weekly wrapup

Thur Dec 23:
warmup, turn and gait transitions from my energy level etc
more like 20 minutes—find my focus, circling—ok 30 counting grazing

Playing with transitions within gaits, bending on the circle, contact or shorter reins. Hardest was the fast walk, easiest the powered up trot, canter some good things to try—keep a good rhythm and help Try lighten her front end. Try seemed happy with me and interested. She is developing some new muscle and using her hind end a bit better. yahoo!!

Dec 27: huge snow--little dwell time
Dec 28: The entire farm today was a slushy wet mess with snow and ice melting—even pastures a mucky mess so Try and I did 30 minutes of together dwell time. Hopefully it will be dry enough in places to play On Line at least by tomorrow.

Dec 31: 58 degrees--haven't seen that 50 degrees since ?? Thanksgiving.
Dwell time, sticking together, find my focus/back
Ring: walk, play with contact, speed within gaits walk and trot, back and sideways without reins, bareback canter etc. Ring still a mess but do-able.

Last day of 2010.

well yuck I was confused today

1. Sticking together—the connection isn’t as strong as its been but improved a bit today. Needs consistency—weather or no weather.
2. (On Line, 30 mins) Interspersed—in the beginning we played the find my focus game—Try is possibly getting it but then not maintaining it when I ask her to back and then I have to remind my self to keep my focus LOL. We also did some circle game variation without more than a second or two of ugly ears and all but a stride or two of relaxed trot at a 6’ distance—still working on focus. Then at the very end we had dwell time at the rail before leaving the ring and she was so relaxed she was nearly asleep then we repeated the find my focus game—again with problems maintaining it as we backed out of the ring. Then we reblanketed and went for a graze/walk.

3. Freestyle, 45 mins) Freestyle was likely longer than intended as Jen and Katie were doing a jump course in the ring etc and I was attempting to stay out of their way. In the beginning walk until Try blew at 1.5 laps, turn from body weight was not as good but body weight to get walk/trot and trot/walk transitions was better than yesterday.

Flying leaf variation: easier coordination without the carrot stick but yields not as clean I am sure. Needs some more practice but I don’t want to do too much in any one day. Would be good to film to check quality. Also did swing the shoulder variations and walk/halt and trot/halt with suspension rein added to seat as cues—they got better and better. Then tried with the canter and Try was all too happy to halt BUT getting less relaxed here and there and I want that to be the priority tomorrow.

4. (Finesse, 15 mins) Ok maybe 10 minutes/5??—playing with taking contact at a standstill—got stretching down nicely but not walking off (no leg cues allowed).

Day 2 Dan Thompson December 2010

Watched part of Mary's lesson with Jake then Aimee with Sparkles--I appreciate the opportunity to watch.

Then 3:30-5 ish Try--mostly freestyle then a spot of figuring out when Try takes contact.

Warmup: We walked for Try to blow and it took longer than usual--

no doubt Try feeling/mirroring my not being as relaxed as usual--though it was a fun, joyous 2 days--still not as relaxed as when its just Try and I. Reminds me of dance rehearsal vs performance--the latter never being as free and glorious as the former as there is the knowledge of the audience.

Anyway, we broke up the walk with turns by my turning my whole body to look at Try's HQ. Then went to the trot and broke that up mentally for Try (to get her connection with me) by varying the speed of the trot from jog to medium to fast trot. (hmm ask BA about extended trot rather than fast).

Then falling leaf variation to lighten the shoulders etc:
1. walk then ask for HQ disengagement with my full body, lift rein hand elbow straight if necessary to keep Try's front end in place (turn on the forehand) and stick in opposite hand across our bodies to HQ as well.
2. After turning swing shoulders in same direction while wt is still back by using opposite rein/leading rein/?leg and if need be stick--holding downward to urge front end.
3. walk off in new direction with leading rein.
Practice bits til they become natural and join together into a dance.

Weave variations walk and trot swinging shoulders thru--so sidepass thru then proceed on a straight line.

Contact: Played with it at a stand still. We wait until Try takes the contact from me i.e. stretched down and then we walk off. Reins mean go.

Merlin/bullfighting
Linda Success Series lead change ladder.

Wonderful two days--glad I did not reschedule to January even though it was really cold both days. By watching other sessions it felt more like a clinic than private sessions only. Also interesting to consider would be the 6 day clinic in Hartsville SC.

Dan Thompson Day 1 December

Fun day today.

After catching up on goings on since the last visit ie BA going amature and Ocala trip, On Line in the new paddock. As a warmup--something slow and fun for Try i.e.knocking cone off a barrel--it is in Try's horsenality to like to push things around LOL. then Dan suggested sidepassing to the barrel and knocking it over or backing to a barrel and rolling it.

Then the main course: teaching Try to hunt my focus--to line up with my focus--focus not on her but on what I want to accomplish i.e. focus on tree to ask her to line up to back (preparation to preparation??) Trick is to use the right amount of energy/phase etc to ask without losing my focus then reward. Try was starting to get it--will take some time. Nice part is that I can start with L1 assessment sheet and we can work our way forward with variety built in and a clear path for me mentally.

Sideways: follow the focus--focusing over the withers--this one was easier both directions than backing.
Circling--more like following my intention: don't change gait or direction AND I choose the distance. Try had no trouble with increasing the distance as I let out rope and to decrease--I walk with her focusing in the direction as I reel in the rope. Note: we tried 6' distance--Dan says this is L4 and the hardest.

Then went to Kathy's and watched Dan help her with strategies for winning 7 games with an RBE and a great trailer loading session. Mostly I was impressed with life up and life down.

Update

Winter weather.
Monday/Tuesday: visited with Try a few minutes.
Wednesday/Thursday: COLD, sleet--did not even go to the barn

Thursday: finally an afternoon of 47 degrees and sunny. Felt sooooooooo good.
Try and I did not have the best day however--we were never really on the same page. Stick together was stick to her. Some nice responsive on line with new light 22' line. Riding alternating freestyle/finesse. Soso we did get some sidepass with arms folded facing a jump. Ride out of the arena--Try's energy came up and we circled and repeated until we could leave the ring calmly then went to the paddock and messed around some, dismounted and dwell time. BA said walk looked good and impressed with how calm Try was out of the ring and around the farm.

Sunday am break in the weather

Sunday morning tho muddy was 50 degrees with a break in the rain. Try and I did a little liberty stick together in the new paddock then saddled up with western saddle. Passenger walk trot canter in the ring but quit when Diesel kept following dangerously close. So Try and I went on a passenger trail ride around the farm, into pastures, etc then went into the paddock played with the 20x40 new precision pen, a small jump, new trot poles and a weave then trotted for awhile. Then grazed on line on the way back to the pasture.

Cold weather week continued

Monday and Tuesday visited with Try for a couple minutes. She was in the pasture under two blankets.
Thursday: weather just a bit warmer so we played liberty stick to me and online with the new feather light 22' line which I love it feels like a cross between on line and liberty.

Friday: Yeah 48 degrees--a heat wave--Try and I rode in the ring. Gently as neither of us were feeling real ambitious. A little game of contact at the stand still. A little trot and canter. Canter--emphasis on relaxation after wards. Folding my arms: backup good but not sideways so that is something to play with in the future.

We finished by riding out of the ring over to the new play paddock, walking around in there to check the footing for use as a possible riding spot then back to the barn and Try was nice and relaxed the whole time!

Friday

1. pasture togetherness celebration
2. forgot chaps so Try and I rode to barn to get them--only one hint of unrelaxed energy from Try.
3. walk variations warmup
4. my new learning reins don't mean go. Taking contact from a standstill means we stay there relaxed until a signal from me to go forward, back etc from my body energy NOT leg.
5. bareback canter: lost rhythm and did not know why--wished I had filmed it. we did 5 circle and 1/2 laps
i.e. at least a 1/3 of a mile
6. end coming off the rail from far side of ring--Try began to get "up" I asked her to stretch down and she relaxed!!!!!
7. Play paddock easy repeat of L3 On Line tasks weave, side away and toward over barrels and circle to see difference over the year: good to film but I felt slower more relaxed and Try more responsive. Yoyo after circle Try assumed another circle and I said no just yoyo--coming to me at the trot. Challenge can I get the draw without touching the rope/slack etc???

Improvements

Rode in close contact saddle, Amer foreword sys for first time in months. Bethanna was in the ring and commented that she could see real improvements in Try's carriage--more on the HQ--especially in the canter. Try's canter has been much improved for nearly a month now. Try seems happier about it also!!

Wednesday

Game of Contact:
From a standstill: took contact—no need for smiling cheeks—Try walked off slowly and calmly with contact maintained (not a surprise)—few strides then complete release. No displaced behaviors.

Try was clearly slightly nosed out. Will continue to watch for tho.
Trotted a little but I’m not as clear about this and I lose contact—did not want to do more than a few strides until I have a clearer picture in my mind. Forgot all about Michael Jackson and did remember slow hands.
Sitting the horse back—only after we are trotting and Try takes the contact—or each time making downward transition from the trot?? I can see the benefit in getting Try more on her HQ!!

Interspersed with freestyle riding in muddy ring--windy day but really nice time together.
Try happy to be with me today.



Thanks—when you get tired of me just quit answering—I am so into this.

What we did Tuesday--five hours in all!

Elizabeth Pope with Try, (On Line, 30 mins) Today was 70 degrees—took advantage of that for a good spa bath, break time to dry with some online friendly grazing in all the best places at the barn followed by circling variations etc in our new big play paddock, then blanket clip to prep for lotsa riding in the cold. Pulled all my cold weather riding gear out last weekend.

Also spent an hour with Bethanna going over the Game of Contact GoC notes etc. This looks very promising.

My December goals include
1. draw and relationship
2. consistent physical conditioning for both Try and I in the Christmas rush
3. play around with GoC


Post from Parelli Connect

Day 2 Game of Contact

Monday: started with games in the pasture and stick together in small paddock. Have moved toys to large paddock beside the barn to have a place for On Line and Liberty that is larger. Also it has hills and I may move cavalettis/trot poles for some extra conditioning (for us both?).

