Fri 12th March 2010
Oh, what a good day today. It was quite mild which was nice. the ground's been so good, I had been really looking forward to getting an opportunity to have a play - and ride - in the top field.
Rich had Ed as he was off today - going to B & Ms pm. Couldn't have had a better Mothers' Day present!
I put out the tarp, two "barrels", single cones dotted about, the ball and the tyre. D was keen to go up to investigate the toys - much more confident now. M came too which helped of course. Did a lot extreme FG with orange bag - D nervous again but fine in the end. Better to get him walking so it's not his sole focus. The retrieving's coming on. About 5 of the throws he gave back to me or rather I was able to take from him and reward before he dropped the bag.
Lots of touch it, driving and some circling. We went towards the tarp and D would have gone up to it but I stopped him short a couple of times and decided to leave it for another session. Good that he just got to see it again as he was goggling a bit.
The circling was the best. The first time, after I'd backed D out, he took off before I asked but I thought "I'll take that" and he went round a couple of laps before I stopped him. After that, he kept wanting to go after the back-up but I was quicker than he was. At last, the tools are starting to feel more part of me than unwieldy objects to be wrestled with! I did a lot of yo-yo until he was waiting nicely for instruction then sent him the other way. He did 4 laps right in trot completely voluntarily. Cool!
Time to get on....I had the stool ready. As with previous mountings in the field, D was very tense. head up, eyes afraid, neck braced. I sat and rubbed but it didn't make a lot of difference so I leaned right forward and looked him in the eye and talked to him, giving him a good rub. I reminded him that I wouldn't ask him to do anything he didn't want to do which did the trick! You can literally see the tension leave his face then is the time to ask him to walk on. I had decided to just do point to point as it keeps the pressure off and the rewards coming!
D did absolutely fabulously. He walked willingly every time. I never once had to whip-whop. A couple of times he felt tense but just waiting or flexing slightly would do the trick. Steering was good. He tends to drift left a little so I must check my seat. I rode "forward" a bit exaggeratedly then stopped in the same fashion for clarity.
Did some flexing and disengaging, very pleasing soft responses. Towards the end, I guess I lost focus a bit as we were near M and I thought we'd have a little chill. D started off towards the gate and it took me a moment to realise he was probably thinking about taking me to the shed! I decided not to wait & see and was able to turn him easily and stop. Did a couple more Touch It's and called it a VERY GOOD day! Felt like we've come a really long way today.
Friday, 12 March 2010
Ride No 17 - round the woods
Weds 10th March 2010
Today we rode round the woods. It was a nice day and the ground has dried up really well. I led D down the road. No boots as the planned route was mainly soft going. Got on at the bank at the end on the right near the woods. After getting on I dropped my stick so got off and on again. All good practice!
D was very keen so it was a good opportunity to practice slowing down from my seat. I must admit I did not find D's flat out trot with head in the air very comfortable. I felt like I was riding an Icelandic (not that I've ever ridden one!). More transitions are needed to get him to use his back end a bit more.
Had a great ride 'though. Even went over a little log in trot next to M. Lots of trotting, lovely going. One thing I did notice on this and the previous ride was that D was jumpy when rummaged in my coat and broke into trot. I had wondered in the past if he though I was whip-whopping but I now realise it is RB reaction (as opposed to the LB slowing down when he thinks I rummaging for a treat!) More extreme FG needed. Steering really coming on now and D showing very little, if any, resistance now when I ask him to go forward. Hurrah. Good progress!
Today we rode round the woods. It was a nice day and the ground has dried up really well. I led D down the road. No boots as the planned route was mainly soft going. Got on at the bank at the end on the right near the woods. After getting on I dropped my stick so got off and on again. All good practice!
D was very keen so it was a good opportunity to practice slowing down from my seat. I must admit I did not find D's flat out trot with head in the air very comfortable. I felt like I was riding an Icelandic (not that I've ever ridden one!). More transitions are needed to get him to use his back end a bit more.
Had a great ride 'though. Even went over a little log in trot next to M. Lots of trotting, lovely going. One thing I did notice on this and the previous ride was that D was jumpy when rummaged in my coat and broke into trot. I had wondered in the past if he though I was whip-whopping but I now realise it is RB reaction (as opposed to the LB slowing down when he thinks I rummaging for a treat!) More extreme FG needed. Steering really coming on now and D showing very little, if any, resistance now when I ask him to go forward. Hurrah. Good progress!
