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.
Sunday, 28 February 2010
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!
Monday, 15 February 2010
I rode BY MYSELF!!! Ride no 11 (only 15 minutes!) Sore Feet :(
Sunday 14th February 2010
S and I were going to ride together but plans got a bit mixed up so I ended up on my own. As S says, things happen for a reason (OK maybe this was only a small "thing", us not meeting but there was a good result! The dog got a walk too as I was on the ground). As it turned out, D was very footy so a proper ride would have been out of the question. He looked really lame as he stood by the shed. I found a stone in his near fore but, as this is the hoof he's been delicate on before, I don't know if that was just coincidence. When I walked him about he looked OK but definitely stepping short. Decided to go for a walk and see how he was on the tarmac.
I got D ready - with saddle on! How cool, the new girth I bought Ollie before he went away (which I never got to use) fits D. Ollie was 2 hands bigger than Duncs so that's a real result! D was keen to go out but a bit unconfident. He kept stopping but held his nerve each time and walked on of his own accord when he was reassured that there were no monsters about. I just act as 'though there's nothing doing each time he stops. Usually I chat a bit, stroke a bit and cock a leg! Poor old D, I could see his feet were a bit sore. I trotted him to have a look and he looked short but happy enough in himself - so I let him be my guide.
At the bank by the cricket field, I prepared to get on but, as I was lying over, I could see D was not relaxed and was goggling into the distance rather than focusing on me. Common sense tells me that would not be a good time to get on! So, off we went into the woods. D great, marching along. At the bottom of the track was a brood mare and foal. D's tail went up but my adrenalin didn't, I'm glad to say. I now know that I can control him on the ground if he gets high. He tends to want to stand on top of me so I'm mainly getting him out of my space. He calmed down very quickly but the mare seemed to get more excited and went for a trot about so I though we'd better be off (she was heavily pregnant). D didn't mind leaving at all and was not joggy as we left.
I got on him at the bank on the way back and he was fine with it - waited for his treat afterwards of course, Then I just sat there and waited, rubbing. It seemed lie a while but it was only about a minute before he set off of his own accord. I noticed 2 tings straight away. 1. How footy he was - and he tripped a couple of times going downhill and 2. How far forward the saddle was and I was riding downhill (no pressure on withers but it would have been loading his shoulders). I was tempted to get off but D's ears were pricked and he wasn't distressed so I stayed on.
How sweet, he kept asking me questions about whether we could stop (for a snack!) and I kept saying no and steering him straight again. To my surprise he didn't once try to outmanoeuvre me or dive so I rewarded him a bit further on with my "grass" instruction! Going up the hill, he felt a lot better as he was obviously able to push himself up with his HQs. I tried putting my feet in the stirrups - so alien now - which tipped my weight back a bit as they were jockey short (not intentional!). D put his head down and got a lovely stride going and I sat holding my reins on the "buckle" feeling like we'd been riding together forever! What a lovely feeling!
I need to get the saddle fitted properly rather than try shimming. When I got off, as I suspected, I was sitting almost on D's neck! Luckily because the gullet moves with the horse, I don't have to worry about pressure sores but carrying the weight in this position is totally wrong. Hopefully, just needs a smaller gullet plate. As I write, I've been in touch with a WOW saddle fitter. All very exciting stuff! Back to the BB pad for now though!
S and I were going to ride together but plans got a bit mixed up so I ended up on my own. As S says, things happen for a reason (OK maybe this was only a small "thing", us not meeting but there was a good result! The dog got a walk too as I was on the ground). As it turned out, D was very footy so a proper ride would have been out of the question. He looked really lame as he stood by the shed. I found a stone in his near fore but, as this is the hoof he's been delicate on before, I don't know if that was just coincidence. When I walked him about he looked OK but definitely stepping short. Decided to go for a walk and see how he was on the tarmac.