Game of Contact:
1. For Try reins do mean go--we did this 3 times and each time Try started walking from smile with all 4 cheeks. Need to give complete release for this some as a reward.
2. New from Linda--relax forearms and remember bicep/tricep is from the shoulder--forearm in straight line to the bit.
3. Forgot Michael Jackson--I know--teach horse first then rider position--anyway add as soon as I have the mental energy free to do so. Back to pilates class today--yeah. Pat was impressed that Try is going to learn to use her abs also.
4. Taking contact from a stand still--twice Try started backing (9 step backup?) then I think realized that was not the answer and did not offer it any more.
5. I did better with the following rein as Try stretched or dropped her head down--remember also can use suspension rein here.
6. SLOW soft steady feel--Cobie's scoop thru abs and back to come up from stretch
7. Am I getting a good walk with out baggage? If so need to trot not over do the walk.
8.Am I making it a game? too serious?
9. Walk when she steps into the feel--complete release at first, then go on to the trot.
10. Trot bicep/tricep, Michael Jackson, shorter reins, increase intensity
11Suspension rein, stand her on her tail to go from trot to walk and complete release.

Catching up

I am back after long trip.

Thursday Thanksgiving went to Rollover to visit with Try for a few minutes in the pasture. She was happy to eat carrot and then go back to eating grass.

Friday: Day 1 exploration of Game of Contact. First take the time it takes in the pasture--Try after 10 days off not interested in being with me--took 15-20 minutes. Then paddock--stick together took awhile also. Ring walked and then trotted until she blew--took longer than usual. Then filmed a bit of Game of Contact stuff to get an idea of where we are.

1. Reins mean go: Try is close to walking off when I pick up contact with my driving seat.
2. Displaced behavior/reaction to bit: stretching down to avoid the bit--a. maintain contact b. wait for a change c. suspension or two reins bring up with Cobie's feel
3. Walk--she isn't stepping into the feel of the contact?? Not real sure of this--need to check it.
4. Trot:: don't do it yet

Game of Contact

I am so incredibly fortunate to be at the Parelli center auditing the Game of Contact. Notes will be posted under PP subblog.

Monday

Fun in the pasture with Try and Haylie
Stick together in the play paddock: draw/connection

Bareback: walk til blow with lots of variations
patterns with sitting trot
canter on the rail one lap each way!
posting trot one lap each way etc.

Tuesday

Lovely day very interesting. Try was a bit distracted by being turned out alone in the paddock by the barn and in the ring by Dwight as she is still in season.

Stick together was easy, light warm and loving and progressed.
Ring: circle online for relaxation: send and stop and relax--did not quite get this--object being a good relaxed send where Try offers exuberance?? Don't understand this as yet??

Walk til blow etc and trot posting and figure 8 in bareback pad. Uncomfortable posting trot (because I haven't used the pad in awhile and am getting very used to dressage saddle??) so changed back to saddle.

Nice trot, leg yields on and off the rail. Lovely soft canter--not on forehand, head down and I am guessing rounding up some but a western pleasure lope.

Finished with a relaxed walk out the gate to the barn. It took a few circles as Try gained energy as we were about to leave the gate--but once she stayed relaxed through the gate we were able to stay relaxed to the barn. This is BIG as this has been Try's #1 RB thing.

Monday

1. Fun in the pasture with Haylie--did not happen as I needed more time with Try so got Haylie and took her in and then went back for quality time with Try. Take the time it takes.
2. Round pen: stick together--spent lots of time on this--did not get to increasing the distance.
3. On line circling bring back--nice--did not get to bring back at the trot.

Riding:
1. mount at the judges stand, walk til blow, lateral flex, pick up and drop reins, 7 step soft feel and release.
2. Trot: lots because Try in season and distracted when Dwight entered the ring. with and without contact, partial disengagement, bending on the circle, stretching. Tried full HQ disengagement from the trot as I'm considering it for the canter--it would be better if for canter to do a 10 meter circle and bullseye in that a full HQ disengagement is my opinion.
3. Canter: lovely and relaxed like Friday's best--did about 2 laps each way and quit.
4. Finished with walking and practicing coming off the rail and circling and staying nice and calm and relaxed.

Thursday big riding day

Walking: Try blew immediately, lateral flexion, picking up reins and dropping, taking light contact and dropping reins and partial disengagement. Latter was smooth and clear with the addition of spurs today.

Trotting with light contact today, working on being particular, steady hands for me, my alignment, etc.
Canter today Try got very forward--almost to the point of my not being strong enough to slow her a couple times. Hopped off to let her get it out of her system on line and back on for 2 truly lovely canter laps each direction.

Some back to basics riding

Tuesday: rode in dressage saddle, walk a couple laps (Try blew immediately), then picked up trot and Try blew a lot. Stopped and picked up reins, lateral flexion, center circle for some leg yields and stretching, canter laps one direction and then walking on the rail and circling off the rail for relaxation, then canter and canter circles both directions--bending on the circle, sitting on balance point, BA said she saw Try rounding up some. Next time it would be good to add in busyness at the pedestal and mount from the rail and keep equipment at the judges stand to change our sweet spot.

Day 5 Going Home

Got to Dancing Branch early, cleaned up everything ready to go. Spent some quality time grazing and playing some of Try's favorite games before time to go. Back at Rollover Shirley was calling for Try and Try was happy to get back to her pasture.

Day 4 a wash for Try and I but fun for me

Got to barn late afternoon--not enough time to prepare Try who when I took her out of the pasture became increasingly agitated--in season etc. So she hung out in the round pen while I watched Wendy and Kaycee ride in the cows pasture and move them around a little. Not much as a particular steer was making Wendy nervous. Then I put Try back into her pasture and went and enjoyed a lovely trail ride with Wendy, Red, Cobie and I. Lovely afternoon, warm, sunny, great scenery--too bad I did not have time to get Try relaxed so she could go along and enjoy it.

Day 3

Yesterday, Try and I had about an hour together in the ring then Kaycee and Wendy joined us with Cobie and Target. We rode, swapped horses and then Wendy and I told Kaycee a little about Parelli. We finished with a ride in the pasture adjoining the cows and checked out the calves feeding. Try led into the pasture and high tailed it to the fence line to check out the cows--she was interested in the calves also but offered a lovely sidepass at a trot one time she got too close for her comfort.

Day 2

Try was elated and so alive today at all the possibilities at Dancing Branch.

Day 1 of Try's Amazing Adventure!

Today Try accompanied Target back to Wendy's for a five day fiesta of fun. Today Try, Wendy and I checked out her gorgeous big pasture and she cantered it several times checking everything out--especially Wendy and Tommy's house? Then liberty in the ring where she got to know the big boys, Barney, Bill, little Trapper and the grey. Naturally she flirted and then squealed and headed off to check out the mares who were in sight from the far side of the ring. She cantered back to me! (There's a first.) We played stick together and one round of circle draw then went to the round pen and talked some about circling. Try likes the round pen's grass. Try was cautious and concerned and elated and relaxed--first one then another at everything being so different. Next we walked up the road to check out the cows. Try, though on edge, REALLY was curious and wanted to check them out. Next it poured down rain and we high tailed it to Wendy's barn where Wendy made Try happy by bringing Ruby to be her next door stall mate until the rain subsided.

October 26 coaching phone call - Dan Thompson

See PP sub blog for notes.

Tuesday: Try, Target, Riley

Try: the horses spent the night in for the weather and were very anxious to be turned out--however Try was my first pick of the day for play and she wasn't happy about it. Today was a riding day: walk til blow, trot 6 laps canter 6 but inside track. Played with relaxation in rein transitions at a stand still and a walk and Indirect rein at a stand still--both were really improved. Also Try improved huge in her attitude and was quite lovely to be with fairly quickly.

Target: again a riding day--walk, trot, canter. His trot was much more relaxed and the canter was much more together also. Bethanna challenged us to do 2 laps without breaking gait at the canter--we got 1+1 not two in the row.

Riley: I helped BA out--we got the two ponies, I groomed Riley, BA rode Forrest while I held/played with Riley. Next time hopefully I will get to ride Riley while BA rides Forrest then swap--play online with Forrest while BA rides Riley.

Very interesting, oh boy day for me

Went to Try's pasture and waited for her to come to me. As I was putting on halter Haylie backed up to Try and was about the kick. Try sidepassed into me--I took halter and lead and in a personal fury chased Haylie away. How dare she pick on my beautiful, wonderful Try!! Well Haylie didn't care but I scared Try--took 30 minutes for her to decide she could be with me (approach and retreat) before we could halter up and go in.

First: stick together in the play area: much smoother today, I was mixing it up more then moving 6' or so away from her to measure our stick-to-a-tivity, she did blow one time. I did not opt for circling on the rail and draw--instead left that for the ring. The first direction (trot) it took awhile for her to decide she could come to me. 2nd direction good and we quit on that.

Riding 15 min walk passenger then on the rail--one small blow then walking in the center circle, did the stretching and soft feel and release and she started blowing really well. Lateral flex and picking up and dropping reins were way softer more relaxed. Then we trotted awhile (bareback) and a bit of canter--for my strength.

Stick Together Game

Today we continued our stick together game/liberty/round corral. And this was all we did. Goal: watch Try for changes and watch my energy level. It occured to me on the ride there that it isn't fair to ask Try for relaxation if I'm not relaxed first?? However one of my best ways to relax is touching Try. Anyway, we have the life up, focus and walk around thing. I was interested to see if she would blow--only once. I have determined that now that we know this much of the game that it is important to mix things up as to who leads and that I can be a bit creative when I am the leader. Today I wasn't very busy, busy, busy. More relaxed, slower. I did not see any concern in Try except perhaps one time I asked for a send on the rail with more energy than necessary. I did see her relax and look soft a little and I also saw a lot of "oh well I'll do it but I'd rather be doing something else. Stick to me was pretty good. Draw from a distance perhaps a little improved and perhaps not.

