Yesterday morning went to barn briefly to "touch base" with Try in between days of clinic/private time with Dan Thompson. When she and I were leaving her pasture what should arrive but not one but TWO cement mixers, 3 trucks one with trailer and tractor and ?? 8 or so workmen. Turns out they were putting in a walk way.
The ponies started to run when they saw the mixers. Not Try she meandered a little closer to check them out then we preceeded to walk past them--one was discharging the concrete and she never even flinched--just mildly curious. Gotta love a brave horse.
Then we played just briefly in the ring (away from distraction) with a few of the concepts from yesterday. After she didn't seem to want me to leave.
Tomorrow is a 1/2 day clinic at Journey Crossing Farms--Try will get the chance to go some where else and she likes it there. Will report back on how the clinic goes later.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Dan T, Sara and I -- Magic Day
Yesterday was hard to have words to describe.
2 hour session for Try and I--learning to recognize Try's RBI "escapes" and how to help using yoyo, FQ 360, circling, and Z5 driving. Staying with her without upping pressure unless she quits escaping and then release. Also that porcupine game can be beneficial to RB--like holding their hand--used in circling game and also in riding session doing transitions from a leading rein.
Then 2 hours watching the awesome Sara and her Nickers play! So much to learn watching.
Lunch then great laid back talk about "analities" etc. Great motivation where its at.
Will post notes under PP section later--want to go watch me some Royal Wedding.
2 hour session for Try and I--learning to recognize Try's RBI "escapes" and how to help using yoyo, FQ 360, circling, and Z5 driving. Staying with her without upping pressure unless she quits escaping and then release. Also that porcupine game can be beneficial to RB--like holding their hand--used in circling game and also in riding session doing transitions from a leading rein.
Then 2 hours watching the awesome Sara and her Nickers play! So much to learn watching.
Lunch then great laid back talk about "analities" etc. Great motivation where its at.
Will post notes under PP section later--want to go watch me some Royal Wedding.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Spa Day
Big spa day--big sudsy bath, a little clipping to tidy up, hang out liberty, walking around the farm grazing etc. Getting ready for the weekend.
Monday, April 25, 2011
LBE all the way.
Today was different--Try was VERY much in season--apparently she has developed a whopping crush on Bethanna's gorgeous new warmblook Devon!! (Try has good taste in fellows.)
Anyway when I went to ride, the only other person riding was Bethanna riding--you guessed it--Devon. Try had lots of energy and I did not see any hint of LBI. She was in and out of contact with me but I expected it and mostly just went with the basics--a bit of review before seeing Dan T Thur--and 4 laps of no stirrups posting trot for my strength. I could not see doing much more--better to go with her mood and have it pleasant for us both than push for more when she couldn't concentrate very well. Bless her heart!
Anyway when I went to ride, the only other person riding was Bethanna riding--you guessed it--Devon. Try had lots of energy and I did not see any hint of LBI. She was in and out of contact with me but I expected it and mostly just went with the basics--a bit of review before seeing Dan T Thur--and 4 laps of no stirrups posting trot for my strength. I could not see doing much more--better to go with her mood and have it pleasant for us both than push for more when she couldn't concentrate very well. Bless her heart!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Happy Easter
Spent some early morning time today and time yesterday on considering the Analities/match material and made some lists for myself.
Try is a perfect horse for me:
1. We have matching energies--cusp E/I. I can play with her as LBI or LBE. I can cause her to go from LBI to LBE and the reverse fairly easily.
2. We both enjoy having fun and get bored easily with drilling, laps etc.
3. I feel SAFE!!! Her LB brave, confident, not spooky nature builds my confidence.
4. Her gaits are comfy and she is a "pleasure" to ride! She shifts easily from jog to trot or lope to canter, etc.
5. She is incredibly smart and clever and a great learner--when I am the leader I want to be.
6. She is not obnoxiously needy and in fact is quite independant. She can be sweet and connected.
7. I can cause her to be happy, relaxed content and she helps me to relax as well.
Rollover is a perfect situation for me for boarding:
1. Try loves it: big pasture, other horses, comfort, BA as strong/fair leader in caring for Try.
2. I am fully confident that Try is cared for, safe and comfortable--I know if Try were to be injured etc that BA will provide better knowledge than I have.
3. I love all big spaces to ride. Ring 200x300, fields. Space to move. Trails.
4. BA is great, responsive to my individual needs and supportive of my journey. She found Try for me and seems to always be able to find project horses for me, trailering, etc.
5. How great to have a riding "buddy" with BA's knowledge--also promotes my confidence--her high energy is a great match and the drive for quality/achievement is a match. I appreciate having someone to talk horse and someone that I could go to for advice/ideas if it were necessary.
6. The facility is peaceful and not filled with other horses/owners, lessons, kids etc as a big boarding facility would be.
Try is a perfect horse for me:
1. We have matching energies--cusp E/I. I can play with her as LBI or LBE. I can cause her to go from LBI to LBE and the reverse fairly easily.