I got D ready - with saddle on! How cool, the new girth I bought Ollie before he went away (which I never got to use) fits D. Ollie was 2 hands bigger than Duncs so that's a real result! D was keen to go out but a bit unconfident. He kept stopping but held his nerve each time and walked on of his own accord when he was reassured that there were no monsters about. I just act as 'though there's nothing doing each time he stops. Usually I chat a bit, stroke a bit and cock a leg! Poor old D, I could see his feet were a bit sore. I trotted him to have a look and he looked short but happy enough in himself - so I let him be my guide.
At the bank by the cricket field, I prepared to get on but, as I was lying over, I could see D was not relaxed and was goggling into the distance rather than focusing on me. Common sense tells me that would not be a good time to get on! So, off we went into the woods. D great, marching along. At the bottom of the track was a brood mare and foal. D's tail went up but my adrenalin didn't, I'm glad to say. I now know that I can control him on the ground if he gets high. He tends to want to stand on top of me so I'm mainly getting him out of my space. He calmed down very quickly but the mare seemed to get more excited and went for a trot about so I though we'd better be off (she was heavily pregnant). D didn't mind leaving at all and was not joggy as we left.
I got on him at the bank on the way back and he was fine with it - waited for his treat afterwards of course, Then I just sat there and waited, rubbing. It seemed lie a while but it was only about a minute before he set off of his own accord. I noticed 2 tings straight away. 1. How footy he was - and he tripped a couple of times going downhill and 2. How far forward the saddle was and I was riding downhill (no pressure on withers but it would have been loading his shoulders). I was tempted to get off but D's ears were pricked and he wasn't distressed so I stayed on.
How sweet, he kept asking me questions about whether we could stop (for a snack!) and I kept saying no and steering him straight again. To my surprise he didn't once try to outmanoeuvre me or dive so I rewarded him a bit further on with my "grass" instruction! Going up the hill, he felt a lot better as he was obviously able to push himself up with his HQs. I tried putting my feet in the stirrups - so alien now - which tipped my weight back a bit as they were jockey short (not intentional!). D put his head down and got a lovely stride going and I sat holding my reins on the "buckle" feeling like we'd been riding together forever! What a lovely feeling!
I need to get the saddle fitted properly rather than try shimming. When I got off, as I suspected, I was sitting almost on D's neck! Luckily because the gullet moves with the horse, I don't have to worry about pressure sores but carrying the weight in this position is totally wrong. Hopefully, just needs a smaller gullet plate. As I write, I've been in touch with a WOW saddle fitter. All very exciting stuff! Back to the BB pad for now though!
Tried my saddle on. NO WORRIES!!
Thurs 9th Feb 2010
There were a few good reasons not to ride today, snow on the ground so slippery and frozen. I have, alas, got a very sore coccyx again which, when the ibuprofen wears off, start spasming so that I can hardly walk. What a disappointment, thought those days were behind me. Still, live in hope!
So, I went up to feed and decided to take my saddle and try it on. Duncs was completely relaxed about the saddle, having it on his back and girthing up. He walked about happily in it too so I thought I'd have a sit-on. It looked OK enough to sit on and when I got on, I realised it was good enough to ride on next time too. If anything, a little wide, could shim up the front...
Once on (NB, did not use stirrups to mount. Won't do for a while. Lucky D is so small!), I decided I wanted to walk to the gate. D had other ideas. Nothing as I lifted life and smooched. As I put my leg on, he started to step back but I built up the pressure very slowly with the rope (keeping my leg on) until I reached a sharp tap behind the leg at which point he stepped forward. It probably took 3 repeats to get to the gate. Then I got off, walked D through the gate and let him graze for a bit before going back to the "block".
By the 4th time of asking, D walked forward on ph 3 leg touch - also found it helped me saying "walk on" as that's the command he seems used to instead of a "smooch" or cluck. I was very pleased to finish on a positive note but more than that, I was delighted that the saddle was just not an issue. FANTASTIC!
