Another session with not too much to tell. Focused on more classical work today, trying to get a better shoulder in (more bend, less angle). Did a few steps of renvers on one rein. I also challenged her more about spooky places in the arena. The wind was howling today, but I was very pleased with how she worked. One missing element--her canter on the lunge is still very choppy. She will rush her way past the scary part of the arena, then try to run be down to the nice end. At this point I am more interested in working through her spookiness than going down to the friendly part of the arena and doing perfect circles. I stopped when I saw some progress. Flexing to the bridle is now adequate--enough to think about riding her again, but not nearly as light as Jordan and Panda are. I also introduced Baucher flexions today, where we look for vertical flexion and a soft mouth before releasing.
Joe was kind enough to loan a trailer for practice loading and I spent 20 minutes at the end introducing Maddie to it. I sent her around all 3 sides and repeated with the doors open. Once she started showing interest in the trailer, I changed positions and sent her towards the open doors. After she had stuck her head in well a couple of times, I quit for the day. It was so windy I was concerned a door could slam shut on her and wreck our progress. It should be no problem to load her tomorrow.
We also visited with Joe, Donna, and Michelle outside for awhile. It was really nice to have a sane horse who could stand still while all four of us loved on her. She could not have done this a week ago.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
more horse, less mustang
Another super-calm session with Maddie. I put her in the aisle and went back to work on her feet. I removed the excess bar material on the fore and hinds, and brought the hind heels down to the sole. She is still more ticklish on the hinds and they need to be rolled a bit. Strangely, even with the heels lowered her hinds still have a funny break in the pastern.
Started with long-lining off the bit. My feeling is that long-lining is not the best exercise for the advanced horse. It's just too demanding on the trainer to keep good contact. But I felt this was a very good experience for Maddie, to feel that bit pressure in motion. She was difficult to keep on the circle, and when I used the outside rein to keep her out there, she ended up bent to the outside. But she really did well. I got directly behind her a few times and drove her around the arena a bit. I also got her to back several times. Changes of direction were very easy. She is just touchy when you take contact on the outside and tends to turn all at once.
Did the C exercise off the bridle. The far end of the arena is frustrating--why is she still afraid of it???? It's gotten better, but she just spends the whole time down there acting much more stupid than she should at this point. Jumpiness, stiffness, etc. I did a lot of resting down there, and a lot of flexing.
I ended with backing her down the entire barn aisle, twice. I had to really act crazy to keep her moving, but she did it. Overall today was intentionally fairly quiet, with a lot of head lowering, flexing, and rubbing all over. She is still kicky around her loins but we are making progress. Go, Maddie!
BTW, my plan is to do 2 more days of groundwork, and ride her on Friday when Lalo can come over. We had talked about doing that today, but I canceled after yesterday's session. I felt Maddie should be flexing lighter and more reliably before bringing Lalo back and getting in the saddle again.
Started with long-lining off the bit. My feeling is that long-lining is not the best exercise for the advanced horse. It's just too demanding on the trainer to keep good contact. But I felt this was a very good experience for Maddie, to feel that bit pressure in motion. She was difficult to keep on the circle, and when I used the outside rein to keep her out there, she ended up bent to the outside. But she really did well. I got directly behind her a few times and drove her around the arena a bit. I also got her to back several times. Changes of direction were very easy. She is just touchy when you take contact on the outside and tends to turn all at once.
Did the C exercise off the bridle. The far end of the arena is frustrating--why is she still afraid of it???? It's gotten better, but she just spends the whole time down there acting much more stupid than she should at this point. Jumpiness, stiffness, etc. I did a lot of resting down there, and a lot of flexing.
I ended with backing her down the entire barn aisle, twice. I had to really act crazy to keep her moving, but she did it. Overall today was intentionally fairly quiet, with a lot of head lowering, flexing, and rubbing all over. She is still kicky around her loins but we are making progress. Go, Maddie!
BTW, my plan is to do 2 more days of groundwork, and ride her on Friday when Lalo can come over. We had talked about doing that today, but I canceled after yesterday's session. I felt Maddie should be flexing lighter and more reliably before bringing Lalo back and getting in the saddle again.
Monday, February 27, 2012
New attitude
She is lunging well off the halter at all 3 gaits and over most of the arena. The far end is still a spooky area. She is more nervous when I lunge off the bit ring. I lunged directly off the ring and also lunged her again with the lunge line anchored to the girth.
Excellent lateral work in hand today. Shoulder in is real good, although she is starting to look for a way out with her nipping. In general I am taking the approach of ignoring this behavior, as opposed to punishing her for it. If she does something really obvious and obnoxious I may clock her in the jaw, but mostly my approach is to cultivate good habits and wait for the bad habits to go away. (keep in mind, this mare DOES bite and DOES kick. The real thing. But at this point it's more of an extension of her tail swish than something really aggressive, IMHO. So I am only reacting to the really outlandish stuff.)
Flexing to the bridle ended well, but when I first started the exercise I felt she was dull. A little disappointing, I was hoping she would be real light by now.
Finished in the aisle, working on her feet. Fronts have been taken all the way down and a good mustang roll applied. Still need to work on the bars. In the rear I worked on the heels, but it was mostly an introduction to the file. Her feet are a little strange to me--I'm not used to hooves which are so upright. The hoof wall is unbelievably thick and strong. I see almost no flaring or separation. Nice feet!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
another level
Really good session today. It's hard to believe it, but we've jumped into another level, yet again. There have been several of these quantum leaps in the last 4 weeks. I'm just surprised at how many of them there are between wild horse and broke horse.
I tied her to a blocker ring in the aisle and worked on her feet right away. I picked out the fronts and picked up the rears. Brushed her all over--I never realized how much work I need to do around her flanks and loins. She hauled off and kicked at me quite a bit when I went back there, but with her head tied I felt safe. (Keep in mind, she still nips when she feels threatened, so I'm feeling it from both ends!) Waited for some concession and then saddled her up and went to work.
Put the bit in right away and lunged her directly off the ring, w-t-c. Then I switched to "French Sytle," where the lunge line goes through the bit ring and back to the saddle. This exercise was very helpful--she got to feel her head being pulled back towards the saddle, while in motion. At the trot I waited for her mouth to give and then switched sides. She gave me some nice strides.
Made a long "L" out of ground poles and practiced backing her through them. I also put two barrels about 2' apart and made her back through them. I was impressed she did this, because she had to brush past them to make it through. BTW, today was windy and the snow was crashing off the roof, but her focus stayed 90% on me. I was really impressed.
In-hand work along classical lines--very soft and responsive. Shoulder in with a long, low neck! Ended with more Clinton Anderson flexing to the bit. She's a little dull, but both sides have the concept.
Took her saddle off and tied her in the aisle again. This time I started trimming her front feet. Was able to cradle her hooves in a stand, and also take them forward on a pedestal and apply a mustang roll. Did not take off everything, but got maybe 1/2 of it off. Her feet look good--minimal flaring and a wide frog. Bars are overgrown--I picked at them a little with the knife. The hind legs were more ticklish and I only picked them out. The heels on her hind feet are definitely long and I really want to take them down ASAP.
Spent a good 15 minutes brushing her and working more on her hindquarters. Still ticklish but made some improvements. I'm feeling today that the combination of picking up all 4 feet, really going into her remaining ticklish areas, and putting the bit in have really taken her to a new level. There is a dramatic, new level of submission (trust?) now.
I tied her to a blocker ring in the aisle and worked on her feet right away. I picked out the fronts and picked up the rears. Brushed her all over--I never realized how much work I need to do around her flanks and loins. She hauled off and kicked at me quite a bit when I went back there, but with her head tied I felt safe. (Keep in mind, she still nips when she feels threatened, so I'm feeling it from both ends!) Waited for some concession and then saddled her up and went to work.
Put the bit in right away and lunged her directly off the ring, w-t-c. Then I switched to "French Sytle," where the lunge line goes through the bit ring and back to the saddle. This exercise was very helpful--she got to feel her head being pulled back towards the saddle, while in motion. At the trot I waited for her mouth to give and then switched sides. She gave me some nice strides.
Made a long "L" out of ground poles and practiced backing her through them. I also put two barrels about 2' apart and made her back through them. I was impressed she did this, because she had to brush past them to make it through. BTW, today was windy and the snow was crashing off the roof, but her focus stayed 90% on me. I was really impressed.