2. We both enjoy having fun and get bored easily with drilling, laps etc.
3. I feel SAFE!!! Her LB brave, confident, not spooky nature builds my confidence.
4. Her gaits are comfy and she is a "pleasure" to ride! She shifts easily from jog to trot or lope to canter, etc.
5. She is incredibly smart and clever and a great learner--when I am the leader I want to be.
6. She is not obnoxiously needy and in fact is quite independant. She can be sweet and connected.
7. I can cause her to be happy, relaxed content and she helps me to relax as well.
Rollover is a perfect situation for me for boarding:
1. Try loves it: big pasture, other horses, comfort, BA as strong/fair leader in caring for Try.
2. I am fully confident that Try is cared for, safe and comfortable--I know if Try were to be injured etc that BA will provide better knowledge than I have.
3. I love all big spaces to ride. Ring 200x300, fields. Space to move. Trails.
4. BA is great, responsive to my individual needs and supportive of my journey. She found Try for me and seems to always be able to find project horses for me, trailering, etc.
5. How great to have a riding "buddy" with BA's knowledge--also promotes my confidence--her high energy is a great match and the drive for quality/achievement is a match. I appreciate having someone to talk horse and someone that I could go to for advice/ideas if it were necessary.
6. The facility is peaceful and not filled with other horses/owners, lessons, kids etc as a big boarding facility would be.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Saturday
Review of all Dan T notes August thru April for review list to go over with Try some time this week before we see Dan on Thur. In so doing I was happy to see some real improvements here and there. The biggest change is in the old RBE baggage list--things from the past that would get her emotional--most of them we are doing now in a relaxed manner. yahoo yeah.
Also list of questions and discussion etc for Thur/weekend compiled. Also took a first stab at May goals--I think recognizing lack of confidence for Try (and me?) might be #1??
Also list of questions and discussion etc for Thur/weekend compiled. Also took a first stab at May goals--I think recognizing lack of confidence for Try (and me?) might be #1??
Friday, April 22, 2011
Lovely day with Try
Almost a magic day. We did light yoyo, sideways away and towards and some circling as a warmup then went back to a more "English" style ride for me, which we had not done in ages. She was relaxed, happy, responsive, both of us mildly LBE--good energy. Transitions were cleaner and better than with Spiderman and trot was lovely--including a marvelous sitting trot. Canter to trot transitions were relaxed and canter to halt. Also we did a few bowties and Try sooooooooo knew the deal and stayed relaxed even down by the gate. Funny when we walked the pattern first Try said I know this--lets canter!
For next time play with moderately loose rein at the canter and totally loose to check her preferences.
Thanks be.
For next time play with moderately loose rein at the canter and totally loose to check her preferences.
Thanks be.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Decision Made
Spiderman is going home. I cried and cried but it is the best thing. I have to consider safety--my reaction times are not fast enough and I do not read him well enough to be safe when he spooks.
After crying on Spiderman's shoulder and some lovely stick to me, I took him back to his pasture. In two months he is mid L2ish online and freestyle, nice liberty beginnings, lots of draw and ready for finesse (that one not my doing),
Then I got Try and she helped me feel better. We played on line in the field and she had a lovely attitude--then rode and I loved her canter on our "hills." Then we went on a passenger walk--she chose up the drive out the road to the right aways then turned and back the other direction, then turn and back to the barn. Guess that was enough fun for her.
The match put Try as LBE but I think she is LBI with RBI tendencies--she just has a lot of go. Anyway I think the fact she is left brain, very brave and confident is excellent for my RBE tendencies.
After crying on Spiderman's shoulder and some lovely stick to me, I took him back to his pasture. In two months he is mid L2ish online and freestyle, nice liberty beginnings, lots of draw and ready for finesse (that one not my doing),
Then I got Try and she helped me feel better. We played on line in the field and she had a lovely attitude--then rode and I loved her canter on our "hills." Then we went on a passenger walk--she chose up the drive out the road to the right aways then turned and back the other direction, then turn and back to the barn. Guess that was enough fun for her.
The match put Try as LBE but I think she is LBI with RBI tendencies--she just has a lot of go. Anyway I think the fact she is left brain, very brave and confident is excellent for my RBE tendencies.
Riding after 65??
Arrived as horses were coming in for breakfast and decided to start with riding Spiderman as there would only be someone on the farm for an hour. So quick grooming, saddle up and then play a little on line in the ring--touch it, yoyo, etc then mount up. (Likely would have been better to do some relaxed circling game in the "scarey" corners.) We walked til Spiderman blew but it took a long time--also he was slow and sloppy in the walk. Then picked up the trot. I really did not feel that he was relaxed and trotted awhile at 2 point as that is where I feel the most secure with him should he spook. He blew some then but it still did not feel good, he kept reacting to the wind etc. So I got off and we played more games on the ground.
Then decided to go to the back paddock and played for ages liberty and on line (relaxed, dwell time etc) seeing if we could both fill our confidence buckets. The only thing we didn't do were FQ/HQ 360s--will do tomorrow. We played friendly games, yoyo and he is getting the idea to back from life up and stop from life down but not to KEEP backing until life down. Also circling game walk and trot playing with upward and downward transitions and maintaining responsibility--he is so cute and sweet. Squeeze by me and the fence, turn and face is nice also. Touch it I keep thinking he is getting the idea but he is not so far remembering from session to session. Figure 8 was sloppy--needed to wake him up at that point. Sideways same as usual. Pedestal--I have nose easily but still trying for feet. Liberty stick to me is great for our level: walk, stop, turns, and beginning the backup.
