Bucking

Worked with Chance yesterday in the roundpen. Lots of bucking, lots of yawning. What a contradiction! So much inside this horse, so much going on inside of me while working with him. I like using the word 'playing' much more than 'working'. Yesterday felt more like work. His bucking scares me, his back end turned into me a couple of times then he kicked out and once I ended up with a face full of dirt. As I felt the dirt bouncing off my face I felt a small twinge of anger, which only lasted a second. The next emotion was joy. He's finding spirit and that makes me smile. The bucking did stop and he was able to canter. And when we finished lots and lots of yawning. :D

entries not to forget

the search
the fox
baccus
stepping out
offering, not demanding
saddleing up - get the job done
last 3 day clinic
nice canter
big ride on last day :)

body memory

I realized today that the human body can hold on to fear for a very long time. Even when the mind thinks the fear is gone, the body holds on to it until the human can let it go. Libby helped me canter on Baucus today. It wasn't pretty and it took quite a while but I did it. Even when I really thought I wanted to canter, by body was holding back. I broke into a sweat, had trouble breathing, and at one point I was fighting back tears. Deep down the fear is there, hopefully working it's way out, today was a big step.
I wonder how long a horses body holds on to fear? Chance's body still hasn't let go, his mind has started letting go, but his body seems to be holding on pretty tight.

Libby's Clinic - June, 2010

Had an amazing 1 day at the clinic. Individual sessions, watched and learned from all other 6 horses and owners. Chance was amazing, I rode him on the 1st day of a clinic for the 1st time today. Big project for the week or until we get it - help him change his thoughts and recognize when he does! I thought he was but I was wrong. I'm missing it.
I would also like to help him with the bridle.