New Foot, New Horse! Ride no 16
Mon 8th March 2010
Today, having prepared in advance (only just!), I put the Old Macs on D. They are Ollie's size 4s (D should really be in a 3) with side inserts and home-made, mouse-mat pads. The mouse mats are fab, 6mm thick, really good for the purpose. Bought about 20 - from Ebay of course!
In order for me to test the boots, we did a road ride and, at first, things looked so unpromising, I wondered if I'd just wasted my money. D walked up the road with his ears back and a pained expression. He was dawdling in that "my feet are sore" way.
We turned right as that was the way M wanted to go and, when we turned off the road onto the stony track to the river crossing, I got on at a bank. I was so clumsy that I threw myself at D, thwacked him in the side and pushed him off balance. He was not perturbed 'though and off we went. The boots' grip seemed better with a bit of purchase going downhill but D felt a bit uncertain.
At the river, the horses baulked as there was a large tree stump in front of the bridge. I approached & retreated and D relaxed. M led the way. Once we got over the other side and were on the uphill stretch, D seemed to suddenly realise how good his feet felt - and he was off! Every time we trotted he was out in front & eager which I really enjoyed. He was like a different pony! I didn't mind asking him to a bit more either which was nice. S led me on the road going back.
Really good ride, the boots didn't rub either. Fab!
Today, having prepared in advance (only just!), I put the Old Macs on D. They are Ollie's size 4s (D should really be in a 3) with side inserts and home-made, mouse-mat pads. The mouse mats are fab, 6mm thick, really good for the purpose. Bought about 20 - from Ebay of course!
In order for me to test the boots, we did a road ride and, at first, things looked so unpromising, I wondered if I'd just wasted my money. D walked up the road with his ears back and a pained expression. He was dawdling in that "my feet are sore" way.
We turned right as that was the way M wanted to go and, when we turned off the road onto the stony track to the river crossing, I got on at a bank. I was so clumsy that I threw myself at D, thwacked him in the side and pushed him off balance. He was not perturbed 'though and off we went. The boots' grip seemed better with a bit of purchase going downhill but D felt a bit uncertain.
At the river, the horses baulked as there was a large tree stump in front of the bridge. I approached & retreated and D relaxed. M led the way. Once we got over the other side and were on the uphill stretch, D seemed to suddenly realise how good his feet felt - and he was off! Every time we trotted he was out in front & eager which I really enjoyed. He was like a different pony! I didn't mind asking him to a bit more either which was nice. S led me on the road going back.
Really good ride, the boots didn't rub either. Fab!
Friday, 5 March 2010
Ride No 15 - round and about, bit footy
Thurs 4th March 2010
I didn't ride on Mon as S and I went to watch Bruce Logan on the first morning of his colt starting demo. Very interesting. S took Duncs out Tues which was good. I fed Weds and was going to play but my heavy conscience made me go home and do some housework! It was a lovely day too. Sigh!
Anyway, to this day. I had the boots with me but decided to see how Duncs was without them. We set off onto the main road but D was ears back and dawdling so that was instant feedback. We turned off the main road into a nice soft path that leads to a field which meets the Ashurst Wood bridle path. Duncs perked up a bit. I got on standing on the gate then off again. D stopped due to something caught in his tail and this pause caused the gap between S & I to widen which is not a good scenario when mounting. D was very good but i did get off and on a bit again.
We went down the A/W bridleway and a horse came cavorting around and D did his stallion impression. Got some fabulous sideways! I'm starting to see that although D kinks his tail up and cavorts, he doesn't take off - but he does spin round. When I have my saddle, I will aim to sit these out but I feel too wobbly at the moment. I did a "flying dismount" which caused D to "shudder" as he was tense when I got off. Ideally I should disengage first but I can't seem to remember this, so quick is my dismount reflex! Hey Ho, the more flying dismounts I do, the more Duncs will become desensitised to them so I won't beat myself up about that. Must try to remember next time 'tho.