Mostly tho it was about being together for 2.5 hours to see if I can repair my feelings after the fall.
SO NOW ABOUT 65! Next week I turn 65 and I have been struggling with this and Petra's pick on "Riding after 50" really hit home. Part of me says Spiderman's reactions and RB are too much for me at my age--that it isn't safe to be falling and I should give up my 1/2 lease on Spiderman--another part says suck it up and don't give up. (My RBE/RBI/LBI sides of my humanality are at war here.) PNH has been such an incredibly absorbing, exciting pursuit--I don't want to take a step back and I don't want to be a "failure" with Spiderman. But it only makes sense to be safe. This isn't even about the fact that I started riding at age 55 any more--looks like the age issue is common to lots of folks from reading those blogs/comments. I like the thought that the next mile post is age 70 and how 65 seems young in comparision. Also an issue--I feel like 4-5 hours at the barn with two horses is a lot for me energy wise. If I want to age well--stay strong, fit, flexible; I need to get back to the gym. So cut back on horse stuff a bit? For awhile? Keep going? ?????????? Find a happy medium, longer less strenuous exercise?????
Then decided to go to the back paddock and played for ages liberty and on line (relaxed, dwell time etc) seeing if we could both fill our confidence buckets. The only thing we didn't do were FQ/HQ 360s--will do tomorrow. We played friendly games, yoyo and he is getting the idea to back from life up and stop from life down but not to KEEP backing until life down. Also circling game walk and trot playing with upward and downward transitions and maintaining responsibility--he is so cute and sweet. Squeeze by me and the fence, turn and face is nice also. Touch it I keep thinking he is getting the idea but he is not so far remembering from session to session. Figure 8 was sloppy--needed to wake him up at that point. Sideways same as usual. Pedestal--I have nose easily but still trying for feet. Liberty stick to me is great for our level: walk, stop, turns, and beginning the backup.
Mostly tho it was about being together for 2.5 hours to see if I can repair my feelings after the fall.
SO NOW ABOUT 65! Next week I turn 65 and I have been struggling with this and Petra's pick on "Riding after 50" really hit home. Part of me says Spiderman's reactions and RB are too much for me at my age--that it isn't safe to be falling and I should give up my 1/2 lease on Spiderman--another part says suck it up and don't give up. (My RBE/RBI/LBI sides of my humanality are at war here.) PNH has been such an incredibly absorbing, exciting pursuit--I don't want to take a step back and I don't want to be a "failure" with Spiderman. But it only makes sense to be safe. This isn't even about the fact that I started riding at age 55 any more--looks like the age issue is common to lots of folks from reading those blogs/comments. I like the thought that the next mile post is age 70 and how 65 seems young in comparision. Also an issue--I feel like 4-5 hours at the barn with two horses is a lot for me energy wise. If I want to age well--stay strong, fit, flexible; I need to get back to the gym. So cut back on horse stuff a bit? For awhile? Keep going? ?????????? Find a happy medium, longer less strenuous exercise?????
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Tuesday day off
Yesterday I wasn't in the mood to get my brain together so went shopping for Spring/Summer clothes, ran errands, cooked, did laundry, worked in the yard etc.
Monday Try and I spent 2.5 hours together:
Liberty in the pasture for 30 minutes including catch me game.
Liberty stick to me in the paddock including sideways away and towards and matching energy.
Online: yoyo learning life down in stop in back up.
Freestyle: a little HQ stuff including perking up the backup.
Passenger up the road: walked to the end of the drive and Try surprizingly wasn't interested in leaving the farm and we turned around, went back to the barn etc.
Monday Try and I spent 2.5 hours together:
Liberty in the pasture for 30 minutes including catch me game.
Liberty stick to me in the paddock including sideways away and towards and matching energy.
Online: yoyo learning life down in stop in back up.
Freestyle: a little HQ stuff including perking up the backup.
Passenger up the road: walked to the end of the drive and Try surprizingly wasn't interested in leaving the farm and we turned around, went back to the barn etc.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
bank accounts and filling up buckets
Today I am considering the images of bank accounts and filling buckets. I have considered in the past the bucket filling idea for me--filling the exercise/nutrition/serotonin etc buckets so when I can't give full attention to them there is still something in the bucket to sustain me.
Dan T spoke of the image of a bank account for a LBI. Since "what's in it for me" is so important for Try and to a lesser extent Spiderman, it therefor makes sense to keep their account full--making deposits more than withdrawals. So for Try the dwell time, passenger/trail time, a carrot in the pasture, etc. are the deposits. When the bank account is full/of healthy size then Try is happier if I make a "withdrawal" of asking her to do something she might not see as fun.
Considering this I think Spiderman could also use a confidence bucket/bank account. Weighing time with him for things that are enjoyable and motivating and promote the LBI vs RBI but also the confidence builder of the friendly games--lots of it. What percentage of time goes into his motivation and confidence buckets and what percentage to my learning needs?
And what about my confidence bucket? I took a fall off Spiderman (super windy day, my not paying attention, his quick reflexes to spook) and wasn't hurt or even sore but it put me on alert that it could happen again and I could get hurt. So now I am rebuilding my confidence and its not a snap yer fingers and its done kind of thing. Step 1--first ride since the fall, I was hyper aware of him and nervous causing him to be nervous and the session wasn't going well. So changed gears, waited for Bethanna to come out to ride Devon--and the my confidence was coming back at having the company--by the end of the session I felt great. But I bet it will still take a few more times before I am back with no stirrups posting trot on a casual rein doing patterns! Refilling the bucket, not drop by drop but hopefully more like quart by quart?