3 horse day

whew 9-2:30

Try: considering partial disengagement. Studied dvd from Feb. Walk til she blew then started with lateral flexion; also picking up rope and dropping it with the goal being that it means nothing to Try. (On a hunt for RB stuff to consider/fix.) Then after trotting etc tried the partial disengagement--not really getting it. BA hopped on and asked for it firmly at the trot and she went very RBE and gave BA truly lovely dozen or so strides of canter with gorgeous HQ yields--BA worked with her a little to relax by asking for trotting partial diseng each time Try wanted to canter RB.

Forrest:

Today BA was riding Riley and I got Forrest. We got them, took to barn. I groomed and mostly played friendly with Forrest in the barn. Then to the ring. BA rode and I alternately took Forrest around to sniff different things and use my brain to keep changing things up with different games. Then BA lunged Forrest and he did great on his leads! Back to the barn for more lovin while BA cleaned up Riley. Forrest followed me like a puppy in the pasture and he loves the pedestal.

 

Target:

I was tired by the time it was his turn. Got him from the pasture--he and Lincoln were at the far end  of the big guys pasture. Grooming in the barn, then out to Dwight's paddock for some On Line. It was fairly awful in the beginning--the backing and staying out of my space took 3 steps back again. Eventually we got it improved then some circling, S bends--practicing directing the shoulder, and touch it--used my hat--kept throwing it different places--quit when he got it. Then followed me around at liberty.

Great day yesterday

Riding lesson yesterday on Target with BA: I was proud of how we were learning stay on the rail as a pattern and how nice and consistent Target's trot was becoming. Well not up to BA's standards--wonder when mine will come up to that standard? Anyway, trot not so bad but really worked on the canter--the main issue being a consistent speed at the canter and I was thinking because he is a trail horse to ride him on either a loose rein (casual/on the buckle) or with short reins. He needed more help than that and seemed to appreciate it so I rode with light contact then softened contact when the canter was nice and Target quickly got the idea. I never would have thought I would be comfortable with a bareback canter with yesterday's canter but after the above fixes it was good and I felt strong. Thank you BA! Note: Target was even offering to round up a bit--looking like a dressage horse. What a cool horse.

Then my Sand Savvy friend Marilyn came for a trail ride as getting confident with her horse Shiloh on the trail is her biggest goal. To be sure she could be successful I asked BA if she would go along. So I led with Try and BA was followed up in the rear with Target. She rode him bareback with the lead rope then just put the lead over his neck and let him do it! Target truly has another fan in BA--she would so love for Target to stay at Rollover!!! All three horses were confident and fun to ride and the day was glorious.

Monday - 3 horses

Target: I am just loving this sweet guy. Improvements today. Getting used to each other and he is getting to be an arena horse as well as a trail horse--stay on the rail, maintain the speed of a gait etc. See Target's blog.

Forrest: Sara Austin's adorable pony--yesterday we played 5/7 games and today we took a trail walk to the ring so he could see it for the first time.

Try: Lovely--round pen, pasture, up the road the withers stick to me. Directing turns with this started today--when I turn the direction away from her she would continue and not turn so disengage HQ and start again and by the third time she had it figured out. Also the draw on the circle game at a walk was beautiful.

More...

The emotional/psychological on Sunday:

Try: I did not feel her get emotional RBE at all. Perhaps a bit of concern, a tendency to drift to the sweet spot and even tho it was a laid back enjoy the weather day--I did not feel a joyous desire to be with me. On the ground she was particularly obedient. The circle/draw--Try was VERY happy to come to me.

Me: I was alert to Try's feeling, watching for any RBE tho not expecting to see it. Very careful to make our current learning tasks pleasant, moving on immediately when she got it, etc. I did not remember to watch myself for busy, busy, busy--probably not so bad as it was a relaxed day. The more tense I am (RB) the more busy I get--is that RBE?

Gorgeous fall day.

Sunday Try and I--played the withers stick to her game in the ring. Try goes so nicely when my life comes up. Then passenger to where she wants to go--usually a jump--wait and repeat.

On Line--did a couple nice HQ yields in conjunction with the stick to me--being sure she is stepping under neath herself nicely. Then circle game and draw with back wards circle--really nice did once only.

Riding: we walked a long time waiting for her to blow. Bareback, posting trot in the ? box and canter, lateral flexion and HQ yields. 1/2 a carrot on the trip back to the pasture.

This did not leave time to get Target but Forrest was handy sooo went into his paddock, upped my energy and joy at seeing him and started to jog--he trotted to me--we played games 1-5 and I gave him 1/2 a carrot. First time I have done anything with him.

Studying Feb Mastery dvd on Partial Disengagement

Studying partial disengagement to find pathway to teach this to Try for her emotional (lack of confidence or anger) moments. Important to find a way to teach in an easy going pleasant way as I was uncomfortable about the methods Tuesday and Thursday.

Friday trail ride etc with Wendy, Try and Target

Fun day, laid back, played a little in the ring and trail ride. Gorgeous weather, good company. Great break after pressure filled week.

Thursday's riding lesson

Started with video of suspension rein and fluid rein--sep SC dvd 9 min and 30 sec of private session with Kelly showing Try stretching and rounding up--trotting in an unusually nice frame on the circle.

Lesson started well with walking on a circle until Try relaxed and would blow, practiced transitions that might cause a reaction--casual to concentrated rein etc. Then added bending on the circle walk and trot.

Theory tested: more effective leadership, especially with the reins would get leg yield sooner, Try would learn it and we could go on to other stuff--Try would feel successful and not RB. This was only partly successful. For myself--1. I need to ID the feel of a really good HQ yield, 2. homework--more stretching laterally on the right side, 3. homework--online HQ yield with reward as she loves to feel successful. Riding get one and stop, rest, stroke her neck etc.

We studied Try as she progressed thru the session, LBI, LBE with good energy, LBE with bad attitude, and some RBE. From her back I can immediately feel when she is emotional--i.e. the LBE bad attitude or RB but can't always tell which it is--easy to see on the ground from her facial expression. ??

Fluid rein, Leg Yields, Partial Disengagement

See PP notes sub blog for my wrap of of thoughts thus far on the titled topics

Wednesday

Dwell time and the new stick to me from behind the withers/liberty. Today is was a stick to her--just wanted to feel a lovely connection--day off for her as she had BIG day yesterday and tomorrow is riding lesson.

Played on line and freestyle riding with Target--posted on Target's page.

Monday and Tuesday

Monday: Target--grooming, riding, improved yoyo, started question box. See blog.

Tuesday: 3 hours with Dan Thompson--see PP blog. Hard to put into words--real nitty gritty stuff.

Spa day

Gorgeous Saturday--Try and I reviewed stuff for Dan Tuesday then had a spa day!

Sunny lovely fall day--great day to be with horses

Feeling lazy in the sunny October weather. Played with Target (see blog) and with Try.

Try: we did a little lazy trotting circling game reinforcing the idea that she can come to me not necessarily change direction from the draw. Also riding she still wants to stretch all the time--how interesting. Easy leg yields--suspension rein. Laid back day.

Just watched the last episode of the Horseman's Apprentice and my lovely lazy day would not have cut it at the Parelli ranch. I have had a lot going on with rain, flooding, trip, deaths and health concerns among friends but I now want to get ahold of myself, reassess priorities and get ready for next week.

Round corral day

We started in the paddock out back because the grooming stuff was there then ended up doing the whole session there. Two good draws/catching game tho not terribly energetic--I did put her boots on. Some good energy in sideways, backing and lovely liberty walking figure 8. Also stick to me. Next time it would be good to film. Also to film the stretching in riding.

Try is a mind reader!

I adore this wonderful horse. Light, responsive, she can figure out what I want from 20' away from increasingly smaller cueing etc. i.e. backing thru cones, setting her up to be square for the back up. Sideways she trotted and got a carrot slice as a reward for the exuberance--I upped my energy to get the trot.

Circling I wanted to do to improve the bring back/vs/change of direction and keeping slack on the ground. Dan has suggested my leaning on the rope to help with the slack issue but I was not able to lean as she never pulled and the rope is mainly on the ground--will ask about that next week. Also still getting the snarky ears in circling but was careful to reward her when I was getting good ears by bringing her in. Also bring back/draw at the trot was nice but Try is confused about the canter--I think a little shake of the rope as I back may be all we need to add.

Riding: so funny, Try immediately offered lots of stretching--can't wait to discuss this with BA and Dan, film and discuss again with Kelly.

I feel so lucky to have this time with Try.

The perfect horse for me?

1. Calm and safe!! Deal breaker
2. maybe quarter horse and geling
3. conformation more uphill--also a deal breaker
4. willing
5. maybe LBI or RBI but not extreme
6. trained for riding but not Parelli trained so I can do it
7. maybe smaller i.e. 15 hands

Catch up

Well, I have been posting at Target's page or PP page. We have been having 1/2 week of heavy rain 24/7 with few breaks so largely a week off.

Yesterday BA and I had our riding lesson indoors primarily discussing what I experienced at the clinic last weekend with Kelly and phone conversation with Dan and preparations for the next week and a half with Bethanna gone on her honeymoon.

Got a break in the rain mid afternoon and came back to the barn to play with Target in his pasture--first 3 games. Lovely, confident horse.

Joyous clinic

Saturday and Sunday clinic with Kelly Sigler. Joyous celebration of the journey past, present and future including two private riding lessons on making the transition from freestyle to finesse riding and level 3 finesse fluid rein, stretching.

More on this in PP sub blog soon.

Great day today with Target

Spent 4 hours today with Wendy's horse Target. I am blogging separately for Target--also notes from Dan Thompson are under PP.

This weekend clinic with Kelly Sigler.

New HORSE!!

Today my friend Wendy is loaning me a horse to play with for a couple weeks. BA and I brought home Wendy's Target 15'2 paint, lovely canter. I am so excited. Photos soon!!

easy bareback day

Monday, with still a little bit of warmth in Try's back leg, rather than do nothing we got out and walked a bit. On the ground played with the life up idea, riding leisurely walking with some attention to indirect rein on the right side and 7 step soft feel.