In-hand work along classical lines--very soft and responsive. Shoulder in with a long, low neck! Ended with more Clinton Anderson flexing to the bit. She's a little dull, but both sides have the concept.
Took her saddle off and tied her in the aisle again. This time I started trimming her front feet. Was able to cradle her hooves in a stand, and also take them forward on a pedestal and apply a mustang roll. Did not take off everything, but got maybe 1/2 of it off. Her feet look good--minimal flaring and a wide frog. Bars are overgrown--I picked at them a little with the knife. The hind legs were more ticklish and I only picked them out. The heels on her hind feet are definitely long and I really want to take them down ASAP.
Spent a good 15 minutes brushing her and working more on her hindquarters. Still ticklish but made some improvements. I'm feeling today that the combination of picking up all 4 feet, really going into her remaining ticklish areas, and putting the bit in have really taken her to a new level. There is a dramatic, new level of submission (trust?) now.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Recovery Day
Really good session with Maddie today. She spent a lot of time with a low head and a softly chewing mouth. I worked her in the halter first and it was fun because I had an audience that was really impressed. It also helped that another horse in the arena was dragging its trainer all over the place! Made us look good. Maddie was little Miss Perfect, sending, stopping, backing, and yielding. I set up some ground poles and backed her through no problem.
I put the bit in after a few minutes of head lowering and jaw preparation--piece of cake. I proceeded to lunge her directly off the bit. A lot of my sources advise against this, but I felt she really needed to feel someone pulling on that bit at a walk, trot, and canter, so she would have some idea what it meant the next time she pitched a fit. So I made her lunge at all three gaits, with lots of stops and transitions.
We took a break to put the saddle on, and I continued with more classical in-hand work. Shoulder in on the circle, shoulder in on the straight line, and backing. I used the dressage whip. She is still stiffer on the right rein, but with the bit now we can really progress. Did a lot of flexions at the halt, Clinton Anderson style. Interestingly, she was much stiffer on the left for this.
Ended with picking up all four feet and picking out the front feet. She's not quite ready for me to trim her hooves, but maybe in a few days. The rear legs I used a rope on.
I put the bit in after a few minutes of head lowering and jaw preparation--piece of cake. I proceeded to lunge her directly off the bit. A lot of my sources advise against this, but I felt she really needed to feel someone pulling on that bit at a walk, trot, and canter, so she would have some idea what it meant the next time she pitched a fit. So I made her lunge at all three gaits, with lots of stops and transitions.
We took a break to put the saddle on, and I continued with more classical in-hand work. Shoulder in on the circle, shoulder in on the straight line, and backing. I used the dressage whip. She is still stiffer on the right rein, but with the bit now we can really progress. Did a lot of flexions at the halt, Clinton Anderson style. Interestingly, she was much stiffer on the left for this.
Ended with picking up all four feet and picking out the front feet. She's not quite ready for me to trim her hooves, but maybe in a few days. The rear legs I used a rope on.
Bad ending to a good day
Lalo came out today to see Maddie. He was only able to stay for about 45 minutes, but we made some important headway together. Right away she showed some of her bad habits, like pinning ears and trying to nip. Lalo really got on her case and she backed down pretty quickly. After playing with a little groundwork, he started preparing her to be bridled. Lalo was able to put his hand across her nose and get her mouth open very reliably with his thumb. The bit when in on the first try and we kept it in for the rest of the session. Lalo felt it would help with her nipping if she had the bit in her mouth.
We did a bit of work with the lead line clipped simultaneously to the bit ring and the rope halter, helping her understand the bit. She did not step over well in the beginning due to her overall nervousness, but she softened after some extended work. After getting some concession we worked on her legs. With Lalo holding I picked up both front legs and got her very holding her feet up softly for at least 10 seconds. In the rear we started with a rope and graduated to me holding them by hand. I was able to pull the feet out back, farrier style, but not all the way.
Lalo had to leave to go give a lesson. I decided to put the saddle on and work Maddie outside. There was fresh snow and I was curious to see how she handled it. She balked several times walking to the outdoor arena--this is a new habit and I'm not sure how to handle it. I made her very uncomfortable by sending and backing, but I'm disappointed that this has started now. In the outdoor arena I focused on sending with solid stops where I wanted them--no running around behind my back. So so results. Also did the C exercise.
I took her back inside intending to unsaddle and put her away, but there were some other horses being worked and I felt it was a good circumstance to get on her back again. I flexed her thoroughly to both sides and hopped on, and almost immediately lost control. She straightened out and went to bucking, rodeo style, at least half way across the arena. The two women lunging horses looked genuinely terrified as we hopped all over, completely out of control. I had a good hold of the left rein but could not pull her head around at all. Nothing. After about 10 seconds I waited for a relatively easy bounce and hopped off, landing on my feet. Aaaaargh. What an ugly ride. And I can't believe I stayed on as long as I did--these bucks were the real thing, not just little kicks. Bucking and rearing.
I immediately went back to work flexing and yielding her hindquarters. I was not going to get back on, but at least I could work her and try to act like I was sort of in control of her. :) I felt my biggest mistake was to try riding her off the bit when she was so new to it. But there are probably other issues as well. I ended the session by tying her to the blocker ring and picking out her front feet. Try again tomorrow, I guess.
We did a bit of work with the lead line clipped simultaneously to the bit ring and the rope halter, helping her understand the bit. She did not step over well in the beginning due to her overall nervousness, but she softened after some extended work. After getting some concession we worked on her legs. With Lalo holding I picked up both front legs and got her very holding her feet up softly for at least 10 seconds. In the rear we started with a rope and graduated to me holding them by hand. I was able to pull the feet out back, farrier style, but not all the way.
Lalo had to leave to go give a lesson. I decided to put the saddle on and work Maddie outside. There was fresh snow and I was curious to see how she handled it. She balked several times walking to the outdoor arena--this is a new habit and I'm not sure how to handle it. I made her very uncomfortable by sending and backing, but I'm disappointed that this has started now. In the outdoor arena I focused on sending with solid stops where I wanted them--no running around behind my back. So so results. Also did the C exercise.
I took her back inside intending to unsaddle and put her away, but there were some other horses being worked and I felt it was a good circumstance to get on her back again. I flexed her thoroughly to both sides and hopped on, and almost immediately lost control. She straightened out and went to bucking, rodeo style, at least half way across the arena. The two women lunging horses looked genuinely terrified as we hopped all over, completely out of control. I had a good hold of the left rein but could not pull her head around at all. Nothing. After about 10 seconds I waited for a relatively easy bounce and hopped off, landing on my feet. Aaaaargh. What an ugly ride. And I can't believe I stayed on as long as I did--these bucks were the real thing, not just little kicks. Bucking and rearing.
I immediately went back to work flexing and yielding her hindquarters. I was not going to get back on, but at least I could work her and try to act like I was sort of in control of her. :) I felt my biggest mistake was to try riding her off the bit when she was so new to it. But there are probably other issues as well. I ended the session by tying her to the blocker ring and picking out her front feet. Try again tomorrow, I guess.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Nice ride
Maria came out for another riding session, which went very well. We saddled up Maddie right away, which was kind of fussy. I'd like to start getting on her case more about this. I spent about 5 minutes working her on the ground and then Maria hopped right on for a ride that lasted at least 10 minutes.
I was able to get some separation from Maddie and alternated lunging and line driving all over the arena. We did not push too hard down at the spooky end but went a lot further than last time. Maria dismounted down by the spooky end and we gave her a short break while I rigged up some reins. Maria hopped back on and we slowly introduced the outside rein to Maddie. She did well and Maria was able to steer her to different parts of the arena. We also had Maddie trot a medium size circle in both directions. She looked very solid, neither fussy nor looking to run off.
After another 10 minutes of this, Maria hopped off and I put the stirrups on and got up there myself. Finally! Maddie was a little more fussy with Maria handling her, but Maria did a terrific job keeping her under control. We circled in both directions and worked over most of the arena. She bucked once and thought about it a few more times, plus nipped at Maria a few times. The buck was easy to sit, but I was far from relaxed today, that's for sure. Anyway, it was a fantastic session, all in all.
Maria walked Maddie back to her pen and posed for a couple of pics. Thanks, Maria! Couldn't do this without you.