I walked to the bottom of the path. After we turned round, I got back on and s led me for my confidence. D fine although not tested as the horse didn't come back. We then went down the road, I went in front a fair bit. really pleased with how d's coming on and how his steering has improved. A digger outside Pippas caused him to stop. He tried to turn round twice but this was because I pushed him before he was calm and, to his credit, he didn't get all the way round, just 90 degree before he stopped and refaced. I kept re-asking then stopping him before he wanted to stop which builds his confidence. We didn't get all the way up to it as another digger came along and we had to go but D walked past calmly.
Approaching the digger, I tried leaning forward looking Duncs in the eye and giving him a rub. I could really see the recognition and trust on his face. Very touching as it really reminded me how well we know each other (when he can see me!) now. Perhaps I need to do this a bit more.
We went into the woods on the right (me leading) and did the tiny loop then came back. I was going to try to get D to touch the digger on the way back but i didn't push it. He made a really good effort but I could see he was still scared. He would have done it no sweat with me on the ground and I could have got off but luckily Terri's advice about not forcing things on him came to me and I let it go and he walked past nicely.
All in all, we rode for about an hour and 15 mins which as good. I really like the feeling of clocking up the mileage (plus we've got to have 20 hours riding under our belts for Terri's workshop in June!) We're nearly there!
I didn't ride on Mon as S and I went to watch Bruce Logan on the first morning of his colt starting demo. Very interesting. S took Duncs out Tues which was good. I fed Weds and was going to play but my heavy conscience made me go home and do some housework! It was a lovely day too. Sigh!
Anyway, to this day. I had the boots with me but decided to see how Duncs was without them. We set off onto the main road but D was ears back and dawdling so that was instant feedback. We turned off the main road into a nice soft path that leads to a field which meets the Ashurst Wood bridle path. Duncs perked up a bit. I got on standing on the gate then off again. D stopped due to something caught in his tail and this pause caused the gap between S & I to widen which is not a good scenario when mounting. D was very good but i did get off and on a bit again.
We went down the A/W bridleway and a horse came cavorting around and D did his stallion impression. Got some fabulous sideways! I'm starting to see that although D kinks his tail up and cavorts, he doesn't take off - but he does spin round. When I have my saddle, I will aim to sit these out but I feel too wobbly at the moment. I did a "flying dismount" which caused D to "shudder" as he was tense when I got off. Ideally I should disengage first but I can't seem to remember this, so quick is my dismount reflex! Hey Ho, the more flying dismounts I do, the more Duncs will become desensitised to them so I won't beat myself up about that. Must try to remember next time 'tho.
I walked to the bottom of the path. After we turned round, I got back on and s led me for my confidence. D fine although not tested as the horse didn't come back. We then went down the road, I went in front a fair bit. really pleased with how d's coming on and how his steering has improved. A digger outside Pippas caused him to stop. He tried to turn round twice but this was because I pushed him before he was calm and, to his credit, he didn't get all the way round, just 90 degree before he stopped and refaced. I kept re-asking then stopping him before he wanted to stop which builds his confidence. We didn't get all the way up to it as another digger came along and we had to go but D walked past calmly.
Approaching the digger, I tried leaning forward looking Duncs in the eye and giving him a rub. I could really see the recognition and trust on his face. Very touching as it really reminded me how well we know each other (when he can see me!) now. Perhaps I need to do this a bit more.
We went into the woods on the right (me leading) and did the tiny loop then came back. I was going to try to get D to touch the digger on the way back but i didn't push it. He made a really good effort but I could see he was still scared. He would have done it no sweat with me on the ground and I could have got off but luckily Terri's advice about not forcing things on him came to me and I let it go and he walked past nicely.
All in all, we rode for about an hour and 15 mins which as good. I really like the feeling of clocking up the mileage (plus we've got to have 20 hours riding under our belts for Terri's workshop in June!) We're nearly there!
Sunday, 28 February 2010
Ride No 14. I fell off!!
Thurs 25th Feb 2010
Today we went for a ride in the woods. I got on D at the cricket ground no probs and off we went. He led the way into the woods but is not so confident in front so kept stopping to gawp at things. The first was a "crocodile" log which made me smile as I had an identical incident with Ollie in the woods in Canterbury. D was fab. I just waited while he was tense. When he relaxed, I pushed him on. Went slowly to a gentle ph 4 and he would walk a couple of steps then stop.
