting up in the drive next to us.
I had decided to ride D away from home down horse alley to push him out of his comfort zone a bit. My thinking was that this is the best way to test where we are with the relationship - i.e. how well he trusts me. Mmm. I know what the answer is.......Duncan couldn't wait to get home after this episode and even called out to M which is cast iron feedback that 1. he did not enjoy himself and 2. Did not feel safe with me. Bummer. This journey is a bit frustrating at times!!!
So, what we did. Progressed very slowly but D had such sticky feet that I had to keep disengaging his HQ to get him to walk forward - which he would then do very reluctantly. I would then let him eat before disengaging his HQ and repeating the whole thing. In this pattern, we spent at least half an hour and I thought he was simmering down when a woman with a dog came up from the scout camp and D went on high alert.
I really could have done with spending another hour there but Alas, due to a kitchen flood my time was short so after leaving on a not-too-bad note (or so I thought), we hurried home very quickly!
Ride no 29 - quickie round the woods!
Tues 27th April 2010
Didn't have long as I got to the field at 10am and had to pick Ed up at 12pm. S and I whizzed out round the woods and had a really nice ride. Weather gorgeous, ground nice underfoot. Duncan is a totally different horse when he's with Moet, striding out, taking the lead. Even though the ride was short, the feeling of clocking up the mileage is great!
Didn't have long as I got to the field at 10am and had to pick Ed up at 12pm. S and I whizzed out round the woods and had a really nice ride. Weather gorgeous, ground nice underfoot. Duncan is a totally different horse when he's with Moet, striding out, taking the lead. Even though the ride was short, the feeling of clocking up the mileage is great!
Ride no 27 & 28 - twice in one day!! Down "horse alley" and ride no 4 in the field.
Mon 26th April 2010
I took D out in the morning down "horse alley". Actually, I went into the woods on the right first and rode away from home which was much more faltering than coming back. D kept his nose tipped to the right which he does when he's thinking about turning round!
I was fairly nonchalant and kept talking to him which he seemed to find reassuring. After a graze at the end, he walked back quickly but was listening and with no spooking.
I got off for the road (had Flick) and walked up and down HA. I adopted a much more upright and swaggering stance and D was great. No issues though, to be fair, it was a gorgeous day and the other horses were not interested in us. I got on D at the bottom and rode him back up which was nice.
Using stop and backup pattern a lot when riding as helps with thresholds and keeps D thinking.
In the eve, I went back up and rode in the field. I can't remember much about this now except that D was good! Still just in walk. Dis extreme FG with the ball, bouncing it on D's back. He got bored enough to graze so that was good!
I took D out in the morning down "horse alley". Actually, I went into the woods on the right first and rode away from home which was much more faltering than coming back. D kept his nose tipped to the right which he does when he's thinking about turning round!
I was fairly nonchalant and kept talking to him which he seemed to find reassuring. After a graze at the end, he walked back quickly but was listening and with no spooking.
I got off for the road (had Flick) and walked up and down HA. I adopted a much more upright and swaggering stance and D was great. No issues though, to be fair, it was a gorgeous day and the other horses were not interested in us. I got on D at the bottom and rode him back up which was nice.
Using stop and backup pattern a lot when riding as helps with thresholds and keeps D thinking.
In the eve, I went back up and rode in the field. I can't remember much about this now except that D was good! Still just in walk. Dis extreme FG with the ball, bouncing it on D's back. He got bored enough to graze so that was good!
Ride no 26. Back through little woods on my own
Thurs 22nd April 2010
I took D along the lane and into the woods on the right. He was very happy and had a graze at the bottom, watched a herd of deer with interest and then I got on by standing on a gate. D very good at standing still now - waiting for his treat!
As soon as I was on his back, D was much less sure of himself and wanted to get out of the woods fairly quickly. He was very good however and we kept stopping and flexing which I was pleased did not seem to heighten his anxiety. I had to get off once back at the road as I had Flick with me.
I took D along the lane and into the woods on the right. He was very happy and had a graze at the bottom, watched a herd of deer with interest and then I got on by standing on a gate. D very good at standing still now - waiting for his treat!
As soon as I was on his back, D was much less sure of himself and wanted to get out of the woods fairly quickly. He was very good however and we kept stopping and flexing which I was pleased did not seem to heighten his anxiety. I had to get off once back at the road as I had Flick with me.
Ride no 25 - Scarletts Lake. No boots
Weds 21st April 2010
Writing this much later so not sure if this was the right day but one day this week, S and I rode the Scarletts Lake ride. I'd found D better on his pins earlier in the week so we went out barefoot and he was fine. He was very forward going and crossed the bridge very boldly. Had a lovely ride.
D starting to get much more settled in his mouth and going into the bridle very nicely in walk. He has a horrible habit of pulling himself along in trot with his neck braced but that is going to take a while to correct and needs to start with consistency in walk then moving on to little trots with the correct carriage until he builds up strength in his HQs. At the time of writing (4th May) he is already starting to change shape - his neck is looking longer and he is now looking more like a mini horse than a pony. It helps that a lot of the winter fuzz has gone too!
Writing this much later so not sure if this was the right day but one day this week, S and I rode the Scarletts Lake ride. I'd found D better on his pins earlier in the week so we went out barefoot and he was fine. He was very forward going and crossed the bridge very boldly. Had a lovely ride.
D starting to get much more settled in his mouth and going into the bridle very nicely in walk. He has a horrible habit of pulling himself along in trot with his neck braced but that is going to take a while to correct and needs to start with consistency in walk then moving on to little trots with the correct carriage until he builds up strength in his HQs. At the time of writing (4th May) he is already starting to change shape - his neck is looking longer and he is now looking more like a mini horse than a pony. It helps that a lot of the winter fuzz has gone too!
Can't remember what I did!
Mon 19th April 2010
It's so long since I've written my blog (it's viewed as luxury, "me" time in my house!) that I've only a vague recollection of what I did this day. I didn't fall off anyway!
I think I took D for a walk in hand and did some extreme FG with a bag ending up grazing in Pinnegers paddock.
It's so long since I've written my blog (it's viewed as luxury, "me" time in my house!) that I've only a vague recollection of what I did this day. I didn't fall off anyway!
I think I took D for a walk in hand and did some extreme FG with a bag ending up grazing in Pinnegers paddock.
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