There were a few good reasons not to ride today, snow on the ground so slippery and frozen. I have, alas, got a very sore coccyx again which, when the ibuprofen wears off, start spasming so that I can hardly walk. What a disappointment, thought those days were behind me. Still, live in hope!
So, I went up to feed and decided to take my saddle and try it on. Duncs was completely relaxed about the saddle, having it on his back and girthing up. He walked about happily in it too so I thought I'd have a sit-on. It looked OK enough to sit on and when I got on, I realised it was good enough to ride on next time too. If anything, a little wide, could shim up the front...
Once on (NB, did not use stirrups to mount. Won't do for a while. Lucky D is so small!), I decided I wanted to walk to the gate. D had other ideas. Nothing as I lifted life and smooched. As I put my leg on, he started to step back but I built up the pressure very slowly with the rope (keeping my leg on) until I reached a sharp tap behind the leg at which point he stepped forward. It probably took 3 repeats to get to the gate. Then I got off, walked D through the gate and let him graze for a bit before going back to the "block".
By the 4th time of asking, D walked forward on ph 3 leg touch - also found it helped me saying "walk on" as that's the command he seems used to instead of a "smooch" or cluck. I was very pleased to finish on a positive note but more than that, I was delighted that the saddle was just not an issue. FANTASTIC!
Tuesday, 9 February 2010
Ride No 10 (Ashurst Wood). First little buck! First "contact" on reins
Mon Feb 8th 2010
Ooh, it was cold again today and I haven't got any cold-weather boots (too stingy to buy any). It was actually snowing for some of the ride. Luckily S lent me a pair of very warm gloves as I'd forgotten mine.
We went on a different ride today. Down the lane, across the field and down and up the track to the large grey house in Ashurst Wood (name escapes me) - my old stomping ground with Ollie.
I walked until we got to the gate at the top of the steep muddy track down. D was quite lively especially looking at other horses - who didn't come over - so no excitement. S suggested I get on as it was not fun walking down, espec as D apparently has a tendency to take his own route and squish you if you are in the way! I got on (by myself) by lining him up to a gate, bit of a stretch but he stood like a trooper waiting fro his treats!
Once on, I really did not enjoy the downward descent one bit! I felt so unsafe. Weird, I don't remember being quite so worried about going downhill - never enjoyed it though. D gets a bit joggy downhill - trying to get it over with. With no contact on the reins or use of my legs to help him to balance (I know this is not necessary!), I felt like a sitting duck. Interesting!
Anyway, we survived and uphill was fine! Had a trot, D pretty slow, picking his way. Once onto the tarmac, I did some flexing and disengaging etc. All good although I notice D is often bracey against the right rein when walking along. This can be eliminated by an exaggerated body twist so that your seat bones and legs really push him into the right shape. Good reminder for me as I tend to sit quite still.
On the road D slowed considerably and we got left behind a fair bit. He was always happy to catch up 'though. I was not over enamoured with his trotting today, quite a lot of head up, choppy strides, not using his back end properly so, although I should perhaps still be riding passenger most of the time, I'm thinking that I don't want that to continue or D will get a big undermuscle on his neck...more on this later.
Coming back on the road, D seemed a bit footy again. He is sometimes a bit shorter in his near fore stride in trot. I let him dawdle a bit as I don't want him to become sour through being chased when he's uncomfortable.
As we came to the muddy track downhill, which is a narrow path enclosed by trees at the top, there was a snow storm blowing across the path through a gap in the trees. I had a feeling D would be whey hey at getting back on the soft ground, espec as M was a way ahead. I leaned back and held the BB handle. Sure enough D surged forward, tossed his head and did a little buck! I know I left the BB pad as I came down with a bump! I felt him kick his right hind out as I landed. That was all. If he'd wanted to, he could have gone for it but he didn't and I didn't feel scared afterwards so that was all good.
I did call out to S that I was going to stop though and bent him - easily - to a stop. I then flexed him a couple of times before walking on. As a precaution, I asked S to wait for me going down the rest of the hill!
