I spent yesterday starting to catch up on things around the house, whining about being back to work and watching the clock feeling lousy that I wasn't outside with Chance. So now that I have had my day allowing myself to feel miserable I thought it might be a good idea to snap out of it today.
I started the day doing house work (not much) and baked a batch of dog biscuits and then headed out to the barn. A came over so I could show off a little and show her what I did at the clinic. Riding my horse at home without any of the old feelings was wonderful. In fact when I was riding and realized I had forgotten my helmet I wasn't even worried. Not that I will ever get into the habit or become comfortable riding without it! But it was nice to feel safe and have a nice connection with my horse. After spending 6 hours a day riding 30 minutes seemed like almost nothing. But it was a good 30 minutes.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Back to Reality
Today is tough. Getting back into the swing of things is harder than I thought.
I want to go back to horsey world!
I want to go back to horsey world!
The Last Day
This day was very emotional for me. I was exhausted, thrilled, and I think a little shell shocked. As I got to Piper Ridge I looked in the ring where Chance and I had worked so hard. This clinic was more than I ever expected it to be - it was life changing for us. I started out feeling so incompetent and intimidated. I don't know why, but I'm glad I got over it. And it wasn't just me that had accomplishments. I saw growth in everyone. We had become a family, 11 people from different backgrounds, lives and riding styles, some in western saddles & some in english, all there to become better horse people. Each of us had a horse with a unique personality and different issues. Even though I was very caught up in what Chance and had been doing, I saw changes in all of us. Everyone was kind, supportive, hard working and positive. As exhausting and sometimes frustrating as things got not once did I see one person loose faith or give up.
And I haven't even mentioned Greg yet. The 1st day he said he wasn't a teacher, but he was there to help us learn. What I love about how he did this is that he gave us a variety of tools, ideas and methods to learn with, never giving up if we didn't understand. If he got frustrated with us he didn't show it. He would keep explaining in as many ways as it took for us to get it. He also made sure that nobody got left hanging or standing in the background lost.
And he loves what he does, you can see it in his face when we understand, it makes him happy to see us flourish and become better horse people. I am very grateful and lucky to have had the opportunity to work with him. I will be signing up for his clinic again next year.
Things were pretty quiet, low key this day. We all worked on our own things for a while. I did the exercise with the barrels again. It wasn't as intense as the day before, but it didn't need to be. The first time he got pretty caught up in it and I needed to help him by stopping his feet so he could remember the peace. The 2ND time he had it down pat. In fact he started using the corners to get out of work, which made me smile. I guess his work ethic could use some tweaking but I'll just continue to find the balance between work and quiet for us. He has figured out how to think while using his feet and that was the goal.
The last exercise we did was some individual canter work. We had to try to figure out what lead would be easier for each horse after determining where the brace was. This is still a little confusing for me, but it's getting better. Chance is a tough one, but I do know that his left lead is easier.
Then it was time to go home. Everyone packed up and started heading out. I took my time, just soaking in the experience as I put things away. Before I left I gave Greg a big hug and thanked him. He told me how proud he was of what Chance and I accomplished, that the best thing for us would be for me to ride the heck out of him this summer. And that is exactly what I plan to do...I'm going to ride my new partner!!!
And I haven't even mentioned Greg yet. The 1st day he said he wasn't a teacher, but he was there to help us learn. What I love about how he did this is that he gave us a variety of tools, ideas and methods to learn with, never giving up if we didn't understand. If he got frustrated with us he didn't show it. He would keep explaining in as many ways as it took for us to get it. He also made sure that nobody got left hanging or standing in the background lost.
And he loves what he does, you can see it in his face when we understand, it makes him happy to see us flourish and become better horse people. I am very grateful and lucky to have had the opportunity to work with him. I will be signing up for his clinic again next year.
Things were pretty quiet, low key this day. We all worked on our own things for a while. I did the exercise with the barrels again. It wasn't as intense as the day before, but it didn't need to be. The first time he got pretty caught up in it and I needed to help him by stopping his feet so he could remember the peace. The 2ND time he had it down pat. In fact he started using the corners to get out of work, which made me smile. I guess his work ethic could use some tweaking but I'll just continue to find the balance between work and quiet for us. He has figured out how to think while using his feet and that was the goal.
The last exercise we did was some individual canter work. We had to try to figure out what lead would be easier for each horse after determining where the brace was. This is still a little confusing for me, but it's getting better. Chance is a tough one, but I do know that his left lead is easier.
Then it was time to go home. Everyone packed up and started heading out. I took my time, just soaking in the experience as I put things away. Before I left I gave Greg a big hug and thanked him. He told me how proud he was of what Chance and I accomplished, that the best thing for us would be for me to ride the heck out of him this summer. And that is exactly what I plan to do...I'm going to ride my new partner!!!