This was so like Ollie in the beginning, I felt completely at home! Ollie would barely walk down the road when I first got him! The key is to wait! D tried turning round a few times which I managed to interrupt and thankfully he did not then go backwards as some horses do but seemed to understand it was OK to wait but not to turn round. Having been through this with Ollie, I honestly felt so relaxed I could have waited all day. It was so nice to be IN my comfort zone for a change!!
At the point D decided it was safe to walk on, I let him walk a few steps then asked him to stop - a good tactic to avoid the last minute spin round when bravery dissolves! Glad to say it worked with him and he ended up walking calmly past the "croc" to a rest & reward!
We stayed in front or a bit but, turning down a long track, D's confidence left him again and he kept stopping. Wondered if he was partly testing me out, partly nervous. Either way, he's looking for leadership! I used the PTP method again which makes me focus strongly on going forward and I guess increases the feeling I'm in charge for D! Of course, he loves the rest & reward at the chosen spot too!
I was so pleased: from a sticky start where I was going to ph 4, by the end of the path, he was offering to walk from a ph 1 lift life only. Wow. What a quick change in attitude! Then IT happened. I fell off! Luckily S was behind and saw what happened. My rope was dangling (naughty me) and D trod on it. As he stumbled, I lost my balance which caused him to spin round which cause me to fly out the side door!
Interesting points: D is still nervous about flying dismounts but when I fell off, he did not panic. In fact he stood with his head down looking at me! Good boy! In fact, all told (without trying to sound like I'm putting a gloss on this!), it was a good job I fell off right then. It had to happen some time and I had a nice soft landing! It also proved that D has come a really long way too.
I felt a bit weepy when I got up but not scared which was good. I gave D a cuddle (for me, not him!) then got back on. He was a bit joggy to start with but soon simmered down. We had a couple of nice trots before coming to Melinda's field. Hayley came down to the fence accompanied by the horses so I got off in case of funny business. D kinked his tail up and side-stepped a bit but that was really it so while S & H were talking I got back on (mounting from the off side today).
I rode D back through the woods and part way up the road. I got off as there were diggers at Pippas and, when one started coming towards D, it all got too much and he went into his bunched up state. I had had my leg on to keep up with M but this was not enough to keep D going forward. Next time, I think I will have to quickly go to a ph 4 as soon as he starts baulking. Or do what I actually did which was to get off! I didn't get back on as I like to walk the last bit anyway. I'm sure the horses appreciate it.
All in all, a great ride! Noticed D was bending to the left again and bracing the right side of his body on the way home. Often it coincided with him trying to walk off to the left to get onto another path (did this to the right once too) but I will keep an eye on this.
Today we went for a ride in the woods. I got on D at the cricket ground no probs and off we went. He led the way into the woods but is not so confident in front so kept stopping to gawp at things. The first was a "crocodile" log which made me smile as I had an identical incident with Ollie in the woods in Canterbury. D was fab. I just waited while he was tense. When he relaxed, I pushed him on. Went slowly to a gentle ph 4 and he would walk a couple of steps then stop.
This was so like Ollie in the beginning, I felt completely at home! Ollie would barely walk down the road when I first got him! The key is to wait! D tried turning round a few times which I managed to interrupt and thankfully he did not then go backwards as some horses do but seemed to understand it was OK to wait but not to turn round. Having been through this with Ollie, I honestly felt so relaxed I could have waited all day. It was so nice to be IN my comfort zone for a change!!
At the point D decided it was safe to walk on, I let him walk a few steps then asked him to stop - a good tactic to avoid the last minute spin round when bravery dissolves! Glad to say it worked with him and he ended up walking calmly past the "croc" to a rest & reward!
We stayed in front or a bit but, turning down a long track, D's confidence left him again and he kept stopping. Wondered if he was partly testing me out, partly nervous. Either way, he's looking for leadership! I used the PTP method again which makes me focus strongly on going forward and I guess increases the feeling I'm in charge for D! Of course, he loves the rest & reward at the chosen spot too!
