Tuesday, June 28, 2011
BAREBACK CANTER SUCCESS!!!
Yee haw--nearly a mile each direction bareback canter--good impulsion from Try. On my balance point and loose rein. Only issues were a few bobbles on my part that signaled something to Try. YEEEEEEEEEEES!!!!!!! I am a happy camper!!
Monday, June 27, 2011
GRRREEEEAAAAT Day Today!!!!!!!
Try was in a lovely mood today. Today was the first day I had seen her since the swimming day except to give her carrots and check her for booboos over the weekend.
Try just seemed to be really intune for sticking together. Moving her feet too much setting up for sideways--a touch of RBE, lack of confidence. Easy groom, saddling/girth at liberty.
Ride--the usual warmup--took awhile for her to blow. Some 7 step soft feel and a little testing to see if she would take contact away from me. (hmm need to review GoC materials again). Cleaner sideways and backing from HQ yields but I would like the beginning and end to be cleaner.
No stirrups--strongest yet. 2 laps w/carrot stick, 2 w/very loose reins. Then canter laps and I was able to sit most of it in the close contact saddle.
Pedestal: 3 feet and walk across. I would like help with timing and phasing with this.
Try just seemed to be really intune for sticking together. Moving her feet too much setting up for sideways--a touch of RBE, lack of confidence. Easy groom, saddling/girth at liberty.
Ride--the usual warmup--took awhile for her to blow. Some 7 step soft feel and a little testing to see if she would take contact away from me. (hmm need to review GoC materials again). Cleaner sideways and backing from HQ yields but I would like the beginning and end to be cleaner.
No stirrups--strongest yet. 2 laps w/carrot stick, 2 w/very loose reins. Then canter laps and I was able to sit most of it in the close contact saddle.
Pedestal: 3 feet and walk across. I would like help with timing and phasing with this.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Watched clinician
Watched a natural dressage clinician today--fully consistent with Parelli. Lots of good basics. Good visit with Joan and got to meet her horse Sam.
Friday, June 24, 2011
"Swimming" at Cottonwood
Yesterday Beth Anna, Jen and Katie and I went to Cottonwood. Played on the ground, some ineffective approach and retreat to the pond by myself, rode awhile walk/trot/canter. Then all of us went to the pond. Jen's pony Roy couldn't wait to get in the water and roll/splash. Deven took a little urging and then went in. Try was the last--the trick was getting her to the edge and looking straight on--then she began splashing and got both front and back feet in--thought about rolling and was enjoying herself. Then we all got rid of our saddles and mounted bareback--went back to the pond and the horses went in. Try really improved in confidence.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Wednesday
More of the same. Try was cranky when I arrived then got over it. When she got ugly over the girth we played some extreme sideways followed by licking and chewing and a whole new attitude. She just seems to need to get some pent up emotion out and then she is good. I wonder if she is unhappy about being alone in her pasture? Doesn't want to leave her stall next to all the geldings??
Anyway I mounted in the back paddock and we walked in and out of gates around the facility to start off then back to the ring for some friendly in Z1 and 4 laps of no stirrups followed by more walking in and out of various gates which was really nice today.
Then showering off outside and graze in the paddock by the ring. She enjoyed that and did not want to go back into her stall at the end. How interesting.
Anyway I mounted in the back paddock and we walked in and out of gates around the facility to start off then back to the ring for some friendly in Z1 and 4 laps of no stirrups followed by more walking in and out of various gates which was really nice today.
Then showering off outside and graze in the paddock by the ring. She enjoyed that and did not want to go back into her stall at the end. How interesting.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Tuesday
Online
Touch it variations as a warmup: pretty good at remembering
silence, attention, ask, observe, give feedback
Try in cranky sometimes nasty mood--upped phases and she settled
Then walked in and out of gates all over the farm.
Came back to the ring--liberty for Try while I helped BA set up jump courses for Wed visitors.
Then warmup, played with FTR trot--circling when she veered off--Try in strange mood today.
Few canter laps FTR with folded arms in dressage saddle--Try's canter was inconsistent making it difficult for me to sit deep on my balance point tho ok forward and ok with loose reins.
Shower off and graze.
Touch it variations as a warmup: pretty good at remembering
silence, attention, ask, observe, give feedback
Try in cranky sometimes nasty mood--upped phases and she settled
Then walked in and out of gates all over the farm.
Came back to the ring--liberty for Try while I helped BA set up jump courses for Wed visitors.