Back to the 4th Day
On this morning we started out with ground work again. Most of the morning for me was spent on the ground and about 1 hour of riding. I asked Greg if he would help me with the flag. I was feeling very incompetent, like I had a bunch of left hands that couldn't work together. I watched him, then I gave it a shot. I wasn't very effective at first but with a little more help I had it. Chance was able to understand separation. He has never had a problem standing still and accepting the flag, it's the moving off that has been difficult. But we got it, I still fumble a little but it will improve with more practice. I found the flag to be a huge part of what we need to help him move. Then we did some bumping up to the fence, he loves this job! It gives him the ability to think through a problem. I can sit and with the slightest direction he can figure out what I need - one step forward, one step back or maybe one step closer to me. This is lots of fun for us.
After the ground work I got on and worked on straightness and soft feels. This too is very effective for him. His backing from the saddle (and the ground) is getting softer and more fluid everyday. The morning was very nice and it was time for lunch.
Lunch ended and back to work we went. A little ground work and then riding. Greg asked me if I would be willing to be the 1st one to try an exercise that everyone would eventually do. He thought it would be a good one to help Chance and I get a better connection between us, at this point Chance was getting pretty herd bound. Greg set up 2 barrels, we were to ride towards the barrels directing our energy through them and to a back corner where we would take off all pressure and just be together. (By now all of the 1st day jitters were gone, I knew that if I didn't let that go I wouldn't get everything I needed to out of the clinic.) So, with some direction from Greg we headed in the direction of the barrels and Chance turned back toward the other horses. When this happens we were to turn the horse pretty firmly in the other direction and ask for a trot. Now we were riding back in forth in front of the barrels, every time we went by the opening I would look at the spot I wanted Chance to go to, encouraging him to go in that direction by following my feel. Every time he didn't I would turn him very firmly and ask for more speed. He took me through the barrels a couple of times but even with me petting and taking off the pressure he didn't understand and rode back to the horses.
Sometime during this exercise is when something almost magical happened between us.
I don't know where all the other horses and riders went, but they were gone. It was just me and Chance. I could hear Greg's voice but I couldn't see him, I could only see and feel my horse. Chance was trying so hard to figure it out, he had never had to think like this before and he definitely didn't know how to find relief. I could feel him asking me what I wanted, I know he could feel my directions, but because he had never found true peace with a human he didn't know what to do. We weren't trotting anymore, we were flying around that ring, riding like I had never ridden before! At one point Greg had me put the reins around the horn of my saddle and we were actually going bridless at a canter. We were in true harmony, just him and I trying with everything we had to solve a problem. He was searching and would try something different, go through the barrels and take a right instead of left, or go through, turn quickly and go back through. He wasn't shutting down! He was thinking! And he was doing it while moving his feet! I would tell him no, that's not it keep trying, go this way and I would draw an invisible line to the corner. I don't know how long we were at this, time had just stopped, the rest of the world was gone. Then he finally made it. He went through the barrels, didn't make it to the corner but went to the fence and slowed down to a slow walk. I had to help him stop, he needed the help. I just sat there on Chance petting him and giving him the peace he has needed for so long. Then I looked up and everyone was back, even though they had really never left. We rode back to hang with the other horses and everyone else had a turn.
This was our turning point. We made it. Now I know what true harmony feels like. And the best part of this is seeing Chance in a truly good place. Our challenges are not over by any stretch of the imagination, but the rest is gravy.
After the ground work I got on and worked on straightness and soft feels. This too is very effective for him. His backing from the saddle (and the ground) is getting softer and more fluid everyday. The morning was very nice and it was time for lunch.
Lunch ended and back to work we went. A little ground work and then riding. Greg asked me if I would be willing to be the 1st one to try an exercise that everyone would eventually do. He thought it would be a good one to help Chance and I get a better connection between us, at this point Chance was getting pretty herd bound. Greg set up 2 barrels, we were to ride towards the barrels directing our energy through them and to a back corner where we would take off all pressure and just be together. (By now all of the 1st day jitters were gone, I knew that if I didn't let that go I wouldn't get everything I needed to out of the clinic.) So, with some direction from Greg we headed in the direction of the barrels and Chance turned back toward the other horses. When this happens we were to turn the horse pretty firmly in the other direction and ask for a trot. Now we were riding back in forth in front of the barrels, every time we went by the opening I would look at the spot I wanted Chance to go to, encouraging him to go in that direction by following my feel. Every time he didn't I would turn him very firmly and ask for more speed. He took me through the barrels a couple of times but even with me petting and taking off the pressure he didn't understand and rode back to the horses.
Sometime during this exercise is when something almost magical happened between us.