I was able to get some separation from Maddie and alternated lunging and line driving all over the arena. We did not push too hard down at the spooky end but went a lot further than last time. Maria dismounted down by the spooky end and we gave her a short break while I rigged up some reins. Maria hopped back on and we slowly introduced the outside rein to Maddie. She did well and Maria was able to steer her to different parts of the arena. We also had Maddie trot a medium size circle in both directions. She looked very solid, neither fussy nor looking to run off.
After another 10 minutes of this, Maria hopped off and I put the stirrups on and got up there myself. Finally! Maddie was a little more fussy with Maria handling her, but Maria did a terrific job keeping her under control. We circled in both directions and worked over most of the arena. She bucked once and thought about it a few more times, plus nipped at Maria a few times. The buck was easy to sit, but I was far from relaxed today, that's for sure. Anyway, it was a fantastic session, all in all.
Maria walked Maddie back to her pen and posed for a couple of pics. Thanks, Maria! Couldn't do this without you.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
outdoor session
Worked with Maddie for about 90 minutes today, primarily outside. We saddled up and went straight to the round pen for quick work with the bag and lariat. She jumped hard at the bag on the saddle once or twice but overall is still progressing. She was very good with the lariat around her hindquarters and I could not provoke much of a reaction. She is not at the point where she will give to the loop around her hindquarters, but she does not do more than think about kicking it off before she sighs and accepts it.
After that we went to the arena which is on a hill overlooking her round pen and the other turnouts. I worked on getting a soft crossover of the hind legs. This arena makes her nervous and she was predictably stiffer on the right side. I asked for a lot of backing in between exercises, btw. Shoulder in on the right rein was pushy and nervous, unless I walked her along the scary fence, in which case it was 100%! Over the 4-log obstacles I did a lot of lunging, breaking it into short sessions (down to 1/2 circle even), making her yield, sometimes walk in for a reward, back out again, etc. It took a while for her to soften. She was predictable about breaking for the barn every time around, especially on the left rein. Made some good progress in the end, though.
Proceeded to work on the hillside, backing and sending. She did better today, although at one point she made towards the barn and fell flat on her face when she got to the end of the lead rope. But overall this is the best she's done on the hillside. The hill is quite steep.
Back in the indoor arena her groundwork was very good--she is so calm in there compared to outside. I was relieved to see that her shoulder in on the right rein is quite good. Worked on her mouth, picked up the front feet, and did some practice mounting. Tomorrow Maria will come with me, and we'll ride her some more.
After that we went to the arena which is on a hill overlooking her round pen and the other turnouts. I worked on getting a soft crossover of the hind legs. This arena makes her nervous and she was predictably stiffer on the right side. I asked for a lot of backing in between exercises, btw. Shoulder in on the right rein was pushy and nervous, unless I walked her along the scary fence, in which case it was 100%! Over the 4-log obstacles I did a lot of lunging, breaking it into short sessions (down to 1/2 circle even), making her yield, sometimes walk in for a reward, back out again, etc. It took a while for her to soften. She was predictable about breaking for the barn every time around, especially on the left rein. Made some good progress in the end, though.
Proceeded to work on the hillside, backing and sending. She did better today, although at one point she made towards the barn and fell flat on her face when she got to the end of the lead rope. But overall this is the best she's done on the hillside. The hill is quite steep.
Back in the indoor arena her groundwork was very good--she is so calm in there compared to outside. I was relieved to see that her shoulder in on the right rein is quite good. Worked on her mouth, picked up the front feet, and did some practice mounting. Tomorrow Maria will come with me, and we'll ride her some more.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
more saddle time
Yesterday's session was a little on the short side (about 1 hour) and did not break any new ground. I set up trotting poles and the barrels and focused on sending her over smoothly with minimal input. Worked on straightness in backing and backing from further away. Yielding of the hindquarters was so-so, but yielding of the forequarters really has a lot of snap to it. Shoulder in on the right rein still not there. I also sacked out extensively with the plastic bag on the saddle (almost there) and the lariat over the saddle and around her haunches (very good).
Today Maria came and we spent about 30 minutes with Maddie, maybe 20 minutes of which were Maria in the saddle, on the lunge. We worked up to it with some laying over, but most of the saddle work was continuous, with one dismount for a break. Maddie hollowed out and took off at a strong trot a couple of times, but she always responded to some bending from me. Maria kept her cool and stayed glued to the saddle. (Maria is riding without stirrups at her request--she wants nothing to keep her from getting of ASAP if it's needed!) After a few minutes I was able to feed out a few feet of lead rope and basically line drive Maddie around the arena, stopping to circle when she got nervous. I changed reins several times. Maddie was able to really stretch her neck and even licked and chewed a few times. Maria rubbed all over her neck but had trouble rubbing Maddie's rump. We will work that area more on Thursday, when Maria will be free to help again. All in all a really exciting session--by far the most saddle time to date!
PS. Erikka called today to say that Maddie was loose this morning! Apparently she knocked one of the round pen panels apart and was running around the farm very wild, getting Bubba all worked up. Aaargh! I think I know what happened and how to prevent it in the future. The round pen is set up on uneven ground and the connections can be a little squirrely in this situation. At any rate, I'm relieved that she did not run off and impressed that she allowed herself to be caught!
Today Maria came and we spent about 30 minutes with Maddie, maybe 20 minutes of which were Maria in the saddle, on the lunge. We worked up to it with some laying over, but most of the saddle work was continuous, with one dismount for a break. Maddie hollowed out and took off at a strong trot a couple of times, but she always responded to some bending from me. Maria kept her cool and stayed glued to the saddle. (Maria is riding without stirrups at her request--she wants nothing to keep her from getting of ASAP if it's needed!) After a few minutes I was able to feed out a few feet of lead rope and basically line drive Maddie around the arena, stopping to circle when she got nervous. I changed reins several times. Maddie was able to really stretch her neck and even licked and chewed a few times. Maria rubbed all over her neck but had trouble rubbing Maddie's rump. We will work that area more on Thursday, when Maria will be free to help again. All in all a really exciting session--by far the most saddle time to date!
PS. Erikka called today to say that Maddie was loose this morning! Apparently she knocked one of the round pen panels apart and was running around the farm very wild, getting Bubba all worked up. Aaargh! I think I know what happened and how to prevent it in the future. The round pen is set up on uneven ground and the connections can be a little squirrely in this situation. At any rate, I'm relieved that she did not run off and impressed that she allowed herself to be caught!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Quiet day
Mixed things up again today. Started in the round pen outside, working her with the lariat. The ground is not as good as I thought and I could not push her. But I needed to do something as she has become very hooked up to the qh gelding next to her. Anyway, once she stopped reacting to the lariat landing on her rump I brought her to the center and went over her with the lead rope quickly. Then I proceeded to do the real lariat work on her haunches. I worked up to a good loop that went from her back to her hocks, and lunged her like this. I did not pull real hard but made her ride through a few kicks until she accepted it. This went better than I thought. I did both sides and moved on to pick up off the fence.
This started very well and I could rub my boot all over her back and use my knee to weight her back. She still ran off once or twice but overall did very well. I am working the near side only right now.
Went into the indoor for more ground work. Saddled her up. Stepping through from turn on the forehand to turn on the haunches has a lot of snap right now--she steps over a good 4-6' at once. Really fun to do this exercise. Made her jump barrels at the scary end of the arena. Focused on standing still while she did all the work. Used outback exercise when I wanted to rub her. Did some bucket work, worked on her face, and picked up the front feet. Started on back legs, lifting with the lead rope. She really stayed calm for all this. Wish I had Maria today, but she was home sick. Perfect day to put a rider on.
Finished outside with a little work over the new obstacles, then pick up off the fence with the saddle on. Could really bang my leg and boot over the saddle, she only ran off once. Also led her in and out of the barn a few times, going into a different stall each time.
Shoulder in on the left rein is really solid. The right rein needs more bend, but it's coming along.
This started very well and I could rub my boot all over her back and use my knee to weight her back. She still ran off once or twice but overall did very well. I am working the near side only right now.