Then warmup, played with FTR trot--circling when she veered off--Try in strange mood today.
Few canter laps FTR with folded arms in dressage saddle--Try's canter was inconsistent making it difficult for me to sit deep on my balance point tho ok forward and ok with loose reins.
Shower off and graze.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Monday
Took pilates class then went to the barn with the intention to just clip/bathe Try as it was already hot.
Wash stall was down, clipped and then joined BA for a ride in the field, which was quite nice--walk/trot/canter in various patterns.
Then Try got emotional about the gate as Devon had already left. We played forever with walking to the gate and when she got emotional asking her to turn away and trot until she relaxed and starting over. Took forever to see some improvement--remembered Pat said never seen it take more than 2 days. So left--went to round pen to give Try the opportunity to release the emotion, which she did. Then we went back and walked in and out of various gates on the property and it was much better.
Wash stall was down, clipped and then joined BA for a ride in the field, which was quite nice--walk/trot/canter in various patterns.
Then Try got emotional about the gate as Devon had already left. We played forever with walking to the gate and when she got emotional asking her to turn away and trot until she relaxed and starting over. Took forever to see some improvement--remembered Pat said never seen it take more than 2 days. So left--went to round pen to give Try the opportunity to release the emotion, which she did. Then we went back and walked in and out of various gates on the property and it was much better.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Sunday
Lovely day today
Groom and saddling and quite a bit of sticking together out back after not seeing Try Thur/Fri.
Touch it variations in the ring.
Ride: warmup and then 4 laps no stirrups--felt strong
After: grazed on the way back to the barn, shower, shared an apple.
Groom and saddling and quite a bit of sticking together out back after not seeing Try Thur/Fri.
Touch it variations in the ring.
Ride: warmup and then 4 laps no stirrups--felt strong
After: grazed on the way back to the barn, shower, shared an apple.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Saturday
After two days away we needed a dwell--fill the bucket day.
Arrived after it was already hot, Try in stall and not motivated to move. Went in and visited and stroked, scratches etc and she decided she would like to do something. Went to the wash stall for a little mist as she was a bit hot. Then we went outside and I followed her as she ate grass.
Arrived after it was already hot, Try in stall and not motivated to move. Went in and visited and stroked, scratches etc and she decided she would like to do something. Went to the wash stall for a little mist as she was a bit hot. Then we went outside and I followed her as she ate grass.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
bareback canter laps
Yesterday
1. I was so impressed with what Try offered online--I could see such improvement--light cueing and increased distance. I felt like I have learned something this year.
2. My goal for the day was bareback canter laps around the ring--once each way--i.e. 1/3 mile. I did it for my confidence and found I can ride pretty much which ever canter she gives me--heavy on the forehand or dragging behind included BUT I did not have the confidence to forget I was bareback to work with the issues of breaking gait and FTR--which would not have even happened if I was in any saddle--HOW VERY INTERESTING. I plan to study/pursue this in the upcoming week to see how/why/what etc.
1. I was so impressed with what Try offered online--I could see such improvement--light cueing and increased distance. I felt like I have learned something this year.
2. My goal for the day was bareback canter laps around the ring--once each way--i.e. 1/3 mile. I did it for my confidence and found I can ride pretty much which ever canter she gives me--heavy on the forehand or dragging behind included BUT I did not have the confidence to forget I was bareback to work with the issues of breaking gait and FTR--which would not have even happened if I was in any saddle--HOW VERY INTERESTING. I plan to study/pursue this in the upcoming week to see how/why/what etc.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Monday no stirrups/canter
Four laps of no stirrups--1.5 with two carrot sticks
Power up--good day
falling leaf and sideways improved
Leaving the ring Try a little up/walked figure 8/then as RBE I asked for trot and Try offered canter and I felt strong in close contact saddle on balance point or where-ever
Pedestal a step back and I did not have the patience for it--got bored.
Power up--good day
falling leaf and sideways improved
Leaving the ring Try a little up/walked figure 8/then as RBE I asked for trot and Try offered canter and I felt strong in close contact saddle on balance point or where-ever
Pedestal a step back and I did not have the patience for it--got bored.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Mastery Manual on Emotional Fitness (for my horse)
Yesterday I reread the June 2009 mastery manual on 5 ways to improve your horse's emotional fitness AND it means something entirely different now.
NOW I recognize that while mild Try is often a bit RBI or RBE and I am getting strategies to help her with both so she can be brave/calm, confortable/confident. As the goal is surely a HAPPY horse.
