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.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Friday, July 2, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
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????
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.
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.
Monday, June 28, 2010
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
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.
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.
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