I don't know where all the other horses and riders went, but they were gone. It was just me and Chance. I could hear Greg's voice but I couldn't see him, I could only see and feel my horse. Chance was trying so hard to figure it out, he had never had to think like this before and he definitely didn't know how to find relief. I could feel him asking me what I wanted, I know he could feel my directions, but because he had never found true peace with a human he didn't know what to do. We weren't trotting anymore, we were flying around that ring, riding like I had never ridden before! At one point Greg had me put the reins around the horn of my saddle and we were actually going bridless at a canter. We were in true harmony, just him and I trying with everything we had to solve a problem. He was searching and would try something different, go through the barrels and take a right instead of left, or go through, turn quickly and go back through. He wasn't shutting down! He was thinking! And he was doing it while moving his feet! I would tell him no, that's not it keep trying, go this way and I would draw an invisible line to the corner. I don't know how long we were at this, time had just stopped, the rest of the world was gone. Then he finally made it. He went through the barrels, didn't make it to the corner but went to the fence and slowed down to a slow walk. I had to help him stop, he needed the help. I just sat there on Chance petting him and giving him the peace he has needed for so long. Then I looked up and everyone was back, even though they had really never left. We rode back to hang with the other horses and everyone else had a turn.
This was our turning point. We made it. Now I know what true harmony feels like. And the best part of this is seeing Chance in a truly good place. Our challenges are not over by any stretch of the imagination, but the rest is gravy.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
A Few Notes About Yesterday
Because today is the last day I want to make a couple of notes about what happened yesterday so I don't forget.
Get a flag.
Work on directing Chance with my mind making the right thing easy and the wrong thing difficult.
Too little builds resentment, Too much builds fear.
When you don't have the horses mind and the feet together you don't have your horse.
Good things - I was told I have natural timing and feel. (I'm not sure where it came from and didn't know I had it, but I think so much clicked this weekend for Chance and I that together we just did well. He brought it out for me.
I can handle the flag without feeling like I have 2 left hands!
Our departures are awesome!
More details later.
Get a flag.
Work on directing Chance with my mind making the right thing easy and the wrong thing difficult.
Too little builds resentment, Too much builds fear.
When you don't have the horses mind and the feet together you don't have your horse.
Good things - I was told I have natural timing and feel. (I'm not sure where it came from and didn't know I had it, but I think so much clicked this weekend for Chance and I that together we just did well. He brought it out for me.
I can handle the flag without feeling like I have 2 left hands!
Our departures are awesome!
More details later.
Monday, May 26, 2008
4th Day of Clinic
Today was incredible. My horse is back, he is whole again. When I rode him today I had both his feet and his mind with me. I felt completely safe and relaxed on him. He was perfect.
More details to come later, We are having a BBQ at Piper Ridge and I've got to go.
More details to come later, We are having a BBQ at Piper Ridge and I've got to go.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
3rd Day of Clinic
We rode for about 6 hours today, 3 before lunch and 3 after. I think Chance's mind is fried and his body is like Jello, but he doesn't seem to be sore anywhere. My mind is fried, my body is covered in dirt and dust from head to toe, my muscles are achy and it couldn't be any better.
Today Greg took videos of us working on the ground and then riding. We have been focusing a lot on straightness. Chance is equally unstraight on both sides, but not too bad. The videos were a wonderful tool for us. It's pretty nerve racking being taped and then having it watched by everyone. But everyone in the group is very kind and not very critical, at least not in a negative way. It was nice to actually see ourselves in action, it gave us the ability to see what isn't working so well and why, and it was also a nice treat to see what we are doing well. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I'm glad Greg did it and I think I'm going to borrow my daughter's video camera and do it again some time.
So, a brief recall of the day -
I brought Chance in to the ring, did some lead bys, backing and head lowering. Checked to see how he was stepping and when it all looked good I saddled and started riding. The morning was really good. We are working on impulsion and straightness, I started asking for some speed at the trot to bring some life into him. We did lots of one rein stops, lots of trotting and some walking. We took turns doing individual work and sometimes all of us were moving at the same time. It got a little chaotic at times, like the time a horse ended up in a corner and felt too much pressure. He didn't explode but he was very graphic about how he felt. I think Chance could have fallen apart at that time, but I remembered to help him get away, so that's what we did. I pointed his nose in a different direction, gave him the reins and some leg and we were out of there! It felt good to keep my mind in check and help my horse.
After lunch we all got together and watched the video. Then went back out and got our horses. I think Chance got into some beer with his lunch, he was all over the map. He couldn't go straight and he seemed to have lost the ability to think. It was like watching somebody who had been drinking, got stopped and was trying to walk a straight line. As things started going down hill with us, some of the riders decided to start cantering. Well, that was all Chance could take. At one point we did manage a fairly nice trot but then he started shutting down, he was on auto pilot and started going into that fuzzy place. As the cantering riders were passing us he would jump because they would startle him. Then we were all over the place again. He was overwhelmed and needed a break. Off to the middle of the ring we went and just hung out for a while watching and catching our breath. Soon everyone was stopped and Greg started individual exercises again. We all took a turn backing our horses until we got a soft feel and hopefully the horse would be straight and move into a trot from his back end. Chance and I did a terrific job, my timing was right on and he was able to soften and straighten. Chances mind came back and I think it gave him some confidence back. I know my confidence came back. After we all had a turn we took off as a group again in the other direction some trotting, some cantering. I almost didn't go but wanted to see if the straightening work we had just done would help with riding in the fast moving group. We had 2 pretty good trips around the ring and I stopped. He was done for the day and so was I.