Important is to RECOGNIZE the fear.
Recommended is the extreme friendly game: rhythm, relaxation and approach and retreat. Standing still is not necessarily relaxation. It would be good to check in with Try on this again and make a program of it for a couple days if there are issues. Also my upping my energy etc puts additional pressure on Try now so things may have changed re extreme friendly. Can I be more creative with this?
Slower and faster is a way to vary, holding up a leg also.
Increased exposure as preparation for going new places.
Make lots of changes in environment at home
Touch it
NOW I recognize that while mild Try is often a bit RBI or RBE and I am getting strategies to help her with both so she can be brave/calm, confortable/confident. As the goal is surely a HAPPY horse.
Important is to RECOGNIZE the fear.
Recommended is the extreme friendly game: rhythm, relaxation and approach and retreat. Standing still is not necessarily relaxation. It would be good to check in with Try on this again and make a program of it for a couple days if there are issues. Also my upping my energy etc puts additional pressure on Try now so things may have changed re extreme friendly. Can I be more creative with this?
Slower and faster is a way to vary, holding up a leg also.
Increased exposure as preparation for going new places.
Make lots of changes in environment at home
Touch it
Power Up Issue
Friday I did 1/2 a zumba and a full conditioning class at the Y as part of the power up summer challenge. I have some doubts about this--as far as conditioning class went there was some good upper body weight lifting that I was not doing BUT I think I can come up with a program that better suits my needs.
The idea is that as Try is naturally more dominant than I am and she appreciates stronger leadership from me, weight lifting may give me a stronger physical energy without business. That actually being soft, supportive and sweet to Try will be appreciated by her only when she is RBI.
Two issues: ballet and age
Ballet: It took a long time to learn to move fully, be relaxed and breathe so it would look like nothing and look like low energy. I noticed some folks in zumba with huge energy but it just looked out of control to me and hugely unattractive. Dan says don't worry I won't lose "precision."
Age: I am wondering if getting old creates the lower energy and a softness of muscle etc? If so is the reverse true--will powering up keep ya younger longer?
Powering up: sometimes I can deliberately create it as an intellectual/acting exercise and sometimes I can't. Today I am tired and I don't want to power up.
The idea is that as Try is naturally more dominant than I am and she appreciates stronger leadership from me, weight lifting may give me a stronger physical energy without business. That actually being soft, supportive and sweet to Try will be appreciated by her only when she is RBI.
Two issues: ballet and age
Ballet: It took a long time to learn to move fully, be relaxed and breathe so it would look like nothing and look like low energy. I noticed some folks in zumba with huge energy but it just looked out of control to me and hugely unattractive. Dan says don't worry I won't lose "precision."
Age: I am wondering if getting old creates the lower energy and a softness of muscle etc? If so is the reverse true--will powering up keep ya younger longer?
Powering up: sometimes I can deliberately create it as an intellectual/acting exercise and sometimes I can't. Today I am tired and I don't want to power up.
Thursday biometrics and no stirrups
The good: 4 laps no stirrups looking strong if not feeling it and 1 lap with two sticks
More good: backup was snappy and sideways was good with blocking the escaping front shoulder
The bad and ugly: falling leaf--need clean 1/2 turns, try sticks first then reins (on haunches keep reins down)
The excellent: Try offered 4 feet on the pedestal and stood there.
More good: backup was snappy and sideways was good with blocking the escaping front shoulder
The bad and ugly: falling leaf--need clean 1/2 turns, try sticks first then reins (on haunches keep reins down)
The excellent: Try offered 4 feet on the pedestal and stood there.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Wednesday big ride
Try and I rode longer as part of the summer riding longer, faster, etc challenge: We mounted in the ring and rode out to the geldings big field and used the front 1/2 of the field (5 laps = mile) and did the equivalent of 5 laps--mostly trot FTR and diagonals. Next we exited and walked across the road to the field with the hill (no negative reaction from Try). In the field we did cloverleaf/diagonals/serpentines. Beth Anna and Riley joined us and that made Try happy also--BA commented on how nice Try's expression was. Then we left them and went to the ring for jog/lope/jog in unexpected patterns--again relaxed and pleasant. Even coming off the rail was relaxed. This may have been one of our best rides ever--and Try was in season and suffering with ant bites.
Finished the day with a shower and played with pedestal while drying off. Try was relaxed about walking across and stopping with back feet on the pedestal.