Afternoon: phone call with Dan Thompson on questions/follow up to visit a few weeks ago. Will post notes later here or under the PP/clinic sub-blog.

Go to Plan B

Well, I was so excited--in my riding lesson with Bethanna we were going to play with bridleless canter yoyos--yee hah!! I arrived at the barn and found Try's right hind leg was swollen so no lesson, no riding.

BA suggested I just go ride Angel (medium pony) for fun.I was hesitant as I am soooo used to Try or Keystone and Angel is a goey little pony with a pony stride. Also I've not ridden her for two years. Anyway, saddled up and trotted, (posting, two point) and canter. BA was out in the ring riding Haylie and told me to go with Angel's canter with my arms and .t was really fun. I could feel the improvement two years of riding has made for me. It is strange to be hovering over a pony at the trot when I am used to the 15'1 15'2 horses.

Gave Angel and then Try great long showers and cold water on Try's leg/bute.
Thinking very seriously of getting one of Wendy's horses for awhile to play with--with two great months of fall weather, why not spend a 1/2 day Mon-Fri with horses??

What a glorious day!!!!!!!!!

The weather was wonderful and we had so much fun!! We were both in the mood to canter and canter we did.

Playing with concept of Energy, focus, intention, I've tried to figure out the best games to play to get the idea across. I decided best is games where she sees me clearly and the action required is simple--not requiring a complex combination of movement. So today we played with backing--Try really got the idea of my focus and mother in law face--but not the idea that my friendly face means stop. Hmmmmmmmmm. Then HQ disengagement from a look--took a phase 4 one time to get the idea across and then it was good--Try could see/feel the difference in my intense energy wanting her to move the HQ and the friendly I love you I just want to massage your butt.

Circling game: ?? how do I get Try to leave the rope on the ground?? I did quit both directions when she had the best attitude.

Canter: lateral flexion nice, indirect rein to the right--opposition reflex. 7 step soft feel nice. Counter canter--I do believe we had it! We also did cloverleaf at a canter and just cantered about.

Riley: today--followed me, curious and enjoyed playing the easter egg hunt on his own, spooked a little at the wind.

Better today, added trot at least

Today, Try was better--cuts looked good but a little swelling so plan called for no cantering.

Round pen: walk and a little trot as yesterday, Try offered to sidepass barrel away and toward. Stayed with me on stick to me--thought about making assumptions and kept changing things up. played with energy up and down--need to ask, whether I should pick games where Try can see my facial expression.

At one point, Try left so we played the catch me game. She would stop but not come when I backed. One time she took off bucking and farting--so much for taking it easy. I have filmed this issue--how its clear on the film.

Saddling: pinned ears at the saddle going onto her back. No ear pinning for a couple days now pulling on girth strap.

Riding: what a lovely mind reader Try was today. Lateral flexion was good--indirect rein Try was leaning on the rein on the right bend--went up in my phases and I think she is starting to get the idea.
I set two cones and we started by going thru turn and face and wait--varied the direction and type of turn and then backed thru the cones--took almost no urging for any of it. Did a little trot, stop, back wait--good reactions to go and stop and lovely still wait. Also intersperced some contact--7 step soft feel even from walk continuing to walk and side passing. Then no stirrups posting trot but only about 4 laps. Finished by setting cavaletti pole up on pedestal and cones to make a little "jump" repeating the turn and face and back from before--little opposition reflex from Try over backing up to the jump.

Next Riley in the round pen, friendly and porcupine went well and we played the easter egg hunt game. Next time take a book and do dwell and see if he will be more curious. Today he wasn't afraid but he wasn't really relaxed.

The best laid plans ...

I arrived this Monday am with the intention of upping the ante: liberty--focus, energy and riding some full out canter laps among other stuff.

Well, Try had been kicked--bunch of cuts on her left hind leg and some swelling expected--washed, cold water 10 min, saave? and bute. But we were very limited to some walking in the round pen. Little energy up and down in sideways, figure 8 and stick to me. then bareback ride walk, stop, back, change direction from seat, weight, turn on haunches etc.

BA lunged Try and I in lotsa saddles

BA and I had watched some Walter Zettl footage and saw someone lunging a horse/rider as an independant seat exercise. I said that looked like fun sooooooo for today's lesson BA lunged Try and I (i.e. bridleless) in various saddles to compare.

1. dressage saddle: walk, jog, trot felt good--canter did not feel secure--sitting on balance point and relaxing legs down.

2. next close contact saddle: canter at 2 point felt solid--not as much sitting. Then I lunged Try and BA and she said my saddle is too slippery--I MOST definately agree.

3. Got baretek--but BA said no--get parelli bareback pad. The best canter of the day--used muscles from above the knee to inner thigh lightly, sat the canter, forward posture.

Did not do western saddle.

Consider: IF I am not in western saddle, how do I canter on my balance point--do I use leg muscles or just let them relax completely????????

I vote for more days in the week.

Lovely day with Try--beautiful weather. Round pen--catch me game--she is still stopping and looking at me--I need to film and ask Dan. Riding: standard warmup + 6 laps no stirrups--harder today than last week. After Try said ok thats it--session over as other horses leaving ring. I didn't feel I could leave it like that nor was I up to canter laps so went to the 2 circle pattern and played with bending on the circle and drop to walk canter lead changes--Try was up at first then settled in and concentrated nicely. I love this Try girl.

Fun Riding Lesson

Last week BA and I watched 1/2 of L4 freestyle dvd. So today BA taught lesson on the yoyo game. Western saddle but bridleless: phases seat, leg, leg, string around the neck. walk halt walk transitions, walk halt back, then walk trot halt, trot halt back etc.

I am reminded to take my time and think--keep my basics clean. Also not to get emotional as Try's life comes up.

after the non hurricane

Friday: L4 circling game variations and non hurricane aftermath. Returned all the many Parelli toys to the play area. Horses came in Thur about 11 am spent the night in--got back out about 7 and back in about 8am.

Try was hungry and unhappy so it took a little while to help her relax. We went into the paddock beside the ring and played games slowly at first, then building intention--circling, sideways, yoyo--until she began to change gears mentally.

Then went to the ring and walked around passenger--check out the jump standards that were all down, the lack of grass and nasty old hay bales.

I studied the L4 freestyle dvd chapter on circling in the am so had something new for us to play with. Set out two cones and drew intersecting circles to form a figure 8. According to plan we walked the circles for a bit until Try figured out the pattern and I did not need to cue except an occasional bit of leg--had intended to use 2 carrot sticks but did not get to it. We walked and trotted circles and figure 8's with the change from one circle to another coming with my shoulder/seat as the cue--Try was just LOVELY at this and my bend in my body helped her bend on the circle as well. Would be good to film some soon. Anyway, what a smart girl. Also cantered both--felt the circles were a bit small but remembered smaller circles are part of L4--did drop to walk changes as Pat showed in the video but probably could have done flying (limping) changes just as well.

Did not get to the bullseye in and out--I want to play with this in all gaits from leg alone.
Also did not play with weight back on HQ to move FQ

Lateral flexion and indirect rein lighter.
Canter stop back relax was great.
bowtie in the figure 8
7 step soft feel--Try did not react

Lovely Day with Try in anticipation of hurricane

I was nervous about hurricane--you never know--so went to barn and had lovely ride with Try that made me feel so much better. I thought she might be a bit up about coming storm but nope. We walked around for while, then trot, then played with the canter a bunch of ways, including stop/back/relax, lead changes. Also 7 step soft feel was nice I think. The indirect rein ?? I don't know exactly--she wasn't leaning on rein exactly nor really soft but went from one to another so it made the concept of phases confusing.

Love vs. Fear

So much of horsemanship is about me—my fitness mentally, emotionally and physically and being a “better” self for my horse. Thus, the benefits are obvious of preparing my frame of mind: such as relaxation and visualization before heading out to the barn, using touching and loving Try as a means to be relaxed and centered, focused and self assessment when I get home—how did it go today?

This brings together learning from past experiences such as the concept of Fear vs. Love. When all I feel is love—that lovely warm, cozy “buzz.”, the session at the barn with Try is guaranteed to be wonderful. Conversely, any negativity on my part is fear driven and going to affect my relationship with Try. Love promotes awareness on a greater level of what both of us are thinking and feeling. Love promotes the freedom of joy, improvisation and my confidence. Negativity or fear: examples are feeling adversarial toward Try—that I must win, or direct line—I must win now. Another example is negative self talk –i.e. that I have failed by not achieving whatever goal.

Some strategies that may help include constant conscious awareness of where I am on the love/fear scale. The same depth of awareness of what Try is feeling. Relaxation and friendly for us both, dwell time, grazing, passenger time, grooming and bathing, doing the opposite of the expected. Also acting class repetition game to help me be aware of both of us on a deeper level, watching my facial expression—does it say “You are so beautiful, I just want to give you a big hug”? Another is focus on light cueing, how light is light, make vs. want and ambassador of yes. Also what is fun for Try?—eating, showing off, new learning, new places and sometimes exuberant movement or just hanging out and being rubbed. Or, what are we going to do today that is new?

Big project completed!

Kudos to me--printed two books of blogger and clinic notes. Went thru each and pulled out stuff to consider and todos--sorted them into categories and added them to study file on my hard drive.

yesterday watched 1/2 of L4 freestyle with BA for some ideas for Thursday's lesson. Dwell time with Try in round pen area--grazing, grooming, 2 soft asks for draw--good, then wet wash rug to cool, relax both of us.

tomorrow--depending on how soon we get rain from hurricane--lesson bridleless with western saddle and sticks--have not done that per say in some time. Should be fun!

Try wins award for relaxation today but no draw!

Although Try began the morning, coming in from the pasture fairly irritated, she settled beautifully especially by the time we went to the ring to ride.

Interesting: round pen, I had NO draw--don't know if she just didn't want to come to me or if she just didn't want to move (in season) or both. When she walked away from me we played the catching game--when I asked for the draw she stopped (happy to stop), looked at me, barely considered turning away, thought about a step forward, (little stick in front) and did back some but stopped with a little indication from me. BUT did not come to me.

