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.

rode again today

We went for another trail ride today. I got a little nervous being way out in the
woods alone knowing there are moose and coyote living nearby so we didn't go far. Chance didn't want to go home again, when he gets on the trail he just goes with the nicest walk. He loves moving down the trail and looking around. I hate shutting him down and making him come home. I'm hoping that in a couple of days I'll have some time to take him down again and this time just let him go until he wants to stop.
We practiced going through the gate today, going out is easy, going back in is a different story. We accomplished it once, then I just couldn't seem to get it together. Maybe next time. I'm having a ball working on stuff like this even if we don't get it right away. It's just so nice to be on my horse! :)

We Did It!!!!

Chance and I went for our 1st real trail ride alone today! We had softness, he was "with me" the entire time and we had so much fun! The only problem we encountered was that he didn't want to go home. I guess he was just having too much fun out there in the big woods! Can't wait to ride him again tomorrow!

It's been a while

It's been a while since I've posted anything, lots of new stuff going on, Scruffy's,
not driving the bus, Lisa is doing my bookkeeping :), and Chance and I are doing well.
No time to get to details this morning but I'll update later.

Shadow

On June 20th it was 1 year that my wonderful pony has been gone. I'm thinking of him often these days and miss him dearly.