Dan T spoke of the image of a bank account for a LBI. Since "what's in it for me" is so important for Try and to a lesser extent Spiderman, it therefor makes sense to keep their account full--making deposits more than withdrawals. So for Try the dwell time, passenger/trail time, a carrot in the pasture, etc. are the deposits. When the bank account is full/of healthy size then Try is happier if I make a "withdrawal" of asking her to do something she might not see as fun.
Considering this I think Spiderman could also use a confidence bucket/bank account. Weighing time with him for things that are enjoyable and motivating and promote the LBI vs RBI but also the confidence builder of the friendly games--lots of it. What percentage of time goes into his motivation and confidence buckets and what percentage to my learning needs?
And what about my confidence bucket? I took a fall off Spiderman (super windy day, my not paying attention, his quick reflexes to spook) and wasn't hurt or even sore but it put me on alert that it could happen again and I could get hurt. So now I am rebuilding my confidence and its not a snap yer fingers and its done kind of thing. Step 1--first ride since the fall, I was hyper aware of him and nervous causing him to be nervous and the session wasn't going well. So changed gears, waited for Bethanna to come out to ride Devon--and the my confidence was coming back at having the company--by the end of the session I felt great. But I bet it will still take a few more times before I am back with no stirrups posting trot on a casual rein doing patterns! Refilling the bucket, not drop by drop but hopefully more like quart by quart?
Friday, April 15, 2011
Ponying
A few days ago was my first time ponying another horse. Rode Try and ponyed Spiderman--it was super fun. I had to learn how to position Spiderman so I could have him stay on a side when turning so I could have him on or off the rail. It would be fun to be able to trail ride with them both. Think I'll start with just walking up and down the road.
Also from Try's back I was able to do some nice yoyo game with Spiderman. Tried circling game with Try standing still--way too much between the Spiderman out on the 22 but wanting to come in and the 11' reins with Try who wanted to move her feet. BA played with it some too only with Spiderman at liberty--we both found it much easier without the rope. The trick will be the horse I ride needs to know when I am directing my energy to the other horse and when to her. Also the horse out there to understand that we are playing games just as if I was on the ground. I had soooooooo much fun.
Also from Try's back I was able to do some nice yoyo game with Spiderman. Tried circling game with Try standing still--way too much between the Spiderman out on the 22 but wanting to come in and the 11' reins with Try who wanted to move her feet. BA played with it some too only with Spiderman at liberty--we both found it much easier without the rope. The trick will be the horse I ride needs to know when I am directing my energy to the other horse and when to her. Also the horse out there to understand that we are playing games just as if I was on the ground. I had soooooooo much fun.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Humanality Match for RBE (me) and Try (LBE, ??LBI RBI)
I have a lot of personal notes and thoughts on this including conversation with Dan Thompson and am posting them under PP section (see link right column).
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
It was great to be with Spiderman and Try today
Got to the barn with a plan for just Try today. All the horses were in stalls! Wow--storm coming. Anyway Try was busy with her hay but Spiderman wanted to play/be with me/just get out of the stall???
So new plan was play with him and work just on confidence building. I realized that the really glorious sessions we have had together in the past were liberty in the small paddock with lots of touching and friendly--not extreme friendly--he loses confidence quickly with pressure. Well, that was a good choice as it was really windy--he did not get spooky but did look up every time he wind picked up. The only game we played was touch it with different objects--he seemed to be getting it but tomorrow will tell.
Next Try, We also had lots of dwell, friendly, wait LBI time--starting slow with liberty and some sticking together in a very laid back manner. Online was yoyo backing--teaching that life down means stop backing. Also we did some circling with HQ leg yields.
Riding: we started with passenger and Try roamed around the ring and then waited at the gate for 2 minutes. That didn't take long before she wanted to do something else. We did all the usual preparation for Game of Contact stuff and HQ exercises. I think she really is getting the wheel barrow turns and the HQ porcupine backup steps to back. We had fabulous falling leaf in one direction--she is really planting her HQ and swinging her shoulder. Also did some bowties drop to walk lead changes for relaxation. I watched for her expression the entire session and think she thought bad thoughts only briefly--cinching and ??I don't remember but when I saw it I made a change so it would go away.
So new plan was play with him and work just on confidence building. I realized that the really glorious sessions we have had together in the past were liberty in the small paddock with lots of touching and friendly--not extreme friendly--he loses confidence quickly with pressure. Well, that was a good choice as it was really windy--he did not get spooky but did look up every time he wind picked up. The only game we played was touch it with different objects--he seemed to be getting it but tomorrow will tell.
Next Try, We also had lots of dwell, friendly, wait LBI time--starting slow with liberty and some sticking together in a very laid back manner. Online was yoyo backing--teaching that life down means stop backing. Also we did some circling with HQ leg yields.