The good things from today are - Our departures into the walk and the trot are getting really good. I pick up on the reins to give him the signal that something is going to happen, roll up on my seat bones and open my legs. 75% of the time he is moving before my legs close. I helped my horse get out of the way before he took control or lost control. I felt him stop thinking and get rattled in a chaotic situation, helped him settle, and brought him back. My timing got better today and we felt like a team.
Today Greg took videos of us working on the ground and then riding. We have been focusing a lot on straightness. Chance is equally unstraight on both sides, but not too bad. The videos were a wonderful tool for us. It's pretty nerve racking being taped and then having it watched by everyone. But everyone in the group is very kind and not very critical, at least not in a negative way. It was nice to actually see ourselves in action, it gave us the ability to see what isn't working so well and why, and it was also a nice treat to see what we are doing well. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I'm glad Greg did it and I think I'm going to borrow my daughter's video camera and do it again some time.
So, a brief recall of the day -
I brought Chance in to the ring, did some lead bys, backing and head lowering. Checked to see how he was stepping and when it all looked good I saddled and started riding. The morning was really good. We are working on impulsion and straightness, I started asking for some speed at the trot to bring some life into him. We did lots of one rein stops, lots of trotting and some walking. We took turns doing individual work and sometimes all of us were moving at the same time. It got a little chaotic at times, like the time a horse ended up in a corner and felt too much pressure. He didn't explode but he was very graphic about how he felt. I think Chance could have fallen apart at that time, but I remembered to help him get away, so that's what we did. I pointed his nose in a different direction, gave him the reins and some leg and we were out of there! It felt good to keep my mind in check and help my horse.
After lunch we all got together and watched the video. Then went back out and got our horses. I think Chance got into some beer with his lunch, he was all over the map. He couldn't go straight and he seemed to have lost the ability to think. It was like watching somebody who had been drinking, got stopped and was trying to walk a straight line. As things started going down hill with us, some of the riders decided to start cantering. Well, that was all Chance could take. At one point we did manage a fairly nice trot but then he started shutting down, he was on auto pilot and started going into that fuzzy place. As the cantering riders were passing us he would jump because they would startle him. Then we were all over the place again. He was overwhelmed and needed a break. Off to the middle of the ring we went and just hung out for a while watching and catching our breath. Soon everyone was stopped and Greg started individual exercises again. We all took a turn backing our horses until we got a soft feel and hopefully the horse would be straight and move into a trot from his back end. Chance and I did a terrific job, my timing was right on and he was able to soften and straighten. Chances mind came back and I think it gave him some confidence back. I know my confidence came back. After we all had a turn we took off as a group again in the other direction some trotting, some cantering. I almost didn't go but wanted to see if the straightening work we had just done would help with riding in the fast moving group. We had 2 pretty good trips around the ring and I stopped. He was done for the day and so was I.
The good things from today are - Our departures into the walk and the trot are getting really good. I pick up on the reins to give him the signal that something is going to happen, roll up on my seat bones and open my legs. 75% of the time he is moving before my legs close. I helped my horse get out of the way before he took control or lost control. I felt him stop thinking and get rattled in a chaotic situation, helped him settle, and brought him back. My timing got better today and we felt like a team.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
2nd Clinic Day
Wow. Today was a combination of intense, good, frustrating, exhausting, fun and great all rolled into one. We started the day with most of the other people saddled up. Myself and one other person had more work to do before we or Greg felt our horses were ready. Chance came in with braces everywhere, front end, back end, lowering his head, backing. So we started with lead bys, did more lead bys and more lead bys. That was the frustrating part. My timing was off, I wasn't asking him to do enough of the work and Chance was trying to figure it all out. Greg watched and helped us get it pretty close to the way it should be. Chance was pulling and I wasn't bumping him back with enough to fix it.
By lunch time backing was much lighter, dropping his head is better (not perfect but better) and I had a saddle on him. We were both pretty darn glad it was lunch time because we needed a break. After lunch the saddle went back on, we did more lead bys, some flag work and then to the round pen. With some help from a couple of people (a little more help than I think I wanted) we got some nice transitions. His work ethic was definetly lacking, but with encouragement he tried with everything he had today.
After the round pen it was back to the ring and time to get on. One of my goals for the weekend was to ride my horse without feeling like I want to throw up. I accomplished it! We have tons of work to do from the saddle now but I had a good start today.