After I tried various of the games that produce draw and none worked. I tried life up and facial expression also.

Then we did a little sideways with life up--the first she went about 15' away from me pretty as you please.
Would like more inner furnace and less outer cueing--seemingly doing less.

Girthiness: did 3 times and saw improvement then no reaction when I tightened it the next two times.
Saddling--western saddle forgot to practice on the fence.

6 laps no stirrups

Indirect rein: hard to use phases when Try would relax/lean/relax/lean really quickly.
Go stop halt back and drop the reins: great at trot and canter!!!!
Bowtie simple lead changes--Try was the most relaxed she has ever been.
7 step soft feel - no reaction.

I realize that this likely had to do with how she was feeling being in season and the gaits could have been livelier but putting the relationship first--she did not need to be pushed out of her comfort zone with the way she was feeling.

Then nice bath and all in all a good relationship day.

Lickin n Chewin

Much thought and consideration going on. Definately licking and chewing on thoughts from the 3 hours with Dan Thompson--especially use of energy.

He demoed how without doing anything but changing energy and intention that he could signal nothing or that I had to back up!!

This is interesting in light of drama courses and need to fill a big theater with energy to reach an audience. I remember also teaching preschoolers on stage in the park in Greenville--we did our little dance and Moms sitting on the grass were talking and ignoring us. Then I coached the kids in getting their inside furnace going and we redid the dance and the Moms stopped talking and were rivetted on our dance!! HOW INTERESTING!!!

Also I have printed my blogs--'09 used ?online service and downloaded--not much way to change it--then had bound at Staples. '10 thru Aug 18 I used the blurb software and had a very nice soft bound book printed. So now I am going through both making notes.

energy

It's all about body language, energy and laughing.

The next day after Dan Thompson

Got up early and typed up my notes so I could share them with Bethanna--she is really sorry she missed getting to watch and looks forward to auditing the next and asking some questions--possible additional arrows in the quiver and things for BA and I to work on together.

Liberty: catching game--I was able to keep Try on the good side but she didn't come to me as quickly as I would like and she did not change direction away from the rail. She did bang her leg on the rail and that slowed us down for the day to be careful.

Backup and sideways at liberty and 360s were very much improved. Now wonder what else I could improve using the same theories??? 360s HQ/FQ dance/sidepass and squeeze combine and mix them up so Try asks question?? Stick to me a little away from the rail and draw???

What can be exuberant, engage Try so we can play?? cutting game?? joy fun energy???

Girthiness day 2--went really well but I had to wait longer than Dan did.

Riding: 7 step soft feel--Try kept thinking she should back. Then 4 laps of no stirrups at a jog--careful of her leg. I wasn't tired--could have been 6.

Dan Thompson - 3 hours

August 24, 2010 First Session with Dan Thompson


3 incredible hours – so much I thought I understood and was skimming the surface
Liberty: Draw and Freestyle as preparation for finesse: impulsion and light response to reins.

We started with my doing a few things and I chose liberty because Try was already in the round pen. I said that figure 8 had been really difficult and showed it at a walk and we did it quite nicely. Dan said how about at the trot and I just laughed—who knew what would happen and sure enough I sent Try at a trot and we left me. GAME ON.

So we played the catching game for quite some time. Try out on the circle, when she passes my belly button back up straight to draw. If she doesn’t respond, more pressure, if she makes any response toward coming to me, less pressure. I need to be hyper aware of her. Note: she does not get to change direction toward the rail—that becomes Try in charge of the game—I redirect her quickly in the original direction—the comfort side –the other side becomes the uncomfortable side. Try (being directed by Dan) began to get the idea that she could choose to change direction away from the rail (that being ok at this stage). Also a no-no is Try blasting thru me. Eventually—she stopped or Dan stopped her and then waited –Try thought about turning toward the rail then thought better, then began to draw to Dan. Pressure on, pressure off. I did it also and she was really happy to draw and come to me. Good side and bad side. Teaching Try to seek the GOOD DEAL.

Back up at liberty: Dan used stick to keep Try on a straight line—directing front end—keeping his focus on where he wanted to go. Lesson: keep my focus—don’t get drawn into CHASING Body PARTS.

Sideways: Needs energy up—my body language directing her—I don’t necessarily even have to move my feet—I could really feels Dan’s energy making me move while he stood still. I was able to use my energy for really good HQ and FQ 360 yields/disengagement??? Then direct the sideways with way more energy and intensity, intension in my body but still moving my feet—something to strive for…. FOCUS can be on a body part or FAR AWAY to get the horse to go some place. I have to be going some place in my body if I want the horse to go someplace. E up/E down.

If I am truly going some place in my body, I might not have to move my feet! I want to be able to do less and cause Try to do more.

Try ‘s LBE play drive: IF she is LBE, she wants to play—engage her, don’t turn my back and deny her need to play. We both want to play. I laughed with pure joy at both of us being able to be LBE. ENGAGE her! Note confident horse engage, unconfident release the pressure.

Western saddle: ring under my arm, diagonal hold, swing w/hip and trust that I won’t hurt Try.

REALLY great improvement on the girthiness: Dan used STEADY pressure to pull latigos and more pressure/farther away so Try would actually feel it rather than be annoyed. Dan says this is a brace and right brain (baggage) rather than a left brain lean sort of opposition reflex. The release teaches—Try learns where the GOOD DEAL is.



Riding: Freestyle as preparation for finesse

Quality in zone one—how light and responsive is Try to the reins. That is necessary prerequisite to finesse riding plus the seat/sense of responsibility from freestyle.

If Try is leaning on the rein (LB) support with driving game in phases i.e. we did this with indirect rein. Phase 1 is contact, phase two is driving on looser rein (shaking rope), phase three is driving on contact, phase four is one big jerk on one rein! Dan like BA—no nagging—the one big jerk and then learn is better AND I didn’t do it—Try made the choice to do it to herself.

Impulsion: A perfect 5 on the impulsion scale is no good if both go and whoa are bad LOL.

We worked on getting a good immediate response to the go as well as good go, then a snappy whoa:

Ask and be effective (stick/string whatever—not necessary usually—much more body energy from me worked) get good pure gait not joggy-lopey stuff. Then ask for whoa—seat energy down lift or bounce one rein to contact. Example of working cows: energy off to cut from herd then game on, energy to keep cow away from herd. Game: good go, stop, back and reins down—will Try just stand there.

Drop to trot lead changes ie. Bow tie. Indirect rein, Z1/Z4 on downward transitions.

7 step soft feel:
1. Lift casual rein to take contact
2. Slide hand down
3. Separate to two hands WHILE MAINTAINING CONTACT
4. Finger—goes to fist so Try can feel it (567 the same)

Then can go anywhere—forward, back, turn change it up. If any reaction from Try wait for her head to relax.

Lovely day yesterday

Monday, in preparation for private 3 hours w/PP we did a lot of Try's favorites with as little pressure and saying "no" as possible.

Round pen/liberty: Try ate grass for 5 min then decided to come to me. Try offered to push the ball--choose it as the fav toy and with a very little bit of urging pushed it 1/2 way around the ring. I tried figure 8 and it was there.

Freestyle riding: baretek pad, rope halter and lead left on the saddle. walk, trot with just a little leg, turn on the haunches (didn't know we could do that without guiding the front end). Canter was trashy and did not do much--just not the day for it.

On Line stick to me--walk trot canter stop back turns from both sides.
Quick bath at liberty and more dwell time.

Result Sheet

audition video click here 

yesterday was fun

Yesterday, we didn't do much of a warmup I was tired and Try wasn't in the mood.

Began my first riding lesson with BA in weeks and decided on a back to basics. Try was in a uppity mood and did not settle so after we finishing a trotting warmup--2 point and posting, BA suggested playing around with lots of transitions in the 20x40 dressage area. I was relieved as could just imagine how Try's canter would be on the rail (280x300' ring) when she was that up--i.e. heavy on the forehand and time would need to be spent to regulate the gait as she would want to go to fast for a nice rhythm--not really much fun at all.

Soooooooo we played with lots of transitions at the various letters--all gaits including sitting trot, turns on the forehand and haunches and circles of various sizes. Both Try and I had to concentrate mentally and settled in and had a great time. Thanks BA!!

Don't Erase the Finish Line

I am still thrilled about passing level 3 and am reminding myself "not to erase the finish line"--that is to continue to savor and celebrate the accomplishment: Savor to energize, inspire vs burnout from immediately getting back to "work" or minimizing the accomplishment i.e. its no big deal, not that good, lets see if I can do better, etc.

Actually, I printed out all my 2009 blog entries and, in reading, I see wonderful growth in horsemanship and spirit beyond passing a level!!

This month's savvy times, p73 (goal setting article by Linda) concludes with "make sure you celebrate your smallest achievements not just the big ones."

I remembered that I used to keep a file of special accomplishments or things that make me proud, feel all warm and fuzzy etc. So I've found the file and it is amazing.

Thus, I think in addition to a diary blog, to start a sub-blog of those warm and fuzzy moments when Try and I have an especially lovely day together.

Onward naturally...

Thoughts on obedience and motivation

I have been thinking about how Try's life has been about obedience and what a lovely obedient girl she has been so much of the time--but turning her into a machine and causing her to do the sneaky little LBI things to assert herself.

If she and I are exploring motivation, and I am freeing her up to explore and express her LBE side, then obedience becomes an issue both in the LBI-not-in-the-mood-for-precision sense and in the LBE wheee-I want-to-canter-fast and free mode.

Also as extreme LB as she is, if I am asking for more task-wise and energy-wise and being more tuned in to me--we are surely going to be exploring dominance issues between us. I need to remember that this is a really good thing--not fall back on a normal--shut-er-down-she-must-be-obedient-whether-she-likes-it-or-not-mode.

Tuesday at the barn

elated over passing the audition of course and important not to "erase the finish line" but to celebrate the milestone.