I was so pleased: from a sticky start where I was going to ph 4, by the end of the path, he was offering to walk from a ph 1 lift life only. Wow. What a quick change in attitude! Then IT happened. I fell off! Luckily S was behind and saw what happened. My rope was dangling (naughty me) and D trod on it. As he stumbled, I lost my balance which caused him to spin round which cause me to fly out the side door!
Interesting points: D is still nervous about flying dismounts but when I fell off, he did not panic. In fact he stood with his head down looking at me! Good boy! In fact, all told (without trying to sound like I'm putting a gloss on this!), it was a good job I fell off right then. It had to happen some time and I had a nice soft landing! It also proved that D has come a really long way too.
I felt a bit weepy when I got up but not scared which was good. I gave D a cuddle (for me, not him!) then got back on. He was a bit joggy to start with but soon simmered down. We had a couple of nice trots before coming to Melinda's field. Hayley came down to the fence accompanied by the horses so I got off in case of funny business. D kinked his tail up and side-stepped a bit but that was really it so while S & H were talking I got back on (mounting from the off side today).
I rode D back through the woods and part way up the road. I got off as there were diggers at Pippas and, when one started coming towards D, it all got too much and he went into his bunched up state. I had had my leg on to keep up with M but this was not enough to keep D going forward. Next time, I think I will have to quickly go to a ph 4 as soon as he starts baulking. Or do what I actually did which was to get off! I didn't get back on as I like to walk the last bit anyway. I'm sure the horses appreciate it.
All in all, a great ride! Noticed D was bending to the left again and bracing the right side of his body on the way home. Often it coincided with him trying to walk off to the left to get onto another path (did this to the right once too) but I will keep an eye on this.
Ride No 13, road ride, traffic.....
Mon 22nd Feb 2010
S and I went the usual Shepherds grove way but came back the same way as running short on time. Duncs full of beans, it had been pouring and there were rivers running along the roads which he found interesting looking at out of his left eye on the way out and scary looking at out of his right on the way home!
Have noticed increasingly now I am riding alone that D is not too happy with trafic when you are on board. He's better when you're on the ground, although will have a bit of a look and maybe a spook. On board, if there's a gap between him and M he gets all bunched up and starts prancing on the spot. That's when I jump off! It's not cars but anything bigger than a van. We met a lorry going along Scarletts Lake road and D wouldn't go forward even tho the van was stationary. He bunched up then started jigging sideways into some deep mud so I leapt off. He then went past ok, if a little rushed.
I did a bit of jumping on & off tho I can't remember every reason now. Once was when he was spooking at the river going back and I was getting left behind. I know this is a typical point when a horse will rush forward and put a buck in (as D did the previous week). At the moment, I'm erring on the side of caution as I'm not yet able to just "kick him on" (sorry Parelli, this is traditional riding slang!).
This is another thing to teach D - an emergency upwards transition! Of course, he has to be responsive to the slightest phase for this to work and, at the moment, he doesn't often respond to ph 1 and still braces against the leg at ph 2. It will all come I'm sure. We still haven't got much of a language going on top yet after all.
All in all D was very good, excellent with me getting on and off. All this leaping on and off has paid huge dividends as I write (see next entry!) as at one point, a MOVING dismount sent D into a nervous spin. I walked on the way back as I really don't like riding on the main road, we were getting left behind a lot and, until I'm more confident I can deal with D's traffic nerves, it's the safest option.
His feet were fine today, had time to recover since last week but he really slows up by the end of a road ride so I will use boots for the road when necessary. really clocking up the mileage now which is GREAT!
S and I went the usual Shepherds grove way but came back the same way as running short on time. Duncs full of beans, it had been pouring and there were rivers running along the roads which he found interesting looking at out of his left eye on the way out and scary looking at out of his right on the way home!
Have noticed increasingly now I am riding alone that D is not too happy with trafic when you are on board. He's better when you're on the ground, although will have a bit of a look and maybe a spook. On board, if there's a gap between him and M he gets all bunched up and starts prancing on the spot. That's when I jump off! It's not cars but anything bigger than a van. We met a lorry going along Scarletts Lake road and D wouldn't go forward even tho the van was stationary. He bunched up then started jigging sideways into some deep mud so I leapt off. He then went past ok, if a little rushed.