Riding: we started with passenger and Try roamed around the ring and then waited at the gate for 2 minutes. That didn't take long before she wanted to do something else. We did all the usual preparation for Game of Contact stuff and HQ exercises. I think she really is getting the wheel barrow turns and the HQ porcupine backup steps to back. We had fabulous falling leaf in one direction--she is really planting her HQ and swinging her shoulder. Also did some bowties drop to walk lead changes for relaxation. I watched for her expression the entire session and think she thought bad thoughts only briefly--cinching and ??I don't remember but when I saw it I made a change so it would go away.
Still absorbing and ?applying humanality match stuff???
I haven't got it all together in my head as yet but
1. humanality is so spot on--I LOVE that I am RBE and would not want to be anything else!!! Also I have RBI, and I know LBI--on the strengths charts I am way stronger in RBE but have a lot of characteristics in all the quadrants.
So two ways to approach the never ending self improvement part of this...
1. I know RBE has a fear based component and the activity--busy, busy, busy and talkative can be driven by fear. Also that certain things rev me up, partly fear of failure, partly the joy and excitement of it--working with instructors with HIGH energy levels especially LBE and although I am happy in front of groups I feel pressured by the need for the experience to be fabulous for the entire group which causes tension
a. Breathe, mediate, consider how it went today on having a good fear less RBE or relaxed RBE day. Today I was confident, laid back and happy to be with Spiderman and Try--I did not feel pressured to do/be anything.
b. Touching horses takes out the tension.
c. positive self talk--there is nothing wrong with my emotion but how can I best express myself with it?
2. Follow the match report and it is full of great hints for being with people and horses. I am on my 3rd read--marking up the draft copy. Have discussed it partly with friends and soon I hope in depth with both Bethanna if she has time and with Dan Thompson. I will post in the blog a summary of my findings as I start to get it together.
1. humanality is so spot on--I LOVE that I am RBE and would not want to be anything else!!! Also I have RBI, and I know LBI--on the strengths charts I am way stronger in RBE but have a lot of characteristics in all the quadrants.
So two ways to approach the never ending self improvement part of this...
1. I know RBE has a fear based component and the activity--busy, busy, busy and talkative can be driven by fear. Also that certain things rev me up, partly fear of failure, partly the joy and excitement of it--working with instructors with HIGH energy levels especially LBE and although I am happy in front of groups I feel pressured by the need for the experience to be fabulous for the entire group which causes tension
a. Breathe, mediate, consider how it went today on having a good fear less RBE or relaxed RBE day. Today I was confident, laid back and happy to be with Spiderman and Try--I did not feel pressured to do/be anything.
b. Touching horses takes out the tension.
c. positive self talk--there is nothing wrong with my emotion but how can I best express myself with it?
2. Follow the match report and it is full of great hints for being with people and horses. I am on my 3rd read--marking up the draft copy. Have discussed it partly with friends and soon I hope in depth with both Bethanna if she has time and with Dan Thompson. I will post in the blog a summary of my findings as I start to get it together.
Monday, April 11, 2011
I'm Back
After a lovely long weekend of Azalea Festival, Homes Tour etc, I got back to the barn today. Sherri and Chris came to visit and it was fun having the interchange between the 3 of us as we played with Try and Spiderman.
I did not have a plan--just went with whatever so I won't be organized in describing what we did.
Try: we played with warming up slowly for an introvert to match energy, warming up strongly to get the LBE going, and showed Try knocking over the barrel and cone so as LBI she can feel clever and have a good attitude.
Sherri played on the pedestal with Try and Spiderman to progress the touch it game for them. I was impressed with her patience, waiting and going away and coming back to it. We played around with games i.e. sideways being very different for Try and Spiderman, backing from the hocks/tail, circling game for both. Chris had Try hanging out with her all the time--I think Try would have gone home with Chris. Chris played most of the 7 games with Try who was sweet and lovely. Spiderman was in and out of being confident/losing confidence. etc etc
I did not have a plan--just went with whatever so I won't be organized in describing what we did.
Try: we played with warming up slowly for an introvert to match energy, warming up strongly to get the LBE going, and showed Try knocking over the barrel and cone so as LBI she can feel clever and have a good attitude.
Sherri played on the pedestal with Try and Spiderman to progress the touch it game for them. I was impressed with her patience, waiting and going away and coming back to it. We played around with games i.e. sideways being very different for Try and Spiderman, backing from the hocks/tail, circling game for both. Chris had Try hanging out with her all the time--I think Try would have gone home with Chris. Chris played most of the 7 games with Try who was sweet and lovely. Spiderman was in and out of being confident/losing confidence. etc etc
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Spiderman - in the moment - refining picking up canter leads
Well I was in the moment much more today as I HAD to concentrate on so many things.
1. Spiderman not spooky today but sleepy--nice hanging out, grooming, saddling dwell time
2. In the two "scarey" spots in the ring: circle game tracking right in one spot, left in the other. A few bobbles but basically each one 4 good laps without breaking gait, with nice rhythm, relaxed, contact.
3. Warmed up strongly with a good hack for me: walk, trot canter--he was very laid back and sleepy and it took more energy from me to get a good rhythm. Then played with bowties picking up canter leads as Spiderman prefers his left lead. I LEARNED that I have been overdoing the ask--need to refine to my present level of horsemanship--realized that I have been asking Try on her haunch--now with Spiderman just behind the girth, etc. kissing, overdoing my body position etc to get the lead. Glad to be cleaning it up now.