Today: Try and I played with creative phases on level 1 online plus some touch it as warmup. Then Cathy came in with Shirley and since Try and Shirley are best buds the 4 of us walked around for about 10 minutes catching up on doings around the barn, upcoming events etc.

Then Try was "up" as she perhaps wanted to trot and canter with Shirley who moves at a much faster face. Soooo hopped off and watched them finish up and leave. Played some circling game variations and made up a new traveling circling game and played with "keep the rope on the ground" then played with canter trot transitions in stick to me. By that time Try was refocused and we went back for a nice trot/canter ride.

Keystone is going to a new home--I am sad for me but know he is going to love his new life as a casual trail horse!! What a sweet heart.

We did it!!

Try and I have passed level 3 and are now officially level 4 students!!!

studying

Studying Walter Zettl materials this morning. 2nd viewing of the dvd first series--this is answering some of the why of the L4 finesse materials.

Issue for me: creating nice big rhymical, relaxed trot and canter. Using HQ well--can we do that without contact? What is the proper way for me to begin taking contact?

Waiting .. Emotional Fitness Weeks

Three weeks and counting on the audition submission ...
Studying:
Walter Zettl materials
Karen Rohlf
Pat's L4 finesse
Self assessment list and Pat's video for L4 finesse

Goal: come up with a plan for beginning L4 finesse for Try and I.

Try wins the award for best horse of the day LOL

Try and I had fun today. Read about cookie fest on savvy club so put cookies around the arena and we played touch it and easter egg (cookie) hunt did all at liberty in the arena (280x300) then played with the focus game--riding 20 and 10 meter circle walk and trot folding arms--no people to make eye contact with just focused up and away--was fine until I needed to make a correction with my leg for precision in staying on the circle--wasn't able to let my focus travel a smooth circle while correcting--like my mind couldn't handle two things at once. Interesting. Then a little trot around the arena which was nice today. Then a little canter in the front circle--being careful today as no one around. Then liberty back to the barn, wash stall, back out to sit/handout in the shade etc. Try did not want to go back in.

Poor Keystone--he was so RBI RBE today. I forgot to be slow, careful and use lots of repetiton and consistency. Did get the backing I wanted but Keystone was an oh boy for me when he pulled away scared to go any where near the pedestal and tarp that he has been so confident around the last 10 days or so. More for me to think about. I don't think his core horsenality is LBI--I think its RBI.

Tuesday catchups

Catch up morning at the barn: supplements, bathe Try and Keystone.

Try: circling game online and then ride--repeat--going a little further of pre-finesse riding--waiting to hear from Kelly on video coaching.

Keystone: he seemed very pleased to come out and play. More confident, more relationship and bit by bit getting the idea of the games not just doing them. Hesitant to back--LBI.

out with the old and in with the new??

Well, anyway I am starting to think fall and that it is a new "school" year coming up. So I am thinking mess around and have a good time with Try and Keystone and study hard, on my own, level 4 and related materials so I can start soon on a new plan. (See August goals--August to plan and play to set up for September as beginning of L4 journey in all four savvies.) yahoo!!

Wednesday second filming for Kelly

Still getting used to the new saddle—wintec. I really like it and am close to be as comfortable cantering in it as western saddle.

Precision pen: set up 20x40m circle—only using 20x20 area for filming. Try, happily, is pretty good at maintaining gait, direction and pattern--did some 20m and 10 m circles walk and trot.

2. Contact: I played with taking a little contact
a. in the 9 step backup—which we had not done in ages and was a bit of a surprise for Try.
b. Also backing on the circle with 1/8 turns—did just two 1/8 turns then quit—
c. Taking a little contact with two reins, interspersing relaxation for Try after each thing that caused her to feel a little “up.”

Trot and Canter footage for quality of gait: rhythm, relaxation

Plan for the next week or two is to watch L4 finesse again. I got some Karen Rohlf materials—plan to study them some with Bethanna in my riding lessons in August. (Walter Zettl materials ordered.) I am trying to come up with a good plan for Try and I to get started with finesse.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgXdD3nU6EM

monday - nice weather - we were all in a lovely mood.

1. Precision pen—I marked out a 20x40 meter area and marked lines in the sand. Just walking around as a warmup casual rein--walked lines and 10 and 20 meter circles.
2. 9 step back up—did it twice—how interesting—picking up the reins caused an adverse reaction

3. Pat on the extra footage for Horseman’s Apprentice #4 showed backing on the circle by making 1/8 turns in my body and then seeing if Try will come into alignment with that. This has possibilities—I have worked on backing a circle when the patterns came out and also about 4 years ago and Try would fight me on it. I see real possibilities for something better now—I tried it out and looked 1/8 and Try came into line (with a little leg cue)—did twice in a row then quit while it was good. This seems like a way to do this pattern and have it be much more relaxed.

4. Contact: twice I took a little contact and then went back to casual rein—Took a little while each time but I think with the release she will get it fairly soon—this was our first attempt—hope I am going about this right.

5. Canter: figured while we were out we might as well, as this is a new saddle (wintec) and I am still getting used to it. was mainly concentrating on seeing if I could be on my balance point with the feeling of sitting deep like I would in the western saddle—even sat on my thumb part of the time—

Keystone:
1. a little head down
2. a little backing and stick to me backing
3. the Tarp--he is getting it--sniffed it wadded up in my hand--ate a treat off it wadded up on the ground--spread a little on the ground he sniffed it and played with it with his right foot.
4. truly I am being able to direct him to go places from zone 1

What we did Thursday

Try: freestyle etc
1. For me: pilates warmup
2. Lateral flexion, indirect rein, yield HQ Try gets offended at the HQ yield
3. 9 step backup--forgot this
4. Patterns--did bullseye at the canter once each way
5. Canter was nice
6. Tenshun, at ease--thought about this ??tenshun
7. Focus up on downward transitions--makes for smooth transition when I remember
8. Rhythm in transitions
9. Stop, turn back etc without reins or leg?? pretty good

Keystone - confidence building
Played in round pen with objects: pedestal, barrel, green ball and tarp.
Did not push--gentle, took my time as it is important that Keystone not trot in reaction for now.
Pedestal--he is confident putting his nose on pedestal and I can drive him to it.
Barrel--this was new--put a treat on the barrel and afterward Keystone was fine with putting his nose on it.
Ball and tarp: Keystone would not go close. I had two buckets on the tarp and moving one bucket to the pedestal Keystone was fine with touch it.
Vet comes tomorrow if trot is oked then I will play a little colder/warmer with tarp and/or ball--accept a little reward, go on to something else and come back. This weekend I may move the toys to the ring where we have more room to move.

Wed Keystone On Line - Self Assessed level 1

Self assessed level 1: I will want it more solid before considering filming it.

Friendly:

1) Under chin, over ears, change hands at the withers—great second time.
2) Swing rope 6x with rhythm—this is ok but sometimes Keystone moves so repetition would make this more consistent.
3) Walk away and swing stick string in front in pendulum fashion: no problem But back away and swing it between us—will take repetition to be relaxed

Porcupine:

1) Lowering and lifting head—lowering getting better with phases and keeping it down longer. Might be good to encourage it more. Lifting head—first time—soft. Haltering: turning head to me—okish, could be lower and softer.
2) Lateral flexion: no—did not trust me and walked around—take the time it takes.

Driving:

1) Stick on withers—pretty good—tapping rear end works and beginning to be able to direct front end to stay straight and use tapping rear end to match my gait.. Stick to me. Walk stop and back is there but backing isn’t soft. Needed extra work on driving front end from zone 1.

Yoyo: prep with tapping and stroking the rope is much less stressful and went rather well.

Touch It—was great at the pedestal—Played “your getting colder” and driving much smoother.

Monday and Tuesday

Monday:
Today, still following Dr orders not to ride for the knee BUT played liberty with Try--mostly stick to me and circling AND 1st time back with Keystone who is ok to walk/do ground work. Keystone and I played with level 1 on line friendly and porcupine and he is starting to think and figure out "touch it" pattern.

Tuesday:
Bethanna rode Try around the picnic table out of the gate, up the road, thru the barn to the ring etc over and over until she relaxed. Dominance games.

Keystone: got in the ring before the kids camp. Takes Keystone awhile to focus.

Friendly: Again we played with friendly but better after some other games. Did not get the quality of relaxation I would have liked.

Porcupine--worked on phases and he was really light for head down, backing, FQ/HQ 360 yields. Backing from the chest is light and better than ever with Try--from the nose is there but slower to respond than Try.

Driving: Backing from driving toward his chest is ok. Did zone 3 driving--good to bring his head up from the grass but he likes to slip to comfy Z2 driving.
Yoyo--did not do this today--next time.
Circling: did not do either as he would probably start trotting and that is a no-no until August 1 with his injury.

Sideways--I have decided to speed him up til he understands then go back to slow (with the fence, both ways). (Still only a few steps as its almost a trot.)

Squeeze: he is absolutely not claustrophobic--he did a tight squeeze between tree and pedestal and yesterday between barn and truck getting to round pen. Also did sniff the trailer because there was one parked in the drive. next time: squeeze and straddle a pole would be good--walking only AND communication to one foot at a time.

Stick to me: Did a little stick to me yoyo back--it happened but would be good with repetition. Ok to do this with walk, halt, back, walk transitions--no trotting.
Touch It: He is starting to get the idea about touch it and I am giving treats when I lead him to object and he puts his nose on it.
Figure 8: Did not do as likely to trot.

Liberty Audition sent in!

Liberty audition tape

Well if today wasn't a strange day! Went out to check on Try and thought we'd do a little liberty and up the energy a little after last time and filmed it. Well about 2/3 of the way it occured to me that we might actually have enough of the compulsories done in 10 minutes to sent it off!

Sooooooooo it isn't wonderful--plenty of stuff not as good as usual BUT compulsories done in some fashion in 10 minutes so what the heck. I figure the worst that can happen is that it doesn't pass and I have to redo--no biggie.

BUT if I pass, I am done with L3 and become an L4 student--wrap ma brain around that!!