Finished the day with a shower and played with pedestal while drying off. Try was relaxed about walking across and stopping with back feet on the pedestal.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Monday
Progression:
I did two laps of no stirrups posting trot in close contact saddle with no reins--just carrot stick followed by two more with long, loose reins. Canter laps in the ring and trot in the big field.
Shower off, dwell and pedestal progress at liberty.
- pedestal
- circling over a jump
- touch it back foot
- girtiness and bad attitudes
- ride longer/harder
- no stirrups with carrot sticks
- begin riding in the big field
I did two laps of no stirrups posting trot in close contact saddle with no reins--just carrot stick followed by two more with long, loose reins. Canter laps in the ring and trot in the big field.
Shower off, dwell and pedestal progress at liberty.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Todos for the next week or so
Progression:
- advance Z5 driving
- pedestal
- circling over a jump
- sideways riding/precision
- toucdh it back foot
- girtiness and bad attitudes
- ride longer/harder
- hold the tail (thur)
- fold arms and canter laps
- ride thru Try RBE coming out of pasture
- no stirrups with carrot sticks
- canter with sticks in the field
- begin riding in the big field
- walk to the white house
Rising Expectations
I just wanted to have fun and let some stuff slide.
1. When I met Try at her stall--she walked forward and put her head in the halter but with an evil look on her face--LBI dominance.
2. I tied her to groom, left her to go see Jen's recital photos etc and she was relaxed.
3. Saddling--in the back paddock for girthiness program--messy--she had a bad attitude but was clever about not showing but just so much making it more difficult for me to turn it into a sideways game. I bet next time it will be worse. This is a habit she is not going to give up easily.
In the ring
1. Watched the June dvd on touch it variations: matching energy, being creative and coupling it with other games and having a plan. So did 1. yoyo then backup and redirect to nose (and one foot) on the pedestal. 2. sideways to the cavaletti pole and touch it with one foot. 3. circling over a jump (forgot the touch it part) Try was very responsive.
This all went well--I was careful with my cueing. Silence/attention/ask/listen/feedback.
Mount and wait, walk til blow pilates. Tried to hold her tail and could not reach it. Guiding with fingertips at a walk we could do. Did a little falling leaf and HQ yield backup that were good--tried them with spurs for a little clarity. Next time no spurs but warm up strongly and see how they go.
In the field: walked out of ring nicely and then explored the big field for awhile before going into the field with the hill. Did one cloverleaf and 2 serpentines trot and canter and they went well.
Then when I wanted to leave Try got antsy about wanting to leave--??I don't know what to do--this is RBE so I am supposed to keep her moving and match her energy plus 4 ounces??
Then walked calmly thru the gate, up the drive back into the ring to get my stuff. Shower, drying off and dwell time in the paddock and some more progress with the pedestal--much more LB about back feet on the pedestal.
1. When I met Try at her stall--she walked forward and put her head in the halter but with an evil look on her face--LBI dominance.
2. I tied her to groom, left her to go see Jen's recital photos etc and she was relaxed.
3. Saddling--in the back paddock for girthiness program--messy--she had a bad attitude but was clever about not showing but just so much making it more difficult for me to turn it into a sideways game. I bet next time it will be worse. This is a habit she is not going to give up easily.
In the ring
1. Watched the June dvd on touch it variations: matching energy, being creative and coupling it with other games and having a plan. So did 1. yoyo then backup and redirect to nose (and one foot) on the pedestal. 2. sideways to the cavaletti pole and touch it with one foot. 3. circling over a jump (forgot the touch it part) Try was very responsive.
This all went well--I was careful with my cueing. Silence/attention/ask/listen/feedback.
Mount and wait, walk til blow pilates. Tried to hold her tail and could not reach it. Guiding with fingertips at a walk we could do. Did a little falling leaf and HQ yield backup that were good--tried them with spurs for a little clarity. Next time no spurs but warm up strongly and see how they go.
In the field: walked out of ring nicely and then explored the big field for awhile before going into the field with the hill. Did one cloverleaf and 2 serpentines trot and canter and they went well.
Then when I wanted to leave Try got antsy about wanting to leave--??I don't know what to do--this is RBE so I am supposed to keep her moving and match her energy plus 4 ounces??
Then walked calmly thru the gate, up the drive back into the ring to get my stuff. Shower, drying off and dwell time in the paddock and some more progress with the pedestal--much more LB about back feet on the pedestal.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Friday planning day
See June goals
- habits and assumptions list
- summer confidence challenge
- biometrics progression
- power up June challenge
- Freestyle old and new
Friday, June 3, 2011
Thursday - Fun Day!