1. Spiderman not spooky today but sleepy--nice hanging out, grooming, saddling dwell time
2. In the two "scarey" spots in the ring: circle game tracking right in one spot, left in the other. A few bobbles but basically each one 4 good laps without breaking gait, with nice rhythm, relaxed, contact.
3. Warmed up strongly with a good hack for me: walk, trot canter--he was very laid back and sleepy and it took more energy from me to get a good rhythm. Then played with bowties picking up canter leads as Spiderman prefers his left lead. I LEARNED that I have been overdoing the ask--need to refine to my present level of horsemanship--realized that I have been asking Try on her haunch--now with Spiderman just behind the girth, etc. kissing, overdoing my body position etc to get the lead. Glad to be cleaning it up now.
Being fully in the moment?
Yesterday was Try's day--she was curious when I arrived and starting setting up markers in her field with the "hills" (eastern NC is flat) in order to make the entire pasture into a precision pen of sorts.
Then we went to the small paddock out back for some liberty together time. We were both in and out of sync--actually that would be the theme for the day. Stuff I read from the humanality report kept flitting in and out of my head and I would lose focus on us. Try was either with me or distant/dominant. We actually had some nice liberty--sticking together with turns, she offered sideways so we did that away and towards with better impulsion than a few months ago. We played at the pedestal--she loves to put front feet up, so to further the game I asked for a back foot--she was hesitant to do so--and RBE that I am wasn't able to wait and doubted she would do it so got savvy string--lifted one back foot and placed it on the pedestal. She was perfectly happy like that and remained until I cued her to leave the pedestal. BUT no inclination to offer it without my helping her foot up there.
From report I am thinking today that waiting for the change is a big issue.
Try and I went to the ring and frankly just messed around riding with wheelbarrow turn, stretching, figure 8 and then left, walking up the road and back. Next, we went to her pasture where we did the giant figure 8 with cantering uphill thru the middle and million transitions. That went well and with much more precision because I had put the markers out to be clear about where we were going/focus.
Another issue I kept thinking about--if I know where I'm at intellectually, emotionally etc on the "magic" days, how can I purposely create that rather than it just happening. (sunny Sunday am alone at the barn with goals but no drive to achieve state of mind). Then I realized I was thinking and not being in the moment and tried to keep the thoughts away. How interesting??
Then we went to the small paddock out back for some liberty together time. We were both in and out of sync--actually that would be the theme for the day. Stuff I read from the humanality report kept flitting in and out of my head and I would lose focus on us. Try was either with me or distant/dominant. We actually had some nice liberty--sticking together with turns, she offered sideways so we did that away and towards with better impulsion than a few months ago. We played at the pedestal--she loves to put front feet up, so to further the game I asked for a back foot--she was hesitant to do so--and RBE that I am wasn't able to wait and doubted she would do it so got savvy string--lifted one back foot and placed it on the pedestal. She was perfectly happy like that and remained until I cued her to leave the pedestal. BUT no inclination to offer it without my helping her foot up there.
From report I am thinking today that waiting for the change is a big issue.
Try and I went to the ring and frankly just messed around riding with wheelbarrow turn, stretching, figure 8 and then left, walking up the road and back. Next, we went to her pasture where we did the giant figure 8 with cantering uphill thru the middle and million transitions. That went well and with much more precision because I had put the markers out to be clear about where we were going/focus.
Another issue I kept thinking about--if I know where I'm at intellectually, emotionally etc on the "magic" days, how can I purposely create that rather than it just happening. (sunny Sunday am alone at the barn with goals but no drive to achieve state of mind). Then I realized I was thinking and not being in the moment and tried to keep the thoughts away. How interesting??
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Humanality/Match reports
Got em today. Email link, filled out questionnaires and the report was accessible immediately online which I printed. Hard copy coming in the mail later.
So far it is spot on, reassuring and hopeful. I am RBE and proud of it.
So far it is spot on, reassuring and hopeful. I am RBE and proud of it.
Miscellaneous thoughts as I begin a new season of horsemanship
It's spring and that seems like a great time to regroup and rethink about goals, todos, where Try, Spiderman and I are headed.
1. See April goals sub blog
2. Try canter in the field for something different but on the biometrics list: Take buckets and set up pattern so I can be precise. Basically two squares for a figure 8 using most of the field. Canter uphill through the middle--my weight perhaps a little forward. Then vary what we do on the straightaways and downhills. Also can canter up hill and lope downhill or trot uphill and jog downhill. Keep changing it up so Try asks what next rather than make assumptions.
3. Right lead canter for Spiderman--block inside front rather than bend body.
4. Remember to go slow for both, be more perceptive and mindful of my mood.
5. My physical fitness is a high priority for numeroud reasons!
6. Ask Dan list: Spiderman learning to take responsibility.
7. Good to play on line with Spiderman in back area of the ring.
1. See April goals sub blog
2. Try canter in the field for something different but on the biometrics list: Take buckets and set up pattern so I can be precise. Basically two squares for a figure 8 using most of the field. Canter uphill through the middle--my weight perhaps a little forward. Then vary what we do on the straightaways and downhills. Also can canter up hill and lope downhill or trot uphill and jog downhill. Keep changing it up so Try asks what next rather than make assumptions.