What I love about this year is the amount of detail Greg is getting into with us. Today he spent quite a bit of time talking about seat bones and the correct way to use them. He gave us a great demonstration with a coat hanger and a barrel. He also talked about how much weight to put in our stirrups so our seat bones just float on the horse instead of jabbing into the horse like the sharp heel of a shoe.
Earlier today I started to worry about coming home and having the ability to continue with the progress we made today. Then I told myself to knock it off! I feel that today ended right where I left off last year and I still have 3 days left to ride with Greg.
Okay, so I promised myself that I would write down at least one good thing that happened everyday. Today I have 2.
#1 - After Greg did some flag work with Chance he told me that there has been such a change in him from last year that he feels like a completely different horse now. Even with the braces he feels much better now, all the bad feelings Chance had last year are gone.
#2 - After lunch as I was on my way to get Chance and dreading the lead bys we were about to do again and wondering if I was ever going to get it right, a Mom of one of the other riders stopped me and told me I was a great inspiration to her. She told me how brave I was, what a nice job I am doing with my horse and that my love for him really shows as we work. Then she said that when her kids are little older she wants to do exactly what I am doing. I don't think I have ever gotten such a wonderful compliment. I thanked her for what she said and was so grateful for her timing because when I got my horse I wasn't dreading the lead bys anymore and everything just seemed to fall into place.
By lunch time backing was much lighter, dropping his head is better (not perfect but better) and I had a saddle on him. We were both pretty darn glad it was lunch time because we needed a break. After lunch the saddle went back on, we did more lead bys, some flag work and then to the round pen. With some help from a couple of people (a little more help than I think I wanted) we got some nice transitions. His work ethic was definetly lacking, but with encouragement he tried with everything he had today.
After the round pen it was back to the ring and time to get on. One of my goals for the weekend was to ride my horse without feeling like I want to throw up. I accomplished it! We have tons of work to do from the saddle now but I had a good start today.
What I love about this year is the amount of detail Greg is getting into with us. Today he spent quite a bit of time talking about seat bones and the correct way to use them. He gave us a great demonstration with a coat hanger and a barrel. He also talked about how much weight to put in our stirrups so our seat bones just float on the horse instead of jabbing into the horse like the sharp heel of a shoe.
Earlier today I started to worry about coming home and having the ability to continue with the progress we made today. Then I told myself to knock it off! I feel that today ended right where I left off last year and I still have 3 days left to ride with Greg.
Okay, so I promised myself that I would write down at least one good thing that happened everyday. Today I have 2.
#1 - After Greg did some flag work with Chance he told me that there has been such a change in him from last year that he feels like a completely different horse now. Even with the braces he feels much better now, all the bad feelings Chance had last year are gone.
#2 - After lunch as I was on my way to get Chance and dreading the lead bys we were about to do again and wondering if I was ever going to get it right, a Mom of one of the other riders stopped me and told me I was a great inspiration to her. She told me how brave I was, what a nice job I am doing with my horse and that my love for him really shows as we work. Then she said that when her kids are little older she wants to do exactly what I am doing. I don't think I have ever gotten such a wonderful compliment. I thanked her for what she said and was so grateful for her timing because when I got my horse I wasn't dreading the lead bys anymore and everything just seemed to fall into place.
Thoughts
It is the morning of the 2nd day, I have been thinking a lot about yesterday. I realized that I have been so focused on the horses mind and behavior that I have missed a ton of physical stuff. I just find the mind way more interesting than the legs, barrel, and feet. I guess that is why I would never be a good dressage rider. I am horrible at line dancing and I have never been able to learn the macarana. Not that it bothers me, but I just realized that my learning style is even hard for me to figure out! Yesterday when a person was showing a horse my eyes immediately go to the horses eyes, then ears, then tail, then mouth. When I finished scanning those things it was time for us to give our assessment. I couldn't even remember if the horse had been tracking left or right! Sometimes I would see if the horse had any bend in it or I would notice a few steps. But I really missed a lot of the stuff in between the tail and eyes! And there is a lot of horse in between the tail and eyes! I guess my education on how a horse moves starts this weekend.
Friday, May 23, 2008
1st day of the clinic
Today was assessment day. There are 11 of us people & horses, we all took a turn doing some ground work. Then we did an assessment of our own horse and everyone watching also did one. I was more nervous than usual and it totally showed in Chance. He gave me 100% of what I was asking - pretty much nothing. I think the nerves got the best of me and I shut down. If I where to look at the positive side to today, he was mentally with me the whole time. Very dull, but with me. I was dull so I can't ask much more from him.
If I had to do it over again I would have brought my life up and added variety to the ground work. Not the usual boring circles and lead-bys. He will tolerate that stuff but if I want energy from him I need to be creative. So, tomorrow is a new day and I will remember what I learned from today.