Well onward naturally--I see orthopedic dr Wed and hopefully can convince him that its ok to ride within whatever parameters. Keystone is well enough for some On Line and I am looking forward to learning some about dressage. yahoo

Dressage?

Yesterday I enjoyed watching a dressage practice session with Cathy Gould and her two horses and her friend Ruth at Catherine Mark's gorgeous indoor riding facility. Am considering whether learning a bit about dressage will be a good idea for Try and I as we approach level 4 finesse. Also considering materials by Walter Zettl and Karen Rohlf.

Silly Me

Today, despite knee injury, I figured Try and I could at least do a little slow, careful liberty behind the barn. I was pleased with how it went and was glad I filmed it.

Got home and viewed the video--wow--knee or not we need sharpness, more lively, greater contact, more energy, more, more, more--looked like I needed to light a fire under the both of us. Time off? The weather? More warmup time needed?

Thinking about this, I wonder, if next time I'm up for this (??Sunday) if it would be a good idea to repeat some of the stuff on line and film to see the difference. Am I going slow and begging hoping to keep Try from going LBE and disobedient????

More to come....

Wednesday How Interesting

Today: went to the barn with the idea of doing just a little to be careful of the knee.

Learned: Beth Anna rode Try for me yesterday and Try was wonderful--rode her on the buckle in the ring, walk, trot canter--just lovely. BA left the ring and Try went balistic with where SHE wanted to go--over the top dominance behavior. How interesting!!

So today Try and I spent a couple minutes in the round corral--I took off the halter and we did a few seconds of stick to me walk stop back and then one lovely figure 8. So I called it a day for liberty. We then went to the ring where we did a few walk/trot and walk/canter transitions--most of it really lovely. Tho Try pinned her ears like crazy at other horses. She is really in a mood right now. We left the ring and walked a little near the barn with backup, sideways and some turns on the haunches BUT she really wasn't relaxed or thinking just responding to cues but revved for it to be over and get back to the barn!! (Not something new--(being up leaving the ring and the trip back to the barn carrying a rider) but surely interesting to consider.)

Then bath/catch ups of grooming stuff etc.

Vacation

Took a little time off from the barn last week with knee injury. Frustrating at first then realized it was a good mental break, time to catch up on stuff. Hosted play day group at my house on Saturday with topic of patterns--study, discussion, simulations, time to visit and great eats. Now I am stoked to get back to the barn to see Try and hopefully Keystone--surely he will be well enough for at least a little On Line play.

Rode my first real buck!

Monday--started slow with some nice liberty, stick to me, fig 8, circling transitions etc. Followed by standard workout in close contact saddle for my strength--i.e. 2 point, posting trot, no stirrups posting trot laps. Then canter but Try was feeling super exuberant and was cantering very fast (hand gallop??) and ignoring rein aids, sooo I went to the western saddle so I could encourage her to explore her need to move.  I think the change of saddles ticked her off--that she thought she was done--so when we cantered again she gave me my first real buck--cantered a couple more laps before going to the round corral. We played with the circling game/stopped asking Bethanna if I should go back and ride again--she said yes--so we played some more liberty circling until Try let me know she had the p--- and vinegar out of her system. We went back to canter in western saddle in the ring and it was lovely--turns largely from eyes bellybutton etc.  Big day!!

I think we are renegotiating our relationship. I just feel the desire to be more assertive, energetic and want Try to come along with me. If its not her idea, she would like to try some intimidation to maintain the status quo. I think anyway......

canter bareback cloverleaf

Highpoint of the day: I cantered the cloverleaf pattern bareback. Part of the developing self confidence goals for July.

Liberty: was a bit lacking in particularity as I was tired and low energy--Try was really laid back also. I had set out a group of strongid buckets--Try immediately went to them and started weaving--2nd day--we are really close. stick to me turn pretty good--low energy. pedestal--Try offered so we played with walking across--stepped off the the side again.

Freestyle bare back pad: Try was awesome. So much is happening from body weight--eyes belly button and lightly leg. Including sideways over some cones, and turn on the haunches. We did passenger walk for awhile, then posting trot on the rail with stops in the shade, serpentines and clover leaf.

patterns

Try and I have been using cloverleaf and question box patterns to help find a nice relaxed, positive canter gait (no pinned ears). Today I had the idea of a reverse on the rail/circle in the corners pattern--Bethanna helped us with it and it blew Try's mind at first--was good because it took mental energy from us both and Try was relaxed and had a positive attitude and quickly settled into a relaxed trot after cantering.

The pattern: trot/canter on the inside track along one side of the ring--posting or picking up the canter lead opposite from the one you would use on the rail--then go back to the rail to circle and repeat on the remaining three sides. It is good also because it mixes circles and straight lines equalize go and whoa.

  

A Little Liberty

Still catching up with myself and low energy so Try and I played together with a little liberty in the round play pen.

We played stick to me with lots of transitions especially my turning and asking Try to speed up to stay at my shoulder--for future reference, this was way better on her left side. We went back on line occasionally so Try would understand the game.

Try offered the pedestal (and other touch its) so we played with the idea of walking across. She did move her back feet to touch the pedestal and step down in front with front feet then walked off sideways rather than walk across with her back feet.

We played circling game: downward transitions once Try was cantering took a little time tho--downward using draw to me or game over HQ look were great.

We finished with a lovely bath on the hot day to get rid of the salty dried sweat that I think makes her cranky. Certainly a cool bath on a hot day is very relaxing for Try.

Stuff to chew on

Monday we played a little On Line in the shady parts of the ring and then did no stirrups in close contact saddle and then Try was so lovely and exuberant I switched to the western saddle so I would not be holding her back from expressing her LBE self.

Things I considered as we played:
1. Try makes assumptions as a basic tenet of our play--she learned something new then plays the game without asking ?s as much as she could--this is an expression of dominance. I can help with this without making either of us unhappy by changing things up more i.e. varying the sideways/squeeze or fig8/weave.
2. As we up the ante physically in our play, the dominance may become more active as well and it will be good to watch for this for safety reasons.
3. I had not realized it but Try has subtle and not so subtle ways to intimidate a human to seek dominance in a relationship. Good to ID these: i.e. little bucks or going fast at the canter, ear pinning, little nips at the rope or whatever.
4. Another way to assert dominance is the little passive aggressive stuff i.e. being less particular about how we do things such as HQ lagging on the sideways game. I can begin to watch for these.

Yesterday we checked out friendly--pretty good but not fully relaxed. We did change Try's cranky state of mind when I arrived in the pasture to much more relaxed. Porcupine--just a little and great response to phase 1. yoyo--really getting it from just the finger. driving z3--good response--carrot/stick at zone3 and Try ready to go. Did sideways--just a touch off the quality of last time--mixed it up with squeeze and Try was confused. Some traveling circles, turns, change of direction w/me being sure to back up.  Then no stirrups and canter.

Played with concepts from May mastery dvd

Pat: Balance & Counterbalance On Line and Liberty


Unhalter bringing head to you/hip moves HQ into drive HQ with rope and halter leading right into stick to me to maintain the relationship--this was good. Keep walking on rail in stick to me and throw string over horses back--this is new for us--a little awkward.

Change of sides from HQ yield and just change the stick from one hand to the other:{Change of direction: I back and redirect} Play w/this some more.

This horse gets sticky feet and doesn’t follow: Run backwards as counter exercise for the fact that this horse doesn’t want to come forward from a standstill. This worked really well--good to use this a lot.

Sideways game: Same as online, walk like a monster, use appropr pressure Z1/Z4, stick Ze UNDER the belly, chg sides by diseng HQ and bring around. Went great--did not need to correct a lagging HQ after Berin comment--tag then stop and wait so she can consider.

Squeeze   Squeeze through, turn face wait. If horse tips his nose too soon—use little finger flicks at the nose to cut him--Try didn't give me the chance to try the flicks but great to build into repertoire. Easier w/log at the rail--easy cross/turn face/ and offered sideways towards.

Playing in the Field

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grZjvGxCfFs

This was our attempt to play in the field. It got better as it went along. I want to be relaxed, have a soft concentration, and just dance--while moving as actively as Try--that is my goal.

Ideas: (focus/45' line)
1. stick to me at a distance
2. I pick a spot and run to it
3. Same but Try circles me as I run to it
4. Lotsa change of direction--I change away from Try, I have Try change as I move into her or back away from her
5. back and draw
6. sideways
7. backup
8. up and dn in gait???

music????

Day 4 the aftermath: trying it on my own after Berin clinic

Lots to consider--did not think there would be any "housekeeping" issues in transferring todos from clinic to home.

Issue 1: We started in the field--wrong--there was no shade, really hot even 1st thing in the am--would have been better to have started in the shady part of the ring as before. Just checked google maps--the only shade is in the ring and in front of BA's house where we have horses cool down. So better to warm up/be calm/relax in the beginning in the shade.

Issue 2: Berin had suggested the active play in the field as once or twice a week--well today was too soon but I just wanted a chance to video, try it out see where I am with it. I learned--it is going to take some time and creativity to be able to make so many quick transitions together at a fast trot/canter online. Also that Try was a bit unconfident or irritated after having done this yesterday. She started a little unconfident after getting shaken up yesterday and then got irritated when I wasn't fast enuf for her and she started the ear pinning especially objecting to change of direction in the falling leaf. I did wear aerobic shoes with support--much better than my riding boots that are shot.

Issue 3: We did the stick to me--turns away and change of direction online in the field--it was really good--I remembered to lead with the line before using the stick/string and she was with me much better today than yesterday. We also played with this for a minute or two in the round pen at liberty--needed one reminder than it was going well. Good tho to get it really established online first.

Then we cooled down, started over, tacked up--western saddle--calm easy walk and joy then canter 3 laps each way (mile) with a break in the middle--anytime the gait wasn't rhythmical we circled.

Tomorrow: back to some no stirrups work for my strength building. Also Keystone came down lame yesterday and is on stall rest for a week so I have some time to concentrate on stuff from the weekend with Berin before applying the L1 stuff to what Keystone and I have been doing. Hopefully time tomorrow to get him out and groom him, love on him some.