3. Right lead canter for Spiderman--block inside front rather than bend body.
4. Remember to go slow for both, be more perceptive and mindful of my mood.
5. My physical fitness is a high priority for numeroud reasons!
6. Ask Dan list: Spiderman learning to take responsibility.
7. Good to play on line with Spiderman in back area of the ring.
Spiderman on a Windy Day
Oh Boy Day--I learned a lot today!! In reaction to the wind, Spiderman would tune in and out and be nervous the entire time.
Liberty: Not as ok with helicopter etc but did not take slapping the ground (while standing 10' or so from him) as a signal to move his feet.
On Line: used this to help him get confident despite wind and was only partially successful. Did backup, circle game and touch it--one front foot on the pedestal.
Ring On Line: figure 8 and circling game--again in and out of focusing/fearful.
Mounting: picked me up at the pedestal, stood nicely and took the bit with one treat.
Walked off toward the rail on the buckle, no stirrups--Spiderman spooked and I fell.
Got back on and played with figure 8 and clover leaf patterns.
I learned: on a windy day or ??any day not to take Spiderman for granted. Keep reins and stirrups/leg contact in the beginning of walk til he blows on the rail to be sure we are in a good frame of mind. OR choose not to ride or get a 2nd opinion.
Horsenality: Spiderman is fairly equally split between LBI and RBI--so I need strategies for both. Go slow for both, approach/retreat and repetition for RBI and be particular and offer fun/variety when he is LBI.
Liberty: Not as ok with helicopter etc but did not take slapping the ground (while standing 10' or so from him) as a signal to move his feet.
On Line: used this to help him get confident despite wind and was only partially successful. Did backup, circle game and touch it--one front foot on the pedestal.
Ring On Line: figure 8 and circling game--again in and out of focusing/fearful.
Mounting: picked me up at the pedestal, stood nicely and took the bit with one treat.
Walked off toward the rail on the buckle, no stirrups--Spiderman spooked and I fell.
Got back on and played with figure 8 and clover leaf patterns.
I learned: on a windy day or ??any day not to take Spiderman for granted. Keep reins and stirrups/leg contact in the beginning of walk til he blows on the rail to be sure we are in a good frame of mind. OR choose not to ride or get a 2nd opinion.
Horsenality: Spiderman is fairly equally split between LBI and RBI--so I need strategies for both. Go slow for both, approach/retreat and repetition for RBI and be particular and offer fun/variety when he is LBI.
Updated Biometrics List for Try
1. Stretching down
2. Soft feel – light contact
3. Leg yield on the circle
4. Falling leaf
5. Snappy backup (carrot stick)
6. Backup from HQ yield one step at a time
7. Wheelbarrow turn
8. Canter uphill
9. HQ/FQ 360s
10. Sidepass (remember 2nd leg)
Monday, April 4, 2011
Sunny Sunday with Try
Try and I had two lovely hours together. She was in another mind reading mood today.
Met her in her pasture on the bank between her two pastures. We went to the small paddock where we hung out, went slow, liberty catch me and sticking together. Try was willing but not fully connected so went on line. I asked for backup and from life up she backed all the way out. Tickled me at how smart she is but she was assuming or perhaps that stance in that position has only meant back up. I could really see her thinking. Next she went to the pedestal--front feet and we played friendly there for awhile. Then she stepped off with her front feet straddling the pedestal and I used carrot stick to put her LH foot on the pedestal and asked her to put weight on it. We finished up here with circling game--lightest possible cues, neutral (?not equal to life down???) and transitions walk, trot, walk etc from cluck or vocal cue--no further cue needed.
Saddled up with dressage saddle and went to the ring. We did walk til blow and Try blew immediately and lots the whole morning. We did stretching and when I asked for a little contact with 7 step soft feel Try assumed I wanted backup and backed 10' or so with good energy. Not what I asked for but how great! We did wheelbarrow turns and she has that. Also falling leaf and she will do 360 on HQ really swinging her shoulders--I used the carrot stick. I am trying to keep my hand and reins on the mane. Then did a little cloverleaf at the trot--did not count the corrections--needed a few using leg for maintain direction. I have learned that these corrections come on the long straight aways--that Try (and Spiderman) is great on turns from my body weight.
Next I told Try it was passenger time--she circled to the mounting block a couple times before she got the idea and walked out of the ring--with happy but not emotional energy. She walked up the drive and turned right and up the road. She had a mild, happy, curious extraverted energy. Unfortunately as no one was around we just went to the bend in the road and came back.
Next we went into her pasture with our "hills" and tried out a big figure eight using the whole pasture, cantering uphill through the center and alternating trot and walk otherwise. The pattern lacked precision and I want to rethink where Try's weight is cantering up or down a hill.
Thank you Try for a lovely morning--I needed that dose of lazing in the sunshine!
Met her in her pasture on the bank between her two pastures. We went to the small paddock where we hung out, went slow, liberty catch me and sticking together. Try was willing but not fully connected so went on line. I asked for backup and from life up she backed all the way out. Tickled me at how smart she is but she was assuming or perhaps that stance in that position has only meant back up. I could really see her thinking. Next she went to the pedestal--front feet and we played friendly there for awhile. Then she stepped off with her front feet straddling the pedestal and I used carrot stick to put her LH foot on the pedestal and asked her to put weight on it. We finished up here with circling game--lightest possible cues, neutral (?not equal to life down???) and transitions walk, trot, walk etc from cluck or vocal cue--no further cue needed.