On the way back up, in case the horses in the fields came over, I took up a light "contact" and used my legs as D tried to slow to gawp. How interesting, D rounded his neck and slowed a bit listening to me and I commented to S that he actually felt more secure in himself. I also felt more secure too - interesting! Will chew on this one... (memory pathways?) Anyway, I now know that D remembers his early traditional training with respect to giving to the contact - which is great and bodes very well for the future.
I rode all the way home, except up the last bit of road as I felt rather stiff and cold. Thought D would prob appreciate me getting off too. What a great day, lots to think about and celebrate!
Ooh, it was cold again today and I haven't got any cold-weather boots (too stingy to buy any). It was actually snowing for some of the ride. Luckily S lent me a pair of very warm gloves as I'd forgotten mine.
We went on a different ride today. Down the lane, across the field and down and up the track to the large grey house in Ashurst Wood (name escapes me) - my old stomping ground with Ollie.
I walked until we got to the gate at the top of the steep muddy track down. D was quite lively especially looking at other horses - who didn't come over - so no excitement. S suggested I get on as it was not fun walking down, espec as D apparently has a tendency to take his own route and squish you if you are in the way! I got on (by myself) by lining him up to a gate, bit of a stretch but he stood like a trooper waiting fro his treats!
Once on, I really did not enjoy the downward descent one bit! I felt so unsafe. Weird, I don't remember being quite so worried about going downhill - never enjoyed it though. D gets a bit joggy downhill - trying to get it over with. With no contact on the reins or use of my legs to help him to balance (I know this is not necessary!), I felt like a sitting duck. Interesting!
Anyway, we survived and uphill was fine! Had a trot, D pretty slow, picking his way. Once onto the tarmac, I did some flexing and disengaging etc. All good although I notice D is often bracey against the right rein when walking along. This can be eliminated by an exaggerated body twist so that your seat bones and legs really push him into the right shape. Good reminder for me as I tend to sit quite still.
On the road D slowed considerably and we got left behind a fair bit. He was always happy to catch up 'though. I was not over enamoured with his trotting today, quite a lot of head up, choppy strides, not using his back end properly so, although I should perhaps still be riding passenger most of the time, I'm thinking that I don't want that to continue or D will get a big undermuscle on his neck...more on this later.
Coming back on the road, D seemed a bit footy again. He is sometimes a bit shorter in his near fore stride in trot. I let him dawdle a bit as I don't want him to become sour through being chased when he's uncomfortable.
As we came to the muddy track downhill, which is a narrow path enclosed by trees at the top, there was a snow storm blowing across the path through a gap in the trees. I had a feeling D would be whey hey at getting back on the soft ground, espec as M was a way ahead. I leaned back and held the BB handle. Sure enough D surged forward, tossed his head and did a little buck! I know I left the BB pad as I came down with a bump! I felt him kick his right hind out as I landed. That was all. If he'd wanted to, he could have gone for it but he didn't and I didn't feel scared afterwards so that was all good.
I did call out to S that I was going to stop though and bent him - easily - to a stop. I then flexed him a couple of times before walking on. As a precaution, I asked S to wait for me going down the rest of the hill!
On the way back up, in case the horses in the fields came over, I took up a light "contact" and used my legs as D tried to slow to gawp. How interesting, D rounded his neck and slowed a bit listening to me and I commented to S that he actually felt more secure in himself. I also felt more secure too - interesting! Will chew on this one... (memory pathways?) Anyway, I now know that D remembers his early traditional training with respect to giving to the contact - which is great and bodes very well for the future.
I rode all the way home, except up the last bit of road as I felt rather stiff and cold. Thought D would prob appreciate me getting off too. What a great day, lots to think about and celebrate!
Thursday, 4 February 2010
Ride No 9
Thurs 4th Feb 2010
Duncan set off quite slowly but, on the main road, there was quite a bit of traffic and he wasn't too keen on a couple of lorries coming up behind him. He tried to turn round to face them - sensible but not desirable. he then got a bit uptight trying to trot off so I was glad I had my CS to block his path! I went alongside M for a while which helped.