To be fair to myself I need to add something positive. Before I went home I decided to take Chance for a walk. The last time I took Chance for a walk around Piper Ridge he was a bundle of nerves. Just like when I brought him yesterday, he shied at the trailer and had trouble walking into his paddock. But tonight he was curious, alert, taking it all in, but not fearful. I know the change is in me and it gives me hope for the riding.
If I had to do it over again I would have brought my life up and added variety to the ground work. Not the usual boring circles and lead-bys. He will tolerate that stuff but if I want energy from him I need to be creative. So, tomorrow is a new day and I will remember what I learned from today.
To be fair to myself I need to add something positive. Before I went home I decided to take Chance for a walk. The last time I took Chance for a walk around Piper Ridge he was a bundle of nerves. Just like when I brought him yesterday, he shied at the trailer and had trouble walking into his paddock. But tonight he was curious, alert, taking it all in, but not fearful. I know the change is in me and it gives me hope for the riding.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Chance is at Piper Ridge
I opened the trailer door and asked Chance to come out. The 1st thing he saw was the beautiful green grass. He stepped out with his front legs, bent down and started eating right away, leaving his back legs in the trailer. Who cares where your feet are if there is a nice meal to eat?
After his whole body was out I started walking him to his turn out. A pretty large paddock with a stall and cover to get under if it should rain. We had to walk by a big spooky trailer 1st and then a sharp right to the turn out. I decided to walk past the trailer a couple of times with him so he was feeling okay about taking the sharp right turn. After about 3 trips by the trailer he was better and then we did a couple of retreats going into the paddock before he was really ready to go in.
Chance is one of those quiet types. Some horses are very easy to read, when they are upset or worried you know it! They will get big, dance around or try to leave. Not Chance. He slows down, sometimes he will snort and if he is really scared he will stop dead in his tracks. His feet get stuck. Then he will explode. My other horses were always the other type. Learning to read his behavior has been a quite a project. Walking him in hand is much better now that I can recognize when he is having a tough time, I can help him out before he gets to the exploding stage. My hope this weekend is to gain the ability to support him from the saddle so we don't go to the exploding stage when I am on his back.
After his whole body was out I started walking him to his turn out. A pretty large paddock with a stall and cover to get under if it should rain. We had to walk by a big spooky trailer 1st and then a sharp right to the turn out. I decided to walk past the trailer a couple of times with him so he was feeling okay about taking the sharp right turn. After about 3 trips by the trailer he was better and then we did a couple of retreats going into the paddock before he was really ready to go in.
Chance is one of those quiet types. Some horses are very easy to read, when they are upset or worried you know it! They will get big, dance around or try to leave. Not Chance. He slows down, sometimes he will snort and if he is really scared he will stop dead in his tracks. His feet get stuck. Then he will explode. My other horses were always the other type. Learning to read his behavior has been a quite a project. Walking him in hand is much better now that I can recognize when he is having a tough time, I can help him out before he gets to the exploding stage. My hope this weekend is to gain the ability to support him from the saddle so we don't go to the exploding stage when I am on his back.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Balance and Harmony
I use the words balance and harmony a lot, trying to put both into my life. I have always thought of them as the same thing, but today I am separating them. Trying to get on Chance from the right without a mounting block really showed me how unbalanced I am! There was no way it was going to happen. But if I want a truly balanced horse I have got to start balancing myself. So I am using my left side as much as possible. This is actually kind of fun.
I am looking at harmony as something totally different. Not a physical thing like being balanced. I need harmony in my life. Like so many other people I am pulled from one thing to the next trying to do as much as I can in very little time. You know, husband, kids, work, dogs, cleaning, horses, fun, and oh ya cooking. When I am involved with one thing something else is not being taken care of. So, I am going to try and put some harmony into my life. There will never be balance because sometimes one thing is a priority so yes the other things get left for later. Things pile up, its life. But if there is a way to at least maintain everything so I don't feel like I'm buried under the laundry pile or paperwork I think it will help. Even if this idea is only that; an idea or a dream; it's a nice one to work towards.
I am looking at harmony as something totally different. Not a physical thing like being balanced. I need harmony in my life. Like so many other people I am pulled from one thing to the next trying to do as much as I can in very little time. You know, husband, kids, work, dogs, cleaning, horses, fun, and oh ya cooking. When I am involved with one thing something else is not being taken care of. So, I am going to try and put some harmony into my life. There will never be balance because sometimes one thing is a priority so yes the other things get left for later. Things pile up, its life. But if there is a way to at least maintain everything so I don't feel like I'm buried under the laundry pile or paperwork I think it will help. Even if this idea is only that; an idea or a dream; it's a nice one to work towards.