Saddled up with dressage saddle and went to the ring. We did walk til blow and Try blew immediately and lots the whole morning. We did stretching and when I asked for a little contact with 7 step soft feel Try assumed I wanted backup and backed 10' or so with good energy. Not what I asked for but how great! We did wheelbarrow turns and she has that. Also falling leaf and she will do 360 on HQ really swinging her shoulders--I used the carrot stick. I am trying to keep my hand and reins on the mane. Then did a little cloverleaf at the trot--did not count the corrections--needed a few using leg for maintain direction. I have learned that these corrections come on the long straight aways--that Try (and Spiderman) is great on turns from my body weight.
Next I told Try it was passenger time--she circled to the mounting block a couple times before she got the idea and walked out of the ring--with happy but not emotional energy. She walked up the drive and turned right and up the road. She had a mild, happy, curious extraverted energy. Unfortunately as no one was around we just went to the bend in the road and came back.
Next we went into her pasture with our "hills" and tried out a big figure eight using the whole pasture, cantering uphill through the center and alternating trot and walk otherwise. The pattern lacked precision and I want to rethink where Try's weight is cantering up or down a hill.
Thank you Try for a lovely morning--I needed that dose of lazing in the sunshine!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Effective teaching??
Listened to David Lichman audio "Are we too tough on horses?"
My thoughts: yes we want to use the most gentle, polite but effective way to teach. The goal of teaching is to assist them in having a happier life tomorrow. May have to stay with some thing even though it is not perceived as pleasant to the horse as releasing too soon causes problems of not achieving the result, delaying and dragging out the process or just causing confusion and distrust.
So what does it take to be effective?
1. a clear plan of what, how and why
2. knowing when to release (and not to release the pressure) and timing
3. allow the dwell, process and lick and chew time
4. approach is driven by horsenality: introverts go slow, consistency vs variety, match plua 4ounces and recognizing the play and game on.
5. ????
My thoughts: yes we want to use the most gentle, polite but effective way to teach. The goal of teaching is to assist them in having a happier life tomorrow. May have to stay with some thing even though it is not perceived as pleasant to the horse as releasing too soon causes problems of not achieving the result, delaying and dragging out the process or just causing confusion and distrust.
So what does it take to be effective?
1. a clear plan of what, how and why
2. knowing when to release (and not to release the pressure) and timing
3. allow the dwell, process and lick and chew time
4. approach is driven by horsenality: introverts go slow, consistency vs variety, match plua 4ounces and recognizing the play and game on.
5. ????
Friday, April 1, 2011
Thursday two lovely hours with Spiderman
I am really enjoying spending time with this pony. I still don't know about his horsenality as I have seen him in all 4 quadrants.
I am especially pleased about
1. draw--at liberty he follows me like a puppy dog and if we are separate it takes only the slightest invitation for him to come.
2. tricks he knows seem to be fading: not standing still at the mounting block, walking off when mounting, not seeking the bit, going slow (to play games with human) and speeding up at the canter to scare children riders. All of this is so improved--almost non existant. Really helps to play on the ground on line or liberty to get in sync.
3. I think he is enjoying variety, being encouraged to think, and doing different things--freestyle riding, trail ride and more of this to come.
Thursday:
Liberty: lovely catching game and sticking together. Sticking together--doesn't understand the mirroring yet especially compared with Try. So much draw. Extreme friendly: 3 days in a row of helicopter in all five zones. Probably could not start slapping the ground.
On Line: Backing--just getting the idea of backing to the end of the rope with lots of stops, 360--following plan and quit when he plants back feet. ??is he getting it?? Added back in the zone 5 following.
Freestyle: figure 8, follow the rail, 9 step back up, etc
Finesse: dressage like million transitions with follow the rail. Homework picking up the canter on the right lead. Also remember upward transitions take a little more time and downward from trot to walk he responds quickly but who knows for canter to trot transition.
I am especially pleased about
1. draw--at liberty he follows me like a puppy dog and if we are separate it takes only the slightest invitation for him to come.
2. tricks he knows seem to be fading: not standing still at the mounting block, walking off when mounting, not seeking the bit, going slow (to play games with human) and speeding up at the canter to scare children riders. All of this is so improved--almost non existant. Really helps to play on the ground on line or liberty to get in sync.
3. I think he is enjoying variety, being encouraged to think, and doing different things--freestyle riding, trail ride and more of this to come.
Thursday:
Liberty: lovely catching game and sticking together. Sticking together--doesn't understand the mirroring yet especially compared with Try. So much draw. Extreme friendly: 3 days in a row of helicopter in all five zones. Probably could not start slapping the ground.
On Line: Backing--just getting the idea of backing to the end of the rope with lots of stops, 360--following plan and quit when he plants back feet. ??is he getting it?? Added back in the zone 5 following.
Freestyle: figure 8, follow the rail, 9 step back up, etc
Finesse: dressage like million transitions with follow the rail. Homework picking up the canter on the right lead. Also remember upward transitions take a little more time and downward from trot to walk he responds quickly but who knows for canter to trot transition.
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