Went into the indoor for more ground work. Saddled her up. Stepping through from turn on the forehand to turn on the haunches has a lot of snap right now--she steps over a good 4-6' at once. Really fun to do this exercise. Made her jump barrels at the scary end of the arena. Focused on standing still while she did all the work. Used outback exercise when I wanted to rub her. Did some bucket work, worked on her face, and picked up the front feet. Started on back legs, lifting with the lead rope. She really stayed calm for all this. Wish I had Maria today, but she was home sick. Perfect day to put a rider on.
Finished outside with a little work over the new obstacles, then pick up off the fence with the saddle on. Could really bang my leg and boot over the saddle, she only ran off once. Also led her in and out of the barn a few times, going into a different stall each time.
Shoulder in on the left rein is really solid. The right rein needs more bend, but it's coming along.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
sack out session
Worked Maddie indoors today and really worked her with the plastic bag to get that last hitch out of her. She is very good with the air around her and basically all over when she does not have the saddle on. But the plastic bag on the saddle can really make her go nuts. So when she jumped I just kept the pressure up and we went round and round. Made some real progress. I felt bad scaring her so much, I know that if my feel and timing were better she would be further along with this by now. But I feel strongly that the plastic bag is less scary than a person, so she needs to learn this lesson. Will try again tomorrow.
Started with the lariat around her haunches, walking her in a circle. My timing was not the best but she got a good start. Will try again in the round pen where I can work with a little more confidence.
Lots of mouth and head work--coming along. I finished with some quick outdoor work over the new obstacles and the hilly terrain next to the arena. Looking better.
Started with the lariat around her haunches, walking her in a circle. My timing was not the best but she got a good start. Will try again in the round pen where I can work with a little more confidence.
Lots of mouth and head work--coming along. I finished with some quick outdoor work over the new obstacles and the hilly terrain next to the arena. Looking better.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Two sessions
Today I worked Maddie early and then for a shorter period late in the afternoon. For the AM session I saddled her outside and went straight to the outdoor arena. I wanted to take her back to the area that caused her trouble yesterday and work through it. Primarily we needed to get over the crowding when she gets nervous.
Started with backing and found the problem right away. In certain positions, like being backed towards something that scares her, she can stick and then rear. It's hard not to flinch when I don't see the rear coming, but I definitely worked through it effectively. After getting some concession I took her into an unused paddock and did some lunging for respect and C pattern. She got around behind me a bit but I did not let up, only to rest her in the scary parts. After a good 15 minutes I let her soak in the middle and did some rope work. She did her best yet, but I still want to get the head shake gone when I slap the rope hard on the saddle. Turn and go was very smooth, even dull. I did more of the "changing eyes" exercise, going from yielding the hindquarters to yielding the forequarters in one sweeping motion. This exercise is in some respects more difficult for the trainer than the horse. She did well.
Took her back inside for some quick work, including working on her mouth and head. Then put her away. BTW, she is being turned out daily now and being put back in her stall by the barn staff.
Around 4:00 I came back and took some 12' telephone poles off one of the many piles and made a 4-spoked wheel for lunging in the outdoor arena. Maddie loved it! I had never used this kind of obstacle before and I was amazed at how soft she felt. She was too busy dealing with the telephone poles and her feet to do anything else. Really fun. I yielded her often and changed directions a lot. Short session.
Started with backing and found the problem right away. In certain positions, like being backed towards something that scares her, she can stick and then rear. It's hard not to flinch when I don't see the rear coming, but I definitely worked through it effectively. After getting some concession I took her into an unused paddock and did some lunging for respect and C pattern. She got around behind me a bit but I did not let up, only to rest her in the scary parts. After a good 15 minutes I let her soak in the middle and did some rope work. She did her best yet, but I still want to get the head shake gone when I slap the rope hard on the saddle. Turn and go was very smooth, even dull. I did more of the "changing eyes" exercise, going from yielding the hindquarters to yielding the forequarters in one sweeping motion. This exercise is in some respects more difficult for the trainer than the horse. She did well.
Took her back inside for some quick work, including working on her mouth and head. Then put her away. BTW, she is being turned out daily now and being put back in her stall by the barn staff.
Around 4:00 I came back and took some 12' telephone poles off one of the many piles and made a 4-spoked wheel for lunging in the outdoor arena. Maddie loved it! I had never used this kind of obstacle before and I was amazed at how soft she felt. She was too busy dealing with the telephone poles and her feet to do anything else. Really fun. I yielded her often and changed directions a lot. Short session.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Fun session
Fun session with Maddie, well covered by photos and video. Mom & Dad came out to watch, and Maria was on hand to get on top of Maddie again. I started with the C exercise up and down the arena a couple of times, and then did turn-and-go plus other rope work in the middle. Then Maria laid over on both sides while I led Maddie around. Maddie did very well for this.
On one of the tries Maria started to put her leg over and Maddie danced pretty good. I could not shut her down and Maria slid off. We re-grouped and Maria mounted completely from the block and I immediately clucked Maddie forward. We walked around 4-5 circles, enough to satisfy ourselves that she had actually been ridden!
Maria did not want to push her more so we slipped the saddle off and let her know she had done a good job.
Since Dad was here I wanted to get some nice pictures. We went to the outdoor arena and showed off a bit.
Maddie did well in the outdoor arena but I had trouble leading her back when we were finished. She was nervous and kept pushing on top of me. I turned a bunch of times to back her and she was fairly sticky. Wish I had brought my stick along. Once we were back in the arena I worked on a bunch of different backing and yielding exercises. All in all a very good session!
On one of the tries Maria started to put her leg over and Maddie danced pretty good. I could not shut her down and Maria slid off. We re-grouped and Maria mounted completely from the block and I immediately clucked Maddie forward. We walked around 4-5 circles, enough to satisfy ourselves that she had actually been ridden!
Maddie did well in the outdoor arena but I had trouble leading her back when we were finished. She was nervous and kept pushing on top of me. I turned a bunch of times to back her and she was fairly sticky. Wish I had brought my stick along. Once we were back in the arena I worked on a bunch of different backing and yielding exercises. All in all a very good session!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
worth the investment
A really nice session today. Maddie came out soft and never lost it. I feel that the last couple of sessions, where I really pushed her, were worth it now. Cross fingers we see more gains in the future!
She did the C exercise well today, could be lunged at a walk when cold, moved up to trot in the circle driving, and started on sidepass along the wall. Saddling was the easiest yet. She was alone in her stall when I got there (Star had been turned out) and did not seem upset. The barn had it's usual ghosts today--somebody moving a truck outside, people working in and around, somebody starting up the 4 wheeler to move it, etc--but she paid much better attention to me. I also began by turning her out in the arena and had no trouble catching her.
Desensitizing was the best yet. I did some more work with a bridle but did not have the nerve to put it in her mouth. Used a stick to pick up front legs--very good. Bucket work was also very good. Hopefully Maria can come out tomorrow for another mounted lesson.
She did the C exercise well today, could be lunged at a walk when cold, moved up to trot in the circle driving, and started on sidepass along the wall. Saddling was the easiest yet. She was alone in her stall when I got there (Star had been turned out) and did not seem upset. The barn had it's usual ghosts today--somebody moving a truck outside, people working in and around, somebody starting up the 4 wheeler to move it, etc--but she paid much better attention to me. I also began by turning her out in the arena and had no trouble catching her.
Desensitizing was the best yet. I did some more work with a bridle but did not have the nerve to put it in her mouth. Used a stick to pick up front legs--very good. Bucket work was also very good. Hopefully Maria can come out tomorrow for another mounted lesson.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
A little better
Today Maddie & Star were in their stalls when I arrived. I brought Maddie into the arena and tied her to the blocker ring. It was a challenge for her to deal with this cold but she did pretty good. I rode Star for about 30 minutes and had to hop off a couple of times to shorten the line up. Towards the end Maddie got a leg over the lead line and made a big mess and ended up loose in the arena. She also lay down at one point, which I didn't know what to make of! I tried to ride up to her and pet her, but Star is not good at this kind of work yet.
I tied Star and switched to Maddie. She saddled nicely but did take a giant, scary leap when Steve appeared out of nowhere in the loft. I tried to get her to walk on the lunge, but as soon as she went to the trot I switched to the C exercise, doing half circles and moving all over the arena. She got around behind me a bunch of times, especially when working towards a spooky wall (which was each wall in turn at different times!). I worked her very hard through her resistance and did not let up for a good 10-15 minutes. I just felt she needed it. We ended up resting at the spookiest part of the spookiest end of the arena, where I let her soak with her nose next to the railing for a good 5 minutes, maybe longer.