A little gentle yoyo with less big energy up from Try and it helped--less RB reaction--feet escaping and anticipating, that is.
Riding:
Today was fun and I felt successful and more clear in my communication.
Ideas:
1. Laura for nutrition info
2. Caroline ?? for swim at Cottonwood??
3. ?Monthly trailering for Try to Dans??
Riding:
- usual girth program (good)
- mount and wait
- walk til blow (added in soft feel and release and then she blew)
- warmup trotting at 2 point and then posting trot FTR (follow the rail)--if she comes off the rail--no correction, just keep trotting until she chooses to go back to the rail.
- 4 laps no stirrups--2 with completely loose reins--a little winded at times and glad it was over but maintained good form
- played bridleless with walk, jog, halt, backup and patterns. Purpose: good responsiveness for Try and my use of eyes, belly button, leg, stick. Relaxation and confidence for Try around the sticks and me not afraid to use stick.
Today was fun and I felt successful and more clear in my communication.
Ideas:
1. Laura for nutrition info
2. Caroline ?? for swim at Cottonwood??
3. ?Monthly trailering for Try to Dans??
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Wednesday - hot mess
First--dwell time, friendly and scratches on her neck where deer flies have been biting her. We started with sticking together so we could get on the same page. We even had some turns at the trot--I could see us being like my memory of Skip/LBE from years ago.
I had a plan for yoyo and sideways--phases and then progress--using energy up/dn BUT Try went RB pretty quickly moving her feet. Just a big old mess--I did not go with her--tried to calm her down and start over etc.
Then she offered the pedestal and we were close to having 4 feet and I went and got treats for her. Now we were really back to LB.
Walked up the drive stopping to eat grass and returned to the barn with Z4 following rather than Z5 driving. She does start nicely from porcupine, turn a bit and halt. Finished with cooling her off with wet towels and lotsa fly spray and scratches.
I had a plan for yoyo and sideways--phases and then progress--using energy up/dn BUT Try went RB pretty quickly moving her feet. Just a big old mess--I did not go with her--tried to calm her down and start over etc.
Then she offered the pedestal and we were close to having 4 feet and I went and got treats for her. Now we were really back to LB.
Walked up the drive stopping to eat grass and returned to the barn with Z4 following rather than Z5 driving. She does start nicely from porcupine, turn a bit and halt. Finished with cooling her off with wet towels and lotsa fly spray and scratches.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Humanality report thoughts
Quote from Kristi Smith:
" "
A major benefit of the humanality report is that I can see WHY I have certain problems and be proud of my good points and more understanding and accepting of the things I would like to change.
My busy, busy, busy, and my fears as case in point.
" "
My busy, busy, busy, and my fears as case in point.
Tuesday
Decided to have a real ride in the field--following my desire for new habits to ride longer and to not feel guilty about not riding longer.
Really good grooming, saddling in the paddock when Try grimmaced at saddling in the barn so we could play sideways--continued program for girthiness.
Mounted in the ring (wait 20 sec) and rode right out of the ring to the field. 2 laps walk til blow/pilates, 2 laps 2 point trot, 4 posting trot and 2 canter utilizing cloverleaf and serpentine patterns. (? next time use diagonals?)
Went well, left and Try picked up a trot--I was unsure--go with it to encourage LBE or shut it down as barn sour?? Went to ring, dismount, and yoyo and sideways and Try was mildly RBE. I stopped and waited for her to relax but ?? should have stayed with her movement til she relaxed???
Shower, dwell, did not realize she had food in her stall. ??Nutrition with drought and little grass??
Really good grooming, saddling in the paddock when Try grimmaced at saddling in the barn so we could play sideways--continued program for girthiness.
Mounted in the ring (wait 20 sec) and rode right out of the ring to the field. 2 laps walk til blow/pilates, 2 laps 2 point trot, 4 posting trot and 2 canter utilizing cloverleaf and serpentine patterns. (? next time use diagonals?)
Went well, left and Try picked up a trot--I was unsure--go with it to encourage LBE or shut it down as barn sour?? Went to ring, dismount, and yoyo and sideways and Try was mildly RBE. I stopped and waited for her to relax but ?? should have stayed with her movement til she relaxed???
Shower, dwell, did not realize she had food in her stall. ??Nutrition with drought and little grass??
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