Once onto the back roads to Scarletts lake, he settled right down. I got on by myself at the handy bank after a bit of shifting about. D's not got the hang of lining up his bum separately to his front end. He wasn't sure what I wanted and tried to climb the bank at one point. Will spend some time on that from the ground.
Got on and rubbed and then asked him to move forward. He was a bit sticky and I went quietly to a mild ph 4 twice after which he walked on fine. There was a roadworks sign and cone just ahead which D went straight up to investigate - got a treat for that. Throughout the ride he investigated most of the bins & cones he came across!
We went on the original route and I rode all the way off lead apart from going past a building site (better-safe- than-sorry precaution) and on the road going back. D rode a lot straighter today but I did notice he felt a bit footy at times. He didn't seem distressed at all 'though so I stayed on top. Did quite a bit of trotting. He's very sweet, jogs a bit, walks a bit then you ask again and off he goes...for a bit. That suits me fine!! I felt quite happy lagging behind and I got plenty of opportunity to practice transitions.
Later on the unmade road going back, I tried some halting, back-up, flexing and disengaging the HQ. The back-up was not coming and he pushed through a couple of times. I then held the contact a bit firmer and moved my legs rhythmically until he made the tiniest effort then I immediately released. The next time was quicker and, when I tried back at "home" in the driveway, he went back much more easily with a huge lick & chew (rewards!).
I tried to focus on my seat a bit today and didn't hold onto the BB pad handle much (was becoming a habit!). I think the weight in the seat comes from core stability. I have to watch that I don't keep my seat still when trying to find it. Need to watch the fluidity video gathering dust!
Really happy with D's progress and he seemed really happy too. Watching me going about the field with interest, didn't want to go back to the field either which is a good sign! It may be cupboard love but any love's good enough for me!
Duncan set off quite slowly but, on the main road, there was quite a bit of traffic and he wasn't too keen on a couple of lorries coming up behind him. He tried to turn round to face them - sensible but not desirable. he then got a bit uptight trying to trot off so I was glad I had my CS to block his path! I went alongside M for a while which helped.
Once onto the back roads to Scarletts lake, he settled right down. I got on by myself at the handy bank after a bit of shifting about. D's not got the hang of lining up his bum separately to his front end. He wasn't sure what I wanted and tried to climb the bank at one point. Will spend some time on that from the ground.
Got on and rubbed and then asked him to move forward. He was a bit sticky and I went quietly to a mild ph 4 twice after which he walked on fine. There was a roadworks sign and cone just ahead which D went straight up to investigate - got a treat for that. Throughout the ride he investigated most of the bins & cones he came across!
We went on the original route and I rode all the way off lead apart from going past a building site (better-safe- than-sorry precaution) and on the road going back. D rode a lot straighter today but I did notice he felt a bit footy at times. He didn't seem distressed at all 'though so I stayed on top. Did quite a bit of trotting. He's very sweet, jogs a bit, walks a bit then you ask again and off he goes...for a bit. That suits me fine!! I felt quite happy lagging behind and I got plenty of opportunity to practice transitions.
Later on the unmade road going back, I tried some halting, back-up, flexing and disengaging the HQ. The back-up was not coming and he pushed through a couple of times. I then held the contact a bit firmer and moved my legs rhythmically until he made the tiniest effort then I immediately released. The next time was quicker and, when I tried back at "home" in the driveway, he went back much more easily with a huge lick & chew (rewards!).
I tried to focus on my seat a bit today and didn't hold onto the BB pad handle much (was becoming a habit!). I think the weight in the seat comes from core stability. I have to watch that I don't keep my seat still when trying to find it. Need to watch the fluidity video gathering dust!
Really happy with D's progress and he seemed really happy too. Watching me going about the field with interest, didn't want to go back to the field either which is a good sign! It may be cupboard love but any love's good enough for me!