Went through all the rope work--turn and go felt safe for the first time! Stepping across two steps in the front in both directions. Tried shoulder in with the stick and it was really coming along on both sides. Needed to have the forequarters yielding first to make this easy. Tried circle driving (walking alongside with the stick laying on her withers) for the first time and she did well. She would stop at first but figured it out. Walk only. Ended with standing on the scary mounting block and laying on her a bunch. Doing about the same. I let her loose in the arena and it was no trouble catching her at all. If anything, she is so hooked up to me that it's a little scary! Afterwards I turned her out outdoors for the first time, alone in the round pen. She seemed very calm out there.
I tied Star and switched to Maddie. She saddled nicely but did take a giant, scary leap when Steve appeared out of nowhere in the loft. I tried to get her to walk on the lunge, but as soon as she went to the trot I switched to the C exercise, doing half circles and moving all over the arena. She got around behind me a bunch of times, especially when working towards a spooky wall (which was each wall in turn at different times!). I worked her very hard through her resistance and did not let up for a good 10-15 minutes. I just felt she needed it. We ended up resting at the spookiest part of the spookiest end of the arena, where I let her soak with her nose next to the railing for a good 5 minutes, maybe longer.
Went through all the rope work--turn and go felt safe for the first time! Stepping across two steps in the front in both directions. Tried shoulder in with the stick and it was really coming along on both sides. Needed to have the forequarters yielding first to make this easy. Tried circle driving (walking alongside with the stick laying on her withers) for the first time and she did well. She would stop at first but figured it out. Walk only. Ended with standing on the scary mounting block and laying on her a bunch. Doing about the same. I let her loose in the arena and it was no trouble catching her at all. If anything, she is so hooked up to me that it's a little scary! Afterwards I turned her out outdoors for the first time, alone in the round pen. She seemed very calm out there.
Monday, February 13, 2012
working through resistance
Maddie showed some unexpected resistance today and it took a bit to get a concession from her. We were having a good session when she spooked at a mounting block someone left in the arena and she did not settle down. I expected she would just deal with it after being sent past it a few times, but instead she doubled down and really turned into a pill. I ended up retreating to some stuff I thought she was past--letting her sniff it, send her between the mounting block and the wall, etc. I'm surprised she made such a big deal out of it at this point.
Rope work, yielding the forequarters, and turn and go looked good today. While sacking out with the plastic bag she took some hard, spooky jumps after I banged it on the saddle. Again, I thought she was past this and it took a lot of patience to get back to a starting point. Aaargh. She did well when I actually hopped on the mounting block and leaned over her, banged the saddle, etc. I hope we made some progress.
Took her outside and again experienced resistance. She sent very stiffly and really lost it when somebody drove a car down the driveway two houses away. It was windy and snowing lightly but I thought she could handle it. I worked her around some other obstacles and jumped the barrels a couple of times. But overall softness was hard to find today.
I moved the round pen outside and put the indoor arena back together. Once the door was closed I brought her back in and tied her to a blocker ring for 30 minutes while I moved some panels around and cleaned things up. This was her first time tied and she did very well. Some of the barn help came (with a dog), I left her alone, etc. I was pleased that she at least learned this lesson today!
Rope work, yielding the forequarters, and turn and go looked good today. While sacking out with the plastic bag she took some hard, spooky jumps after I banged it on the saddle. Again, I thought she was past this and it took a lot of patience to get back to a starting point. Aaargh. She did well when I actually hopped on the mounting block and leaned over her, banged the saddle, etc. I hope we made some progress.
Took her outside and again experienced resistance. She sent very stiffly and really lost it when somebody drove a car down the driveway two houses away. It was windy and snowing lightly but I thought she could handle it. I worked her around some other obstacles and jumped the barrels a couple of times. But overall softness was hard to find today.
I moved the round pen outside and put the indoor arena back together. Once the door was closed I brought her back in and tied her to a blocker ring for 30 minutes while I moved some panels around and cleaned things up. This was her first time tied and she did very well. Some of the barn help came (with a dog), I left her alone, etc. I was pleased that she at least learned this lesson today!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Maria on Maddie
Short session with Maria today. We worked together to tack her up and she responded well to two people this time. I worked her quickly with many changes of direction and finished with backing and yielding of the forequarters. She is crossing her front legs in both directions now. Good with bag and rope--really letting her have it now. A little fuss left when the rope hits the saddle.
Maria lay over Maddie from the bucket and hung on to the saddle while I asked Maddie to move off. She danced for the first 10 seconds but then settled and started to relax. We repeated on the right side, which was a little more difficult. I felt confident once Maddie started to give to the bridle and bend. Maria said she felt great!
Maria lay over Maddie from the bucket and hung on to the saddle while I asked Maddie to move off. She danced for the first 10 seconds but then settled and started to relax. We repeated on the right side, which was a little more difficult. I felt confident once Maddie started to give to the bridle and bend. Maria said she felt great!
Saturday, February 11, 2012
shoring things up
We worked 100% on ground work today, trying to go back and get some things shored up. Rope and bag work was very good. Did the turn and go again and it went very well. Pick up off the fence is still sketchy--which I'm not thrilled about. She does well with me on the bucket, but something about the fence unnerves her. Nevertheless, I could bang on the saddle quite a bit more today.
I set up an obstacle course for her in the arena (see video) which she basically aced on the first try, no stops. She can get a little stiff in the scarier areas of the arena, but she is working through it well. We did a lot of backing work today, really pushing her hard and challenging her. She is increasing her respect of me every time we do this. Yielding of the forequarters is coming along--can get crossed front legs most of the time now. Finished with a tying lesson using the bag all over her--very solid.
I set up an obstacle course for her in the arena (see video) which she basically aced on the first try, no stops. She can get a little stiff in the scarier areas of the arena, but she is working through it well. We did a lot of backing work today, really pushing her hard and challenging her. She is increasing her respect of me every time we do this. Yielding of the forequarters is coming along--can get crossed front legs most of the time now. Finished with a tying lesson using the bag all over her--very solid.
Friday, February 10, 2012
in the dirt
Getting a little stuck with Maddie. Progress is being made, but it's time to get on her and I have lost my nerve. Today we did good groundwork, building on the yielding of forequarters. She is starting to challenge me a bit with stiffness and head tossing on the lunge, but it's nothing I can't work through and it's good that she's showing it to me now. She is standing pretty well for saddling but for some reason she's still ticklish on her belly and it hasn't improved much.
Groundwork with the dressage whip is getting fun. Got a couple steps of shoulder in today. When I back her she holds her head on the vertical like a PRE! Very soft and pretty.
I stood in one stirrup on both sides for a 10 count and then hopped on for what will have to be recorded as my first official ride on Maddie. She moved off before I could dismount and I stayed on hoping to get her soft before hopping off. She bent well to my rein but danced around and after about 3-4 turns I came off. I stood up unhurt and brought her back to the center and went back to work. The woman watching me was nice enough to say that it looked good--no bucking. But I'm dismayed at my lack of confidence! Arrrgh. She's telling me to move forward but I lack the riding experience to push through this. Maria has promised to come out Sunday and we'll put her back in the saddle while I control Maddie from the ground. Have to keep moving.
Afterwards I worked on her front legs and got her to hold up her legs nicely (with a rope). I also starting sacking her out with a bit and bridle--no problems. She's a good girl.
Groundwork with the dressage whip is getting fun. Got a couple steps of shoulder in today. When I back her she holds her head on the vertical like a PRE! Very soft and pretty.
I stood in one stirrup on both sides for a 10 count and then hopped on for what will have to be recorded as my first official ride on Maddie. She moved off before I could dismount and I stayed on hoping to get her soft before hopping off. She bent well to my rein but danced around and after about 3-4 turns I came off. I stood up unhurt and brought her back to the center and went back to work. The woman watching me was nice enough to say that it looked good--no bucking. But I'm dismayed at my lack of confidence! Arrrgh. She's telling me to move forward but I lack the riding experience to push through this. Maria has promised to come out Sunday and we'll put her back in the saddle while I control Maddie from the ground. Have to keep moving.