Day 3 of Berin Macfarlane - private session - 1 hour

PLAYED with the 45' line in the field--idea get us both REALLY moving--canter/run--traveling circles, falling leaf, backward S, yoyo, sideways. Careful Try is not leaning on the rope. Should be fun, good for respect, get Try moving, make a difference in what we are doing overall. Do ?? 1-2 times per week in the field and ?? take music/film. Bring Try's life up AND DOWN.

Round pen: stick to me (still online) turning away from Try and lead with rope then flick with string to HQ. Vary with change of direction: draw backing straight back and redirect.

Day 2 of Berin Macfarlane clinic (L1/2)

Day 2

Simulations of the circling game: Upward transitions like the send, pull rope to keep rope on the ground, downward trans turn in opposite direction and use stick first then wiggle rope.
Also power position is 2nd position parallel lunge away from horse: if horse is circling you, keep rope low at the hips and do keep two hands on rope all the time.

In the field 2 songs worth of grazing. Then porcupineon the leg. We did not progress beyond a phase 3.

On the rail driving starting with stick on the withers then moving farther away and see if can keep Try on the fence. Homework.

Circle downward transitions: remember to use stick waving before the rope wiggle. Try actually knew this--wish I had used it to teach--I think Try learned to slow from stick wiggle in front at liberty.

Sideways: when she persists in leaving butt behind—tap it phase 4 then completely quit. That gives time for her to consider and I am being more particular.

Squeeze game: we did this all over including over the jump, on the pedestal, sideways over the barrels etc. This is one of Try’s best games because she is so LB.

Putting games to purpose: touch it game. Try loves this game. Good to make the object more challenging for Try to find. Also weave--we had a good one at a trot from ??10' away.

Riding preps: saddling procedure, playing games including around the tree all three gaits, and jumping a barrel. Then mount. Lateral flexion. The walk/weave/trot weave. Finished with lateral flexion into indirect rein/HQ disengage while maintaining lateral flexion after completing the HQ disengagement.

Homework: being able to swing the saddle onto Try's back starting with a fence. Need pic of position. Also the knot to store halter is different.

Day 1 of Berin Macfarlane clinic--notes

DAY 1

Berin Macfarlane clinic June 26-28


7 games

Friendly: This was way more extensive than what we normally do and Try got not only really relaxed but did not mind the stick/string etc in her teat area. The usual with stick and string, plastic bag. Also skipping which Try took at first as cue to diseng HQ—by circling out and coming in and rubbing with the friendly hand closest to the body she remained relaxed.

Porcupine: Most under used game and I can see that I have not been using phases just pushing Try around at a phase 3. We did backing from the bridge of the nose, FQ yield—ok two methods to help Try to stay on her HQ, HQ yield—forearm on withers, tilt head then rub HQ yield spot before asking for yield then rub to a stop—friendly. Note: spot is farther front/closer to where leg would be if you were riding. Later we did yield by the ear—lots of friendly.

Driving: Front end from fingers, HQ from a look? Zone 3 with stick on her withers—changing sides by changing hands with the stick still on the withers then drive HQ (with me walking around) then FQ. HQ yield walk away to give purpose. Swing rope at the nose to get a back up.

Yoyo: On the rail, backups using stick on the rope. Also yoyo between trees—using little overhand flick instead of usual phase 4 when Try hesitated and she went straighter because she was thinking about backing. Otherwise—nice from slow finger wave. But that doesn’t have to be my phase 1—could be i.e. just holding one finger up.

Circling: Game over when she has a good attitude to start reinforcing good feelings on the circle. Don’t be so concerned about the ears. Use obstacles, traveling circles or reward by doing something else entirely that she thinks is fun.

Clinic with PP Berin Macfarlane

Really good--too tired tonight to add notes. Later.

WOW I LOVE riding with Keystone in the field

I had so much fun. Lesson/Bethanna/Keystone in the field. Keystone doesn't go LBE like Try does!! Bethanna gave me the challenge of "galloping" Keystone uphill and slowing him w/reins and driving w/seat/legs downhill. Uphill we really got it, even a little true galop, downhill Bethanna had set me up for success. A few flying lead changes but I wasn't prepared so Keystone did them without my help. (Will get em next lesson!)

Otherwise packing for the clinic with Berin Macfarlane this weekend.

Goal for Thursday and Friday

Goal: get some rest and get everything together for clinic this Saturday, Sunday, Monday with Berin Macfarlane. Riding lesson today with Keystone in the field, dressage saddle. Probable good canter in the ring for Try to prepare her for the weekend.

Day 2: riding and online/liberty for 2 horses per day (in the heat)

Got to the barn at 7am and home at 11:30! Was tired and spacey when I got up this am. And kinda tired and spacey now that I'm home. Hope I can remember ...

Try gets the award for working through her "its-too-hot-to-do-anything" attitude. She came in hot and irritated from the pasture at 7am. Cooled her off with wet towel and then  nice grooming. Went out back for liberty and she showed some sass and then got over it. We played with 4 feet on the pedestal for the first time in ages, sideways towards on the right side and some stick to me and draw on the circle.

Then we rode bareback again today as she is still missing a shoe. High point was Try taking off at a big trot (for her) and posting trot/no stirrups and even being able to ride it in my body--no hands/reins on the neck--i.e. no hands and no stirrups posting trot. Anyway did nearly 5 laps in all and it was fun. Canter did more than yesterday but it wasn't as relaxed--either pounding on front end or trashy--tomorrow I plan to canter the usual 6 laps on the rail in a saddle to get a nice relaxed gait.

Keystone: gets the award for sticking out the second big ride of the day with me.
On Line: concentration not as good for either of us. Head down is getting better all the time. Not moving at the mounting block is improved. Touch me to the mounting block is improved. Backing and HQ diseng on the circle pretty good. Sideways a few really nice clean steps.

Riding: dressage saddle: 2 point, posting trot and canter. Need to be foreward more at the canter to have contact with neck to follow his rhythm.

My first full two horse day: on the ground and riding in the heat!!

Keystone gets the award for best attitude and improved on line thinking.


OnLine: yoyo phases--almost getting backup from phase 1 and beginnings of understanding not just reacting.
circling HQ diseng--two good ones
sideways--good at first then fell apart--I need to go slower so he is thinking and not just reacting.
traveling circle into touch it--carrot slice on the pedestal--thinking here also.

Riding: basic 2 point and posting trot, posting trot 4 laps without stirrups and not a big deal! Then 6 laps of canter. Good energy.

Try gets the award for best bareback canter of my life!

Liberty: It was hot and no shade: relax 1st, remember dwell T between things, Add chg dir on the partial circle from fairly close, draw on the circle. Also catch me game on the circle when she left me. First time stick to me with no ropes/carrot stick nothing—walk stop and back.

Freestyle: bareback pad: missing a shoe so easy ride, ride gaits in my upper body at walk and trot—downward transitions without any further cue/canter in small circle area was the best EVER—on the buckle, on my balance point and I felt completely strong. Thanks to no stirrups posting trot!!

Trail ride

Trail ride was very interesting today--I learned lots.

1. Ruby rode Tonka instead of Splash and Try keyed into his energy. I did not play with Try before riding and I know better--just because she is super calm and confident on a trail ride, doesn't mean that I don't want her looking to me for leadership. She trotted nervously for awhile then settled down and was herself. It would be interesting to either play on the ground or hack for 10 minutes before going out on the trail in terms of relationship.
2. I feel good that the ditch and one little spook were non events. The day was good for my self-confidence as I always feel that things can go wrong on trail rides.

Saturday Keystone AND Try

Keystone:

On Line: We were distracted in the ring but played with yoyo, circling diseng HQ stop, and sideways games. Backing started well but Keystone got distracted and I didn't get him focusing on the phases just backing. Three times in a row good HQ disengage to end the circling. On the rail nice sideways on his left side.

Freestyle: dressage saddle, rope haltamore, walking playing with concepts from latest SC dvd for fluidity/passenger/ and Keystone's confidence. Also a little trotting.

Then nice EQ bath for Keystone.

Try: Liberty: Try was feeling left out so we went out back to the round pen and reviewed the stick to me draw and backwards S draw from a farther distance then circling on the rail walk and TROT--backing to draw worked even from the other side of the round corral. Then shower/treats.

Good day with Try on Friday

On Line: repeated draw exercises but on a circle with just a hint of pinned ears at the send. Draw was good. Next time in round pen/liberty repeat the stick to me and backward S/figure 8 to be sure they are still solid for draw then move on to circling on the rail.

Freestyle riding:
For me: pilates and no stirrups--bareback pad
Bareback pad--weave--Try was great--only needed cueing at the ends of the weave. She really knew her pattern. Did weave at walk and jog. No reins/stick/leg etc.
Also bareback: two circles cantering tracking left--felt great when I got a good canter--not so good when canter was trashy--somehow I am cueing her to do this when I am bareback????
Saddling/mounting: reviewed pick me up at the pedestal, western saddle still too heavy even standing on the pedestal.
Western saddle: finished with 3 laps each way canter--casual rein--circling in the corners when she would speed up--overall nice consistent gait.

Thank you Try for a lovely day.

Joyous Day

Keystone: On Line: games 1-3 good, yoyo Keystone finally getting the idea of backing from phase 1, also learning to put his head down for the halter and picking up all 4 feet from one side. Also small circle online today was first day he diseng HQ to stop--took a few asks to get it--this just was not in his repertoire.

Lesson: Finesse: taking contact at the sitting trot, posting trot and canter--sitting the canter on my balance point. At the end he actually rounded up thru his top line--I was driving with my legs for it to happen. Is that a Parelli consistent thing??? I can see how I could really progress in my riding with Keystone. Also this was the first ride in the dressage saddle--it was almost as comfy as the western saddle and I loved being more upright as opposed to the forward system/close contact saddle.

Try: Liberty: great draw--did several backward S patterns, figure 8 and also sideways on the rail with change of direction.

Magic Day!!!!