I rode my horse
I really needed to get on Chance before the clinic to help with my butterflies. A came over and I did it this morning. When I saddled him he was okay, but not so sure about the cinching up part. As I would reach for it he would walk away. So we would walk until he felt better. The saddle even fell off his back once. It hit his foot as it came off, he just looked at it with no reaction. After some walking and the saddle coming off a couple of times he was ready for the cinch. Just loose at first and more walking, a little tighter and then some trotting and cantering. He looked great, moved great so I decided it was time to get on. First I just layed over the saddle and played with the stirrup on the other side. Then did it from the right. More playing with the saddle and then I got on. There was no reaction from him so we walked around following A while she helped Chance with his new job, helping us pick up rocks. It's a silly little job but it keeps my mind busy and it gives us purpose. We are making quite a pile of the most beautiful rocks! We walked everywhere and even through the barrels. My stirrup hit one as we went through and made quite a noise, I think the barrel even moved. Again, no reaction, we were pretty focused on the rocks. After about 10 minutes we stopped and he started to yawn, yawn and yawn. That's when I new we were finished. So I took my feet out of the stirrups and stretched my legs, sat for another minute, got off and loosened up the cinch.
For the 1st time in a very long time being on my horse felt good. Other than the butterflies at first it just felt good. I think the word content fits well. The trick is now to remember this feeling and carry it with me when we ride. I have to promise never to take us too far too soon. Baby steps and I do believe we will be riding everywhere together.
For the 1st time in a very long time being on my horse felt good. Other than the butterflies at first it just felt good. I think the word content fits well. The trick is now to remember this feeling and carry it with me when we ride. I have to promise never to take us too far too soon. Baby steps and I do believe we will be riding everywhere together.
Goals
Greg's clinic is this weekend. I have thought about writing down some goals for the year. As I am sitting here the only goal I can come up with is to be able to ride my horse anywhere safely, have him remain with me mentally all of the time, and to have fun. So with the clinic coming up in a few days it will be a good opportunity to start... with baby steps.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
The Saddle
Chance has worn the saddle twice this week. It's almost too easy. I'm not complaining, just wondering if I'm missing something. He stands so politely, ground tied. He watches me do everything, gets himself ready for it and I toss it up on his back. He doesn't walk away, shut down, or anything. I am doing all the ground work I can think of before I put it on him and today we did it all again with the saddle on. I even asked him to come pick me up at the mounting block (both directions) I didn't get on but I could have and I think he would have been fine. I did halter stuff, threw ropes on him everywhere, asked him to drop his head, back up, and more. Then I took the halter off and asked him to move. He walked, trotted and cantered in both directions very nicely, never lost control, and was mentally with me the entire time. He was able to speed up and slow down and then stop and turn to me while disengaging his hind quarters very nicely. He gave me a great big sigh and I decided that it was time to stop. I gave him a flake of hay to munch on while still wearing the saddle while I did barn chores.
He is relaxed and happy. It is very nice.
He is relaxed and happy. It is very nice.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
A great farrier visit!
I keep saying it but Chance REALLY is a great teacher! He has been telling me all along that nobody is ever going to MAKE him do anything. But he will be happy to do whatever is asked because he wants to. All he requires is that he is asked with respect and softness. Libby's advice to give him his foot when he pulls was priceless. When he knows he can have it back he is always very willing to give it back again. I have programmed myself to be ready for a stressful farrier visit, so I hold right on to the knot of the halter, hold his head and the farrier holds his feet and the poor horse is suffocating. Today I stood with 2-3 feet of slack in the lead line while Chance's feet RESTED in the farrier's hands. The farrier was able to do a thorough job on his feet for the 1st time in 8 months!
Why is it that we think we can actually force a horse to do anything? Is it because of the size difference? Is it out of fear? Frustration? Yes, there are times when a person needs to firm up on a horse. But it has to be done right. Maybe with a horse who has had been handled rough in the past needs extra softness. He knows the difference and he will only shut down when the pressure is too much. He could fight back, but chooses not to. And he still likes people. How lucky we are that horses are so forgiving!
Why is it that when I have thought about softness I only practiced it from the saddle or when doing ground work. Why wouldn't it apply to his feet?! Why wouldn't it apply to everything! When I go to the paddock Chance always comes to great me. Even if he is eating hay way on the other side. He stops whatever he is doing and meets me at least half way. There is no halter, no ropes, nothing physical. He does it because he WANTS to. I can't say enough of what a wonderful gift that is. I can't ever let myself forget this or take this for granted. The things we are going to be able to do are limitless.
I can see the trail rides we will go on in my mind, now it's time that they become a reality! And I think today is the day that I might just really be starting to believe it. Because Chance and I both want it.
Why is it that we think we can actually force a horse to do anything? Is it because of the size difference? Is it out of fear? Frustration? Yes, there are times when a person needs to firm up on a horse. But it has to be done right. Maybe with a horse who has had been handled rough in the past needs extra softness. He knows the difference and he will only shut down when the pressure is too much. He could fight back, but chooses not to. And he still likes people. How lucky we are that horses are so forgiving!