Afterwards I worked on her front legs and got her to hold up her legs nicely (with a rope). I also starting sacking her out with a bit and bridle--no problems. She's a good girl.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Getting up there
Did a repeat of yesterday's session--saddled up and long-lined her. I did not work her much before rigging up the long lines and it was a little tricky getting it set up. She was spooking and dancing a bit. For the first time she bucked, trying to get the lines off of her hind legs. I waited for it to stop, and it did. I was able to bring her off the rail nicely and make good turns, and once or twice I got her to halt and take a step backwards. She also managed to walk through the center. I was pleased but thought she could have been calmer. I was a little out of synch with her.
Did more work on yielding the forequarters. Right side is coming along, the left side is a day behind. But she has the concept.
Did some quiet lunging and sending over the ground poles, specifically using one of the long lines that annoy her. She was not as pretty or soft as she has been.
Back in the round pen I mounted her and got off maybe three times. I was able to stand in either stirrup for a full 10 count, so I figured she was ready. It felt great to be up there! She was keeping her head low for this, which was really exciting.
Worked her outside and tried to lead her around some new places. She managed to get all the geldings really wound up and tearing all around their pasture, but she's doing a little better out there. Definitely softer when I worked her in the outdoor arena.
Did more work on yielding the forequarters. Right side is coming along, the left side is a day behind. But she has the concept.
Did some quiet lunging and sending over the ground poles, specifically using one of the long lines that annoy her. She was not as pretty or soft as she has been.
Back in the round pen I mounted her and got off maybe three times. I was able to stand in either stirrup for a full 10 count, so I figured she was ready. It felt great to be up there! She was keeping her head low for this, which was really exciting.
Worked her outside and tried to lead her around some new places. She managed to get all the geldings really wound up and tearing all around their pasture, but she's doing a little better out there. Definitely softer when I worked her in the outdoor arena.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
beautiful moves
Saddled her up and put my surcingle over the saddle and got ready to long-line her for the first time. I started by just lunging her off a single long-line to get her used to them, and she showed the strangest behavior. The flapping strap of the long-line was obviously annoying her and she was lifting her front feet high to try striking at it as she trotted forward. The effect was just beautiful--she had her forehead on the vertical, too! I felt it was good for her as this will get at more of the head shyness that is causing trouble with the barn help. She was turned out when I got there, but again whoever did it this could not approach her to get the lead line off of her.
Long lining for the first time is always a bit tricky, but she stood well as I got the lines rigged up and it was easy to send her to the rail and control her. Predictably she was a bit ticklish when I dropped the outside rein around her hindquarters, but she only kicked a couple of times and never bucked. After a few minutes she was trotting calmly in both directions and could be turned fairly easy. I brought her off the rail and had no trouble undoing all the lines and gear.
Spent about 10 minutes practice mounting. She is ready to be sat on but I'll wait for a helper to be around. I could stand in the stirrups for up to a ten count without her walking off. When she did walk off, it felt a little nervous but not like the first step was going to be a buck.
Took her outside for some work--doing a little better but it's a challenge for her to really focus on me with all the distractions. Jumped the barrels and lunged her on a hillside as well. When she is excited she is doing a beautiful collected canter on a 10' circle around me--just incredible! Worth everything just to see it. I think she has Spanish barb in her, for sure. I've not worked with a horse with this much physical talent before. For that matter, I haven't seen one this agile before, either.
Ended in the arena with a tying lesson. Giving to the lead line better and able to move her over with a stick.
Long lining for the first time is always a bit tricky, but she stood well as I got the lines rigged up and it was easy to send her to the rail and control her. Predictably she was a bit ticklish when I dropped the outside rein around her hindquarters, but she only kicked a couple of times and never bucked. After a few minutes she was trotting calmly in both directions and could be turned fairly easy. I brought her off the rail and had no trouble undoing all the lines and gear.
Spent about 10 minutes practice mounting. She is ready to be sat on but I'll wait for a helper to be around. I could stand in the stirrups for up to a ten count without her walking off. When she did walk off, it felt a little nervous but not like the first step was going to be a buck.
Took her outside for some work--doing a little better but it's a challenge for her to really focus on me with all the distractions. Jumped the barrels and lunged her on a hillside as well. When she is excited she is doing a beautiful collected canter on a 10' circle around me--just incredible! Worth everything just to see it. I think she has Spanish barb in her, for sure. I've not worked with a horse with this much physical talent before. For that matter, I haven't seen one this agile before, either.
Ended in the arena with a tying lesson. Giving to the lead line better and able to move her over with a stick.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Maria and Maddie
Maria came over to the barn in the evening for a quick session. I was very pleased with how Maddie did with Maria. I caught Maddie and let Maria groom her while I did chores and got my gear together. Maddie was nervous whenever I walked out of sight by got used to Maria handling her soon.
We saddled her up, although it was difficult for Maddie to have two of us next to her so Maria walked away and I did the saddling solo. Without working her at all I got the bucket out and showed Maria how I can stand over her and pet her, make noises with the saddle, etc. Maria stepped up on the bucket and started rubbing her, and then I gave her a leg up and she was completely on top of Maddie! We did this maybe 3-4 times, trying to have Maria slide off before Maddie moved off. I finished by leaning over her myself and then taking the saddle off.
Maria tried taking the lead rope off and had the same problem that Ericka had--Maddie got defensive and struck out at the buckle. Kind of strange to see this problem developing. I showed Maria and the barn help how to stand at her shoulder and bend her nose in before reaching for the buckle. I can't even provoke this issue anymore, so I don't know exactly how to fix it other than repetition without the reaction. I have also played with putting an ordinary halter on and off her head a bunch of times, btw. She is doing well with this exercise.
We saddled her up, although it was difficult for Maddie to have two of us next to her so Maria walked away and I did the saddling solo. Without working her at all I got the bucket out and showed Maria how I can stand over her and pet her, make noises with the saddle, etc. Maria stepped up on the bucket and started rubbing her, and then I gave her a leg up and she was completely on top of Maddie! We did this maybe 3-4 times, trying to have Maria slide off before Maddie moved off. I finished by leaning over her myself and then taking the saddle off.
Maria tried taking the lead rope off and had the same problem that Ericka had--Maddie got defensive and struck out at the buckle. Kind of strange to see this problem developing. I showed Maria and the barn help how to stand at her shoulder and bend her nose in before reaching for the buckle. I can't even provoke this issue anymore, so I don't know exactly how to fix it other than repetition without the reaction. I have also played with putting an ordinary halter on and off her head a bunch of times, btw. She is doing well with this exercise.
getting quieter
Short, unscheduled session this morning. Saddled her up without a fuss and worked her outside the round pen a bit--over trotting poles, over a tarp, etc. She looked really bouncy and soft for me, but a little stiffer after some spectators showed up. But she's doing better with things like this.
In the round pen I did some rope work, but this feels like a dead end right now. Can't take it any further and it's just stuck at about 85%. I am focusing more on banging the saddle, leaning over on top of her, etc. From the fence I could get over her very well and bang all over the saddle, although I had to be tactful in my approach. On the ground I tried standing on a bucket for the first time and had very good results. Easy to stand over her on either side and lean over and slap the stirrups. Not quite as relaxed when I weight the saddle, but coming along.
In the round pen I did some rope work, but this feels like a dead end right now. Can't take it any further and it's just stuck at about 85%. I am focusing more on banging the saddle, leaning over on top of her, etc. From the fence I could get over her very well and bang all over the saddle, although I had to be tactful in my approach. On the ground I tried standing on a bucket for the first time and had very good results. Easy to stand over her on either side and lean over and slap the stirrups. Not quite as relaxed when I weight the saddle, but coming along.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Forward progress
I re-watched some of the Clinton Anderson mustang videos and I could see that he had the mustang much more thoroughly desensitized than Maddie is. So I re-doubled my efforts today with the saddle, primarily the saddle and plastic bag, lots of banging on the saddle, slapping of the stirrup straps, etc. She is really making progress.