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
Ride no 8, exciting news and a few tests
Weds 3rd Feb 2010
Well, the exciting news is that I'm doing a one day course with Duncs at Terri's at the end of July (on the wait list for June one which filled up overnight!). Really excited already. Sharon ok'd it so now we just have to hope everyone's fit and transport's ok etc. etc.
We went into the woods this morning. Duncs was a bit slow going out or, rather, not bouncing. This may be due to his feet as he was different in the woods then back to slow on the tarmac! I got on at the bank by the cricket pitch (D tried to follow me up first!) and I rubbed for a while, flexed then asked him to walk on. S had the rope but after we got a short way, I took it.
The first test happened when D scraped me through a branch - ouch. I grabbed my face and exclaimed and D stopped and looked round at me! Whatta boy! I gave him a treat for that. In fact, at the moment, I am encouraging him to look to me for a rub and/or treat as it is such an easy and positive way to keep him focused on me and feeling good about what we're doing.
D bobbed along in a sprightly fashion, jogging quite a lot when he wanted to but I was able to slow him down with my seat and tested a few bending to a stop -all good.
The next test was when D decided he did not want to turn towards home (the route was downhill so maybe that was why). He did the neck brace that he used on me in the field that time. I was able to stop him traversing in his chosen direction and bend him round back towards Moet. S asked if she should walk on and I said no just in case suddenly decided to catch up fast!
I was pleased as I was able to disengage his HQ so that we were facing S and casually undo my rope and go slowly to ph 4 at which he took a step in the right direction and I immediately released and rubbed. The next ask, I only got to the rope on my body and he was off.
I then got a bit wobbly going down the hill, it was so slippery and D was jogging, I was really scared he'd fall (memories of Sasha messing with my mind!) I said "I don't feel very safe, sorry!" I was going to get off and walk but S took the rope and slowed him down - he did some of the hill sideways! Once at the bottom, I took my rope back and all went swimmingly after that.
I noticed D is not bothered by anything against my legs but if branches brush my hat he's a bit wary. I'm sure he'll get used to that. When I lean forward to go under branches he doesn't get faster which is great and actually is inclined to slow down and look at me. He does feel a bit stiff at times, he walks in a bit of a banana shape a lot of the time (bent right a fair bit today) but does respond when you straighten him. I was trying to remember all the time "Eyes, belly button, seat, legs, rein.
All in all a great ride again and we're feeling more confident each time. I still find that, if D does a spring forward, I bounce backwards on the BB pad which makes me laugh! I need more weight in my seat, probably need to hold my stomach tauter, will experiment tomorrow!
Well, the exciting news is that I'm doing a one day course with Duncs at Terri's at the end of July (on the wait list for June one which filled up overnight!). Really excited already. Sharon ok'd it so now we just have to hope everyone's fit and transport's ok etc. etc.
We went into the woods this morning. Duncs was a bit slow going out or, rather, not bouncing. This may be due to his feet as he was different in the woods then back to slow on the tarmac! I got on at the bank by the cricket pitch (D tried to follow me up first!) and I rubbed for a while, flexed then asked him to walk on. S had the rope but after we got a short way, I took it.
The first test happened when D scraped me through a branch - ouch. I grabbed my face and exclaimed and D stopped and looked round at me! Whatta boy! I gave him a treat for that. In fact, at the moment, I am encouraging him to look to me for a rub and/or treat as it is such an easy and positive way to keep him focused on me and feeling good about what we're doing.
D bobbed along in a sprightly fashion, jogging quite a lot when he wanted to but I was able to slow him down with my seat and tested a few bending to a stop -all good.
The next test was when D decided he did not want to turn towards home (the route was downhill so maybe that was why). He did the neck brace that he used on me in the field that time. I was able to stop him traversing in his chosen direction and bend him round back towards Moet. S asked if she should walk on and I said no just in case suddenly decided to catch up fast!