Why is it that when I have thought about softness I only practiced it from the saddle or when doing ground work. Why wouldn't it apply to his feet?! Why wouldn't it apply to everything! When I go to the paddock Chance always comes to great me. Even if he is eating hay way on the other side. He stops whatever he is doing and meets me at least half way. There is no halter, no ropes, nothing physical. He does it because he WANTS to. I can't say enough of what a wonderful gift that is. I can't ever let myself forget this or take this for granted. The things we are going to be able to do are limitless.
I can see the trail rides we will go on in my mind, now it's time that they become a reality! And I think today is the day that I might just really be starting to believe it. Because Chance and I both want it.
Friday, May 9, 2008
That last post was really whiny!
After reading what I wrote I realize how whiny I sounded! I guess I'm just having a week of doubts and feeling insecure. But I haven't given up and I don't plan on it.
The little things are big, but I'm still afraid
It is funny how the little things mean so much now. My goals have changed tremendously in the last year. It makes me so happy to see Chance as part of a herd now. The ponies are old but they are good company for him. CC doesn't realize that he is almost 30 so he does make a good playmate at times. Other times it's not so pretty between the two of them, but CC is teaching Chance boundaries and giving him companionship, I can do that too but I'm not a horse.
Chance has learned to be okay with the saddle pad and he is starting to be good with the saddle now too. His feet are getting freed up which is making a big difference with his mind. Backing is still not great but its better and he tries so hard! Small steps but they mean so much.
So why is it that even though we are making progress I still have doubts and fear? I guess I have a tendency to be hard on myself. I guess that's the human side of me. Chance is also doing better with standing while I pretend to get on. I never thought I would be okay with 'pretending' to get on. It IS a big deal that my horse is willing to stand still for me. and that he WANTS to be with me. Even though so much has been so scary for him never stops trying.
It is hard to go back to the beginning (and I do mean the beginning) with a horse that has had trauma like Chance. It is also amazing how forgiving he is when I make a mistake. Sometimes I wonder if he is too much for me or will we really get to the place I dream about? And even after making progress every time we do something I still wonder if the fear is going to go away, will I be able to be a leader for him? I think we can get there. I wish I could say I know it because if the doubts don't go away I'm afraid I am holding us back. I guess I will stick to the stuff we know today and just see what happens.
Chance has learned to be okay with the saddle pad and he is starting to be good with the saddle now too. His feet are getting freed up which is making a big difference with his mind. Backing is still not great but its better and he tries so hard! Small steps but they mean so much.
So why is it that even though we are making progress I still have doubts and fear? I guess I have a tendency to be hard on myself. I guess that's the human side of me. Chance is also doing better with standing while I pretend to get on. I never thought I would be okay with 'pretending' to get on. It IS a big deal that my horse is willing to stand still for me. and that he WANTS to be with me. Even though so much has been so scary for him never stops trying.
It is hard to go back to the beginning (and I do mean the beginning) with a horse that has had trauma like Chance. It is also amazing how forgiving he is when I make a mistake. Sometimes I wonder if he is too much for me or will we really get to the place I dream about? And even after making progress every time we do something I still wonder if the fear is going to go away, will I be able to be a leader for him? I think we can get there. I wish I could say I know it because if the doubts don't go away I'm afraid I am holding us back. I guess I will stick to the stuff we know today and just see what happens.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Buster's Clinic
I watched the colt-starting clinic on Thursday and Sunday. Missed the days in between but still got a lot from the 1st day and the last. The 1st day was very exciting. Watching those young horses get saddled and then put in a ring together was crazy. They had to re-establish the herd everytime a new horse came in. It was amazing to see those sweet horses turn into a wild herd. It was like they had never been domesticated at all. It gave me a whole new appreciation for a horse.
Two things I walked away with that I can put into action right now are to use meaning when presenting something to the horse and to have purpose in whatever you do with the horse. I already knew both, but it was a good reminder and I don't think they had really sunk in for me yet. Watching good horsemen do what they do can really make me feel that I know nothing. But then I remind myself of where I was even just last summer and where I am now. I still have so much to learn but being critical of myself will only hurt my confidence. I am right where I should be today and will continue to learn with an open mind and a happy heart.
Now I'm off to the barn. :)
Two things I walked away with that I can put into action right now are to use meaning when presenting something to the horse and to have purpose in whatever you do with the horse. I already knew both, but it was a good reminder and I don't think they had really sunk in for me yet. Watching good horsemen do what they do can really make me feel that I know nothing. But then I remind myself of where I was even just last summer and where I am now. I still have so much to learn but being critical of myself will only hurt my confidence. I am right where I should be today and will continue to learn with an open mind and a happy heart.
Now I'm off to the barn. :)
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