Saddling went the easiest yet, with only a slight degree of dancing. I did not work her very hard prior to putting the saddle on and it went quickly. I spent 10 minutes sending and found her looking out of the circle more than she ever has. There was a spectator and another horse being worked, so that was probably the cause. But I got her soft and then went to work with the plastic bag. I got very quickly to where I could bang on the saddle with the stick/bag combination and she was taking it very well. From here I spent probably 25 minutes on picking up off the fence. I can get her to sidepass right into the fence, even pushing into it, but she does not quite come up to me. So I was getting her along the fence and then walking backwards on the rail to get over her back. I got to where I could slap the saddle from on top of her and rub her all over. Did not try weighting the saddle but for sure tomorrow.
Spent another 10 minutes standing up in one stirrup and getting off, both sides. My timing was not the best but she's getting the idea of standing still. Overall she is getting so much calmer. The head down cue is really coming along and she's starting to hold her head like a quarter horse. I'm really pleased with everything.
Saddling went the easiest yet, with only a slight degree of dancing. I did not work her very hard prior to putting the saddle on and it went quickly. I spent 10 minutes sending and found her looking out of the circle more than she ever has. There was a spectator and another horse being worked, so that was probably the cause. But I got her soft and then went to work with the plastic bag. I got very quickly to where I could bang on the saddle with the stick/bag combination and she was taking it very well. From here I spent probably 25 minutes on picking up off the fence. I can get her to sidepass right into the fence, even pushing into it, but she does not quite come up to me. So I was getting her along the fence and then walking backwards on the rail to get over her back. I got to where I could slap the saddle from on top of her and rub her all over. Did not try weighting the saddle but for sure tomorrow.
Spent another 10 minutes standing up in one stirrup and getting off, both sides. My timing was not the best but she's getting the idea of standing still. Overall she is getting so much calmer. The head down cue is really coming along and she's starting to hold her head like a quarter horse. I'm really pleased with everything.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
pushing the issue
Today's session similar to yesterday. I saddled her without any preparation, which worked OK. I did a lot of approach and retreat to get alongside her and overall the saddling went better than last time. With the saddle on I lunged her over a 2' vertical and barrels, and introduced trotting poles. I also backed her through the ground poles. Started her on tying using a ring on the wall.
Practice mounting went well but no further than yesterday. I was standing well on her stirrup from both sides, but then Brian suggested that he hold her while I got on completely. She did not do well with two of us working her--she never settled down. I went back to working her alone but now she was on to me and I did not take it any further. Worked her over the tarp, did more rope and string work, and ended with pick up off the fence. Can't get her to come up to me very far, but she has at least learned to hug the fence to get out of all the sending. Definitely some progress. I also put ropes around each front leg and practiced picking up the front hooves.
I finished in the outdoor arena, where I pushed her harder than last time. The farm is not fenced so it's a little hairy with just a 14' lead line, but my confidence is building. She definitely needs the new environment--she is much more alert and less in tune with me out there. Her backing in the outdoor can provoke a rear, although I think this will go away quickly. I push through it anyway. The first couple of sends got her very excited and pulling hard, but she softened after some reps. I ended with her jumping the barrels in both directions and then leading her back to the barn using a new route. I am doing work sessions of maybe 90 minutes these days, btw, not including barn chores, grooming, etc.
Practice mounting went well but no further than yesterday. I was standing well on her stirrup from both sides, but then Brian suggested that he hold her while I got on completely. She did not do well with two of us working her--she never settled down. I went back to working her alone but now she was on to me and I did not take it any further. Worked her over the tarp, did more rope and string work, and ended with pick up off the fence. Can't get her to come up to me very far, but she has at least learned to hug the fence to get out of all the sending. Definitely some progress. I also put ropes around each front leg and practiced picking up the front hooves.
I finished in the outdoor arena, where I pushed her harder than last time. The farm is not fenced so it's a little hairy with just a 14' lead line, but my confidence is building. She definitely needs the new environment--she is much more alert and less in tune with me out there. Her backing in the outdoor can provoke a rear, although I think this will go away quickly. I push through it anyway. The first couple of sends got her very excited and pulling hard, but she softened after some reps. I ended with her jumping the barrels in both directions and then leading her back to the barn using a new route. I am doing work sessions of maybe 90 minutes these days, btw, not including barn chores, grooming, etc.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Getting fun
Another terrific day. I worked her a bit in the round pen, got her hooked up no problem, and then went to saddle her. This was still a bit of a nail biter, which is mostly my fault. I need to do more approach and retreat, and to retreat when things are going well. But progress is being made. The dressage-style girth is not the best to do the first saddling on, since the buckles are down where a new horse is very ticklish. A hunter girth would work much better, but this is my deepest seat and it's the saddle I'll use for the first ride.
I did all our regular groundwork with the saddle on, including the jump and the barrels, which I pushed together today and made her jump. She sends better than any horse I have trained to date. I could stand next to the barrels, with her at a standstill, and just point and over she went. Two steps, then turn and face me. I worked today with just the 14' lead and no stick.
Backing is getting good. I am using Chris Cox's technique with rope only and standing slightly to either side of her head. I can keep a generous loop in the lead and she takes nice steps back and does not turn away. She has stuck once or twice and thought of rearing, but I make myself big and she gets the idea. I don't think she tried nipping at all today.
I introduced her to the tarp today and it went so well! She was sniffing at it as I dragged it away from her and even stepped on it while I was setting it up. She looked at it but did not even jump--she stepped on it every time! I opened it up a bit and she walked or trotted over it very easily. WOW! It's never been this easy with a horse. She never thought about running out or running me over.
She is still more tuned up with the saddle on than without and I need to throw the rope at her some more. Maybe use the string tomorrow. If I throw the rope over the saddle it makes a slap on the opposite side and she is still jumping at this. My poor saddle is covered in dust and dirt from this exercise.
Got along side and leaned over a bunch of times and weighted the stirrup and stood up and leaned over her. I did this both sides and she did very well. Should be able to sit on her tomorrow. My timing was a little better for this and I was careful to retreat when she was standing still. Oh, it feels great to be next to her and hugging her all over!
Took her outside to finish up and did a little backing and sending in the outdoor arena. I'm really pleased with everything right now.
I did all our regular groundwork with the saddle on, including the jump and the barrels, which I pushed together today and made her jump. She sends better than any horse I have trained to date. I could stand next to the barrels, with her at a standstill, and just point and over she went. Two steps, then turn and face me. I worked today with just the 14' lead and no stick.
Backing is getting good. I am using Chris Cox's technique with rope only and standing slightly to either side of her head. I can keep a generous loop in the lead and she takes nice steps back and does not turn away. She has stuck once or twice and thought of rearing, but I make myself big and she gets the idea. I don't think she tried nipping at all today.
I introduced her to the tarp today and it went so well! She was sniffing at it as I dragged it away from her and even stepped on it while I was setting it up. She looked at it but did not even jump--she stepped on it every time! I opened it up a bit and she walked or trotted over it very easily. WOW! It's never been this easy with a horse. She never thought about running out or running me over.
She is still more tuned up with the saddle on than without and I need to throw the rope at her some more. Maybe use the string tomorrow. If I throw the rope over the saddle it makes a slap on the opposite side and she is still jumping at this. My poor saddle is covered in dust and dirt from this exercise.
Got along side and leaned over a bunch of times and weighted the stirrup and stood up and leaned over her. I did this both sides and she did very well. Should be able to sit on her tomorrow. My timing was a little better for this and I was careful to retreat when she was standing still. Oh, it feels great to be next to her and hugging her all over!
Took her outside to finish up and did a little backing and sending in the outdoor arena. I'm really pleased with everything right now.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Day 8
It's the 8th day of continuous work for Maddie. I finally brushed out the burdock from her forelock and combed through her mane. She has come so far.
Catching her in the round pen is so easy now. Even if something is exciting her, I can get her hooked up and she is following me immediately. I am handling her face with reasonable safety now. She likes to nip at things, but at least I can have a hand on her face to push it away if needed.
I saddled her up for the second time, which was trickier than I had hoped. I should have worked her a bit more first. With the saddle we did all work except turn and go, which I felt would have been a little hairy. Her rope work with the saddle was predictably a little trickier and not so solid. Turn and go without the saddle was almost dead calm, btw.
She jumped a 2' vertical today and trotted through barrels. She looks good in my black dressage saddle and once she stops jumping when I slap the leather I think she will be ready for the first ride.
Catching her in the round pen is so easy now. Even if something is exciting her, I can get her hooked up and she is following me immediately. I am handling her face with reasonable safety now. She likes to nip at things, but at least I can have a hand on her face to push it away if needed.