I was pleased as I was able to disengage his HQ so that we were facing S and casually undo my rope and go slowly to ph 4 at which he took a step in the right direction and I immediately released and rubbed. The next ask, I only got to the rope on my body and he was off.
I then got a bit wobbly going down the hill, it was so slippery and D was jogging, I was really scared he'd fall (memories of Sasha messing with my mind!) I said "I don't feel very safe, sorry!" I was going to get off and walk but S took the rope and slowed him down - he did some of the hill sideways! Once at the bottom, I took my rope back and all went swimmingly after that.
I noticed D is not bothered by anything against my legs but if branches brush my hat he's a bit wary. I'm sure he'll get used to that. When I lean forward to go under branches he doesn't get faster which is great and actually is inclined to slow down and look at me. He does feel a bit stiff at times, he walks in a bit of a banana shape a lot of the time (bent right a fair bit today) but does respond when you straighten him. I was trying to remember all the time "Eyes, belly button, seat, legs, rein.
All in all a great ride again and we're feeling more confident each time. I still find that, if D does a spring forward, I bounce backwards on the BB pad which makes me laugh! I need more weight in my seat, probably need to hold my stomach tauter, will experiment tomorrow!
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
How Interesting - visit to an arena. HUGE Umbrella FG!
Thursday 28th Jan 2010
I was supposed to ride out yesterday but I felt so ill (rotten cold) that, after dropping Ed at Roundabout, I had to go home to bed. Blimey, I must have been ill!
I decided therefore to play with him on Thurs - a bit naughty as no housework day! I had seen in J's arena, a set of mounted games bending poles out and got all excited about them to the point that I took courage and asked if I could use the school, which was agreed. I was to text J when I wanted to go in and she would come and open the gate.
Duncs was very keen to have his hackamore on and go out (forgot the BB pad). I took my time leaving as I think M is better when he's got a bit of time to process the fact that we're going out and he then usually moves nearer the ponies next door. D was a bit hesitant at the exit again but after a bit of waiting and moving him around in the gateway, he stepped out pretty confidently.
I had the HUGE golfing umbrella with me today! I wait until we're having a graze ("grass" is the signal!) outside Pippa's before opening it slightly as by then D is chilled. I don't push any brolly so that it is held open as you then need 2 hands to release it but it will stay pretty much open without. D was a star, by the time we got back home I had the brolly over his back, waving around and above my head as I walked along. He flinches when it's arking past his head but that's reducing each time. Did some flexing and HQ disengagement - all very good.
We went to the end of the road and back, conscious I'd told J we'd be an hour and it was already half an hour over that! When J came down she was concerned that D might be frightened by all their equipment (jumps, flags etc.). I had a moment when I wondered why she would think that until I remembered that many non-Parelli horses are frightened by this stuff. I said no, I didn't think so as it was part of his training to investigate strange things. J was soon convinced when D ambled up to things and sniffed them, all very boring!
D was really good in the environment. He looked about a bit - what horse wouldn't - but he didn't show off in front of the other horses at all. They were not getting excited themselves which obviously helped. We did a few figure 8s - wow his life really came up and he trotted each circle without any chivvying. I stopped and rewarded after each one. When we did the bending poles, I had to run alongside D as they were too high to pass the rope over. ooh, what faces he pulled! Head tossing, trying to nip me, biting the rope, leaning in on the turns. I ignored all his protests giving him a lot of enthusiastic "Good Boy"s plus stopping and treating quickly after each up and down.
It was very funny, D didn't know what to make of this praise. I know in the past, I've got a bit agitated back with him and tried to out-dominate him. Since my recent light bulbs of keeping him sweet, i.e. always aiming to foster the "try", I realise it's all about being relaxed and having fun with D. He's not actually a bolshy pony - but you can make him one if you try!