I did a bit of jumping on & off tho I can't remember every reason now. Once was when he was spooking at the river going back and I was getting left behind. I know this is a typical point when a horse will rush forward and put a buck in (as D did the previous week). At the moment, I'm erring on the side of caution as I'm not yet able to just "kick him on" (sorry Parelli, this is traditional riding slang!).
This is another thing to teach D - an emergency upwards transition! Of course, he has to be responsive to the slightest phase for this to work and, at the moment, he doesn't often respond to ph 1 and still braces against the leg at ph 2. It will all come I'm sure. We still haven't got much of a language going on top yet after all.
All in all D was very good, excellent with me getting on and off. All this leaping on and off has paid huge dividends as I write (see next entry!) as at one point, a MOVING dismount sent D into a nervous spin. I walked on the way back as I really don't like riding on the main road, we were getting left behind a lot and, until I'm more confident I can deal with D's traffic nerves, it's the safest option.
His feet were fine today, had time to recover since last week but he really slows up by the end of a road ride so I will use boots for the road when necessary. really clocking up the mileage now which is GREAT!
Tried Old Macs boots. Ride no 12 (15 mins) Point to Point
Weds 17th Feb 2010
I've got a bit behind so this will be brief! I didn't ride Mon as Rich & I took Ed to the Natural History museum! Loved the dinosaurs!
On the Weds, I was on my own so decided to try the Old Macs on. D was absolutely great to put them on. He was not phased at all! We went down the road to the woods and back, not much as not a lot of time. D's feet were coming up inside the boot as I could hear a whoomf a second after he put his boot down as the foot landed. He seemed happy enough but he was a bit wary going downhill - rightly so as the boots don't have a lot of grip (I wouldn't purchase the same boots again for this reason).
I got on at the bank going away from home this time. D baulked at going forward and after checking he was not nervous, I slowly built up to a sharp crack of a ph 4 with the rope on his flank. I made a game of going forward - fixing my gaze on a nearby object and rewarding and resting when we got there. I don't know why I was surprised but it amazed me how quickly he picked up on my focus. After a couple of goes he was going forward happily on ph 2. Need to get this to ph 1 and, just thinking about this as I type, I think the answer is a longer ph 1 as I never wait for long before putting the leg on. Plus D's used to a leg aid. Yes, will try a longer ph 1!
Walked home no prob, little trot going uphill back. D lifted his knees up high! definitely looked more comfy in the boots. I have been in contact with old Macs since and D is a size smaller than my boots (I have a 4 and he is a 3). On their advice, I've bought inserts to take up the room at the side. I've also bought some thick mouse mats to make pads which I hope will improve the fit too as I can't afford £95 for a new pair!
I've got a bit behind so this will be brief! I didn't ride Mon as Rich & I took Ed to the Natural History museum! Loved the dinosaurs!
On the Weds, I was on my own so decided to try the Old Macs on. D was absolutely great to put them on. He was not phased at all! We went down the road to the woods and back, not much as not a lot of time. D's feet were coming up inside the boot as I could hear a whoomf a second after he put his boot down as the foot landed. He seemed happy enough but he was a bit wary going downhill - rightly so as the boots don't have a lot of grip (I wouldn't purchase the same boots again for this reason).
I got on at the bank going away from home this time. D baulked at going forward and after checking he was not nervous, I slowly built up to a sharp crack of a ph 4 with the rope on his flank. I made a game of going forward - fixing my gaze on a nearby object and rewarding and resting when we got there. I don't know why I was surprised but it amazed me how quickly he picked up on my focus. After a couple of goes he was going forward happily on ph 2. Need to get this to ph 1 and, just thinking about this as I type, I think the answer is a longer ph 1 as I never wait for long before putting the leg on. Plus D's used to a leg aid. Yes, will try a longer ph 1!
Walked home no prob, little trot going uphill back. D lifted his knees up high! definitely looked more comfy in the boots. I have been in contact with old Macs since and D is a size smaller than my boots (I have a 4 and he is a 3). On their advice, I've bought inserts to take up the room at the side. I've also bought some thick mouse mats to make pads which I hope will improve the fit too as I can't afford £95 for a new pair!
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