I saddled her up for the second time, which was trickier than I had hoped. I should have worked her a bit more first. With the saddle we did all work except turn and go, which I felt would have been a little hairy. Her rope work with the saddle was predictably a little trickier and not so solid. Turn and go without the saddle was almost dead calm, btw.
She jumped a 2' vertical today and trotted through barrels. She looks good in my black dressage saddle and once she stops jumping when I slap the leather I think she will be ready for the first ride.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Two milestones
Another great session, but also some things to keep an eye on. Panda was in the round pen and Maddie in the box pen, but when I took Panda to the far end of the arena Maddie really pushed hard into the gate and got agitated. She was agitated in general when I came, probably because Steve was working in his wood and equipment pile at the end of the arena.
I worked on sending and got the sending in and out of the round pen gate pretty good. I tried to send her between the round pen and the arena wall from on top of the round pen with mixed results. I sent her over the jump and she was 100%. I worked up to about 20" vertical and she basically has this exercise.
Back in the round pen I did mostly rope work with some backing. She is backing off of a hard look now and no stick. I lunged her with the rope around her back legs and she did not kick or buck this time. The turn and go was so solid that I went ahead and saddled her up! I worked up to it with a bit of rubbing and taking on and off, and I also used a stick to grab the girth. But really it went easy and smooth. I was shaking like a leaf, though!
Once it was on I did not fool around and worked her hard right away in both directions, then I started changing directions. I thought she took the saddle very well--no bucking and really as calm as one could expect. I rubbed her some more and then went to saddle up Panda for a pony session.
The ponying went well and I could get alongside her and rub all over and bang on the saddle. However, she went to nip at me quite a few times while I was on Panda, which was troubling. I could back her by shaking the lead but overall I am puzzled by this behavior. Hope it gets better.
Brian showed up and we led both horses out of the arena, down the aisle, and outside. We walked up to the outdoor arena and then came back. She was leading OK but would pin her ears and try to nip at me. I could shake her off but I had to keep an eye on her the whole time. Have to ask Lalo how to deal with this.
I worked on sending and got the sending in and out of the round pen gate pretty good. I tried to send her between the round pen and the arena wall from on top of the round pen with mixed results. I sent her over the jump and she was 100%. I worked up to about 20" vertical and she basically has this exercise.
Back in the round pen I did mostly rope work with some backing. She is backing off of a hard look now and no stick. I lunged her with the rope around her back legs and she did not kick or buck this time. The turn and go was so solid that I went ahead and saddled her up! I worked up to it with a bit of rubbing and taking on and off, and I also used a stick to grab the girth. But really it went easy and smooth. I was shaking like a leaf, though!
Once it was on I did not fool around and worked her hard right away in both directions, then I started changing directions. I thought she took the saddle very well--no bucking and really as calm as one could expect. I rubbed her some more and then went to saddle up Panda for a pony session.
The ponying went well and I could get alongside her and rub all over and bang on the saddle. However, she went to nip at me quite a few times while I was on Panda, which was troubling. I could back her by shaking the lead but overall I am puzzled by this behavior. Hope it gets better.
Brian showed up and we led both horses out of the arena, down the aisle, and outside. We walked up to the outdoor arena and then came back. She was leading OK but would pin her ears and try to nip at me. I could shake her off but I had to keep an eye on her the whole time. Have to ask Lalo how to deal with this.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
night session
I went back for a quick session around 6:30pm and to put Maddie away for the night. She and Panda spent the afternoon in the round pen and looked to be getting along just fine when I arrived. I took Panda out and went to catch Maddie. For the first time I got her solidly hooked on to me and could get her to follow me all around the round pen and stay in my pocket. I just cut her off a couple times and caught her eye without any fuss. Maybe twice she put her butt to me and I had to twirl the lead rope. This was fun.
I worked a little with a leather girth on her face, chin, back, and belly. She is letting me stay alongside much better now and I am getting better at reading her eye. I spent some time leading her around the arena and the round pen and driving her in and out of the round pen gate. She was very sticky and I spent a lot of time driving her between me and the gate before I could direct her through easily. After I got some improvement I put her in her stall for the night. A very productive and quiet session.
I worked a little with a leather girth on her face, chin, back, and belly. She is letting me stay alongside much better now and I am getting better at reading her eye. I spent some time leading her around the arena and the round pen and driving her in and out of the round pen gate. She was very sticky and I spent a lot of time driving her between me and the gate before I could direct her through easily. After I got some improvement I put her in her stall for the night. A very productive and quiet session.
Exciting session
Today I repeated the session from yesterday with just a couple of change-ups. Maddie & Panda both spent the night in stalls (Maddie's first time!) and it was no problem leading Maddie down the barn aisle and into the arena. I brought Panda in and tied her to the rail. Maddie kept spooking at something on the rails where I have my gear piled up and I just could not get her to send well between me and this wall of scary things. It went OK but was never as soft and reliable as yesterday. I also sent her into and out of the round pen door with so-so results. Very sticky.
In the larger arena I setup my lunging jump standard with some ground poles and sent her back and forth over it. I had to lead her over this the first couple of times before I could send her. She was excitable and kept running behind me a bit--I was a little out of my zone today. But I was happy to start this exercise. She jumped the ground poles a couple of times and looked pretty.
Practiced backing a couple of times and found her getting a little sticky. I think she is really going to need this exercise--have to remember to keep working on it.
Back in the round pen I sat on the top rail again and sent her back and forth. This time I could reach down and pet her head fairly easy, but could not get her to really come alongside me. But she improved.
Back on the ground I worked with the long rope on desensitizing. Got it around her barrel for the first time and she did well. I had trouble developing the turn and go exercise so I finally sent her to the rail and flipped the rope around her haunches. She really took off but also really learned something. I did this both sides and I really think it helped her. Back in the middle I could flip the rope around her haunches without too much excitement and get her to turn out of it. I really think this exercise is helpful in calming horses down, although it can be unnerving the first few times it's performed.
I did a quick pony session from on top of Panda again. I had to use my stick to grab the lead rope again, and when I stuck the stick in front of her chest she struck out once, the only time today. Ponying her felt very solid and safe and I could rub her all over. Wish I had thought to try trotting.
We turned out Panda into the round pen with Maddie for the afternoon and there were some fireworks. I suspect Maddie was a dominant mare in her old herd. Panda is a dominant mare also and let Maddie have it with both barrels. Maddie backed down without getting hurt. To freak us all out one more time, Maddie rolled on her back and got her feet stuck through the railing. Brian ran over to pull the panels apart while she was flailing on the ground but she managed to get out of it without hurting herself.
In the larger arena I setup my lunging jump standard with some ground poles and sent her back and forth over it. I had to lead her over this the first couple of times before I could send her. She was excitable and kept running behind me a bit--I was a little out of my zone today. But I was happy to start this exercise. She jumped the ground poles a couple of times and looked pretty.
Practiced backing a couple of times and found her getting a little sticky. I think she is really going to need this exercise--have to remember to keep working on it.
Back in the round pen I sat on the top rail again and sent her back and forth. This time I could reach down and pet her head fairly easy, but could not get her to really come alongside me. But she improved.
Back on the ground I worked with the long rope on desensitizing. Got it around her barrel for the first time and she did well. I had trouble developing the turn and go exercise so I finally sent her to the rail and flipped the rope around her haunches. She really took off but also really learned something. I did this both sides and I really think it helped her. Back in the middle I could flip the rope around her haunches without too much excitement and get her to turn out of it. I really think this exercise is helpful in calming horses down, although it can be unnerving the first few times it's performed.
I did a quick pony session from on top of Panda again. I had to use my stick to grab the lead rope again, and when I stuck the stick in front of her chest she struck out once, the only time today. Ponying her felt very solid and safe and I could rub her all over. Wish I had thought to try trotting.
We turned out Panda into the round pen with Maddie for the afternoon and there were some fireworks. I suspect Maddie was a dominant mare in her old herd. Panda is a dominant mare also and let Maddie have it with both barrels. Maddie backed down without getting hurt. To freak us all out one more time, Maddie rolled on her back and got her feet stuck through the railing. Brian ran over to pull the panels apart while she was flailing on the ground but she managed to get out of it without hurting herself.
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