Well, at the end, I decided to mount up doing more from the O/S which I didn't do last time I rode. Having no BB pad on, D was very slippery and my first mount, I slid straight over again! Not headfirst I hasten to say but my leg swing carried me up and right over! Now what I did notice was that D was tense, his head was up. But, I just kept getting on and off and then sitting on until he relaxed. I thought "How interesting". I wonder if he was in his "what are you going to do to me" mode or it may be just that he's less confident when I'm up top in a new environment - which is normal behaviour for a horse.
So, when I think about this, all I need to do is keep going into schools and keeping the pressure off. It doesn't matter if it's skepticism or nervousness, the remedy is the same and I'm sure I have the confidence and enough trust from D now to get through that. When I think of the nervous horses I've given confidence to, most notably Ollie, I realise it's potentially going to be a lot easier with Duncs. Well, that's my hope anyway!
I was supposed to ride out yesterday but I felt so ill (rotten cold) that, after dropping Ed at Roundabout, I had to go home to bed. Blimey, I must have been ill!
I decided therefore to play with him on Thurs - a bit naughty as no housework day! I had seen in J's arena, a set of mounted games bending poles out and got all excited about them to the point that I took courage and asked if I could use the school, which was agreed. I was to text J when I wanted to go in and she would come and open the gate.
Duncs was very keen to have his hackamore on and go out (forgot the BB pad). I took my time leaving as I think M is better when he's got a bit of time to process the fact that we're going out and he then usually moves nearer the ponies next door. D was a bit hesitant at the exit again but after a bit of waiting and moving him around in the gateway, he stepped out pretty confidently.
I had the HUGE golfing umbrella with me today! I wait until we're having a graze ("grass" is the signal!) outside Pippa's before opening it slightly as by then D is chilled. I don't push any brolly so that it is held open as you then need 2 hands to release it but it will stay pretty much open without. D was a star, by the time we got back home I had the brolly over his back, waving around and above my head as I walked along. He flinches when it's arking past his head but that's reducing each time. Did some flexing and HQ disengagement - all very good.
We went to the end of the road and back, conscious I'd told J we'd be an hour and it was already half an hour over that! When J came down she was concerned that D might be frightened by all their equipment (jumps, flags etc.). I had a moment when I wondered why she would think that until I remembered that many non-Parelli horses are frightened by this stuff. I said no, I didn't think so as it was part of his training to investigate strange things. J was soon convinced when D ambled up to things and sniffed them, all very boring!
D was really good in the environment. He looked about a bit - what horse wouldn't - but he didn't show off in front of the other horses at all. They were not getting excited themselves which obviously helped. We did a few figure 8s - wow his life really came up and he trotted each circle without any chivvying. I stopped and rewarded after each one. When we did the bending poles, I had to run alongside D as they were too high to pass the rope over. ooh, what faces he pulled! Head tossing, trying to nip me, biting the rope, leaning in on the turns. I ignored all his protests giving him a lot of enthusiastic "Good Boy"s plus stopping and treating quickly after each up and down.
It was very funny, D didn't know what to make of this praise. I know in the past, I've got a bit agitated back with him and tried to out-dominate him. Since my recent light bulbs of keeping him sweet, i.e. always aiming to foster the "try", I realise it's all about being relaxed and having fun with D. He's not actually a bolshy pony - but you can make him one if you try!
Well, at the end, I decided to mount up doing more from the O/S which I didn't do last time I rode. Having no BB pad on, D was very slippery and my first mount, I slid straight over again! Not headfirst I hasten to say but my leg swing carried me up and right over! Now what I did notice was that D was tense, his head was up. But, I just kept getting on and off and then sitting on until he relaxed. I thought "How interesting". I wonder if he was in his "what are you going to do to me" mode or it may be just that he's less confident when I'm up top in a new environment - which is normal behaviour for a horse.
So, when I think about this, all I need to do is keep going into schools and keeping the pressure off. It doesn't matter if it's skepticism or nervousness, the remedy is the same and I'm sure I have the confidence and enough trust from D now to get through that. When I think of the nervous horses I've given confidence to, most notably Ollie, I realise it's potentially going to be a lot easier with Duncs. Well, that